Community Engagement and Scholarship Specialist

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey. Community Engagement and Scholarship Specialist The Acorn Foundation is looking for a full-time Community Engagement and Scholarship Specialist to join our very busy team. The Acorn Foundation was founded in 2003 in the Western Bay of Plenty under the Community Foundations model that has existed for more than 100 years in North America. Community Foundations practice place-based philanthropy, and there are currently 18 foundations in New Zealand under our peak body, CFANZ. We are seeking an enthusiastic, community minded professional to join our team as Community Engagement and Scholarship Specialist. An internal promotion has created an opening for this fantastic opportunity, ideal for someone who deeply cares about their community and excels at building and nurturing strong relationships. About the role This busy, diverse, and highly rewarding role combines community engagement, relationship management and scholarship management. You will work closely with charities, donors, award recipients, committee volunteers, and local/national funding partners, all with a common goal to create benefits for communities across the Western Bay of Plenty. You will join our fun and talented team in our office located in downtown Tauranga and report to the Donor Manager. Actively engage with local organisations, participate in relevant hui, and represent Acorn in collaborative funding initiatives Work with the CEO and team to continue to strengthen Māori, Pasifika and multi-cultural relationships Build relationships and connect with organisations and networks within our region via in-person and online meetings Lead and support the Distribution Committee in Acorn's annual funding round, overseeing the grants process including application management, assessment and due diligence, site visits, and preparing recommendations for funding recommendations Develop and manage Acorn scholarship programmes, as well as award programmes delivered by partnerships with schools, local and national organisations Coordinate donor and recipient communications Work with Donor Support Coordinator to run scholarship and distribution events About you Experience in the not-for-profit sector via paid or volunteer roles is preferred but not essential Work experience with relationship management is an advantage Exhibit excellent written and spoken communication skills Demonstrate strong computer literacy—particularly in Microsoft 365 Have experience in managing events of various sizes Strong preference for candidates with work or personal ties to the Western Bay of Plenty Personal Attributes Exhibit a high level of integrity, respect and a commitment to helping others Exude a high level of energy and a passion for the community Present a friendly, positive and professional demeanour Sensitively work with a diverse group of people, irrespective of culture, religion or background Ensure a commitment to confidentiality and privacy Sensitively work with a diverse group of people, irrespective of culture, religion or background Work well independently and as part of a team Able to take initiative and follow through on tasks to meet deadlines Exhibit a high level of attention to detail Have a strong desire to learn new things Be adaptable and have the ability to work in a fast-paced, changing environment Appreciation for, and understanding of, Te Ao Māori Flexible working hours and locations, most staff work one day at home a week Three days additional paid leave over Christmas break Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) Training and development opportunities Petrol and parking subsidies Next steps Candidates must already have the right to work in New Zealand through citizenship in New Zealand or Australia or an existing work visa that is good for at least two years from September 2026. Applications for the Acorn Foundation Community Engagement and Scholarship Specialist position are due no later than 5:00pm on Friday 28 August 2026. All applications that meet our criteria will be acknowledged but only the finalists will be interviewed. For more information about what we do and who we help, check out our website at www.acornfoundation.org.nz or our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/AcornFoundation. #J-18808-Ljbffr