The Acorn Foundation is looking for a full-time Marketing and Communications expert to join our very busy team.

Acorn is a community foundation based in Tauranga, whose purpose is to connect people and resources with the aspirations and causes that matter to the Western Bay of Plenty. The community foundation model differs from other forms of philanthropy in that generous locals set up endowment funds to support causes that are important to them. We invest the capital and distribute a portion of the investment returns annually, so that charitable organisations or local causes selected by our donors receive money forever from our funds. On behalf of our exceptional donors, Acorn has now contributed more than $20M to the WBOP since 2003.

Our foundation has grown very rapidly in the past several years and our total number of funds is now approaching 500. Our current Marketing and Events Coordinator is moving into the donor space, leaving an opening for an enthusiastic, experienced Marketing and Communications Specialist to help drive awareness of our foundation in the WBOP and to ensure that the community foundations model is well-understood.

You will join our team of six who are located in Tauranga. You will report to the Operations Manager and support the CEO as required, with a salary range of $85,000 - $95,000 per year. 

Key Accountabilities:

• Manage development of the marketing and communications strategy and the design work required to support the executions.
• Track marketing budget effectively and report variances to Operations Manager and CEO.
• Utilise analytics to monitor performance, track trends and assist in decision making.
• Manage communications efforts, developing engaging content for social media, website, newsletters and e-communications.
• Effectively coordinate external supplier workload and deliverables, including marketing, website and video production agencies.
• Create the Annual Report, working with the CEO, Operations Manager, Management Accountant and outside auditor.
• Raise the awareness of Acorn through effective public relations efforts.
• Handle function planning and execution for all types of events: internal Acorn volunteer functions, donor/supporter events, and professional advisor get-togethers.

Qualifications and Skills Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications or related field an advantage.
• Proven experience in marketing a product, business or charitable organisation to a high standard.
• Exhibit excellent written and spoken communication skills, with strong editing abilities.
• Demonstrate computer expertise—particularly in Microsoft Office Suite, including Powerpoint—and have a strong understanding of relevant social media platforms.
• Show competence in managing website content, writing press releases, and placing advertising in various media mediums.
• Have experience in managing events for paid or volunteer work.
• Preference for candidates with design skills, using Canva and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Previous experience using Concrete CMS for websites an advantage.
• Experience in videography and/or photography an advantage.
• Preference for candidates with work or personal ties to the Western Bay of Plenty.

Personal Attributes:

• Present a positive and professional demeanour.
• Exhibit a high level of energy and a passion for the community.
• Ensure a healthy respect for confidentiality and privacy.
• Sensitively work with a diverse group of people, respecting all cultures, religions and backgrounds.
• Work well independently and as part of a team.
• Use personal initiative, follow through on tasks and meet assigned deadlines.
• Pay a high level of attention to detail.
• Exhibit a learning orientation.
• Ensure a flexible outlook and the ability to work in a changing environment. 
• Appreciation for, and understanding of, Te Ao Māori.

Benefits:

• Flexible working hours
• Additional paid leave over Christmas break
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Training and development opportunities
• Petrol and parking subsidies

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 April 2025.

If you have the right to work in New Zealand and the qualifications and skills listed above, please send a copy of your CV and a separate cover letter that highlights your marketing and communications experience and describes your interest in working for the Acorn Foundation to Lori Luke, CEO of the Acorn Foundation, at info@acornfoundation.org.nz.

Applications for the Acorn Foundation Marketing and Communications Specialist position are due no later than 5:00 pm on Tuesday 11 March 2025. All applications that meet our criteria will be acknowledged but only the finalists will be interviewed.