To Kaitono ā Mātou | Our Client
New Zealand’s largest and longest running professional theatre company, The Court Theatre has welcomed audiences from Waitaha Canterbury and around Aotearoa since 1971 to experience the magic of live theatre, well known throughout the country for the quality and range of their productions and community engagement. The Court Theatre is a diverse and dynamic company of around 40 permanent staff, additional casual staff, and hundreds of volunteers, along with a wealth of artists, creatives and contractors who produce and perform around 20 productions each year as well as being the home of the Court Jesters. Over 80,000 audience members attend each year to feast on the varied offering of theatrical works, created and produced onsite. The Court fosters and nurtures the future of the performing arts in New Zealand through drama and improvised classes, holiday programmes, workshops, theatre intensives, master classes and the Ambassadors, Youth Company and Youth Crew programmes. Education and Engagement is a priority for the theatre going forward, with the organisation’s new strategic plan placing community at the heart of the organisation.
  
For more information, please visit: http://www.courttheatre.org.nz
  
Ngā Whakararuraru Matua | Key Responsibilities
Based in Christchurch and reporting to the Partnerships & Development Manager, you will play a central role in strengthening The Court Theatre’s fundraising activity. A major focus of this role is leading the design, set-up and implementation of a new Bequest Programme, including planning, delivery, stewardship and long term relationship development. You will also oversee all Trust and Grant fundraising, managing the full process from opportunity identification to application, stewardship and accountability reporting. Working closely with the Partnerships & Development team, you will build strong relationships with funders and supporters, contribute to donor stewardship and supporter events, and support the development of an Individual Giving programme. This 12 month fixed term role combines strategy and delivery, driving sustainable funding growth across both the Bequest Programme and Trust and Grant income streams to support The Court Theatre’s creative and community mission.
  
  
Ō Pukenga me Ō Wheako | Your Skills and Experience
To succeed in this role, you will bring a strong track record in securing funding through Trusts and Grants and demonstrated experience in developing and delivering a Bequest Programme. This experience will enable you to confidently manage the end-to-end funding lifecycle, from opportunity identification and application through to stewardship and accountability reporting. We are seeking a skilled and credible communicator, able to craft compelling funding proposals and reports, and a natural relationship builder who can establish and maintain trusted partnerships with funders, donors and stakeholders. Strong organisational and project management skills, attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple deadlines are essential as you track, report on and grow funding income. You will be comfortable working independently while contributing positively within a collaborative team environment, with proficiency in Microsoft 365 and familiarity with CRM or fundraising database systems. A genuine passion for the arts and culture sector, along with a commitment to community engagement, is essential.
  
To view the position description for this role: click here
  
Ki te Tono | To Apply
Join The Court Theatre in shaping a vibrant future for the performing arts in Christchurch and beyond. If you are a motivated fundraising professional looking to make a meaningful contribution within a respected and creative organisation, then we invite you to submit your cover letter and CV via the ‘Apply’ button. For initial confidential enquiries, please contact Kase Craig on 021 657 328.
  
Applications close at 9am on Friday 9 January 2026