Team Leader – Cultural & Community Relationships

Team Leader – Cultural & Community Relationships

Competitive salary and health insurance benefits

About the Role

Madison is privileged to be helping the Rata Foundation again and this time we are looking for a confident and culturally grounded leader to join as Team Leader – Cultural & Community Relationships.

This role sits within the Community Investment team as part of their senior leadership and leads a small team of three engagement advisors.

This position plays a pivotal part in strengthening relationships with grantees, iwi, and community stakeholders across Waitaha, Te Tau Ihu and Rekohu / Wharekauri.

You'll manage proactive funding programmes, ensure realistic expectations for applicants, and champion honest, transparent engagement.

Your ability to build trust, speak with mana, and navigate diverse cultural contexts will be key to success.

What You'll Do

Lead and inspire a small team of engagement advisors

Build strong relationships with iwi, hapu, and community groups

Oversee proactive grant programmes and stakeholder engagement strategies

Travel regularly (roughly fortnightly) across the region (Kaikoura, Marlborough and Nelson) for blessings, events, and meetings

Ensure funding expectations are clear and not over-promised

What We're Looking For

Proven leadership experience and cultural competency

Ability to engage confidently at all levels and across diverse communities

Excellent relationship management and communication skills

Strategic thinker with operational delivery experience

Why Join?

On top of a competitive base salary, you will also be entitled to Southern Cross' Wellbeing One health insurance as well as a discount for your immediate family

Travel and the opportunity to connect with stakeholders from many different backgrounds

Contribute to positive community impact and equity

A warm and welcoming workplace culture

At Rata Foundation, they are committed to creating stronger, more connected communities.

If you're passionate about making a real impact and have the mana to lead with integrity, we'd love to hear from you.

If you have any questions before applying, please reach out to

• or call on

Applications will be reviewed as they come in.

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