Established in 1919, Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery is one of Aotearoa New Zealand's oldest purpose-built galleries. Following an extensive and award-winning redevelopment, the gallery reopened in November 2024 and now occupies a unique position as one of the country's largest regional arts institutions. Situated within historic Pukenamu Queen's Park in the heart of Whanganui, the Sarjeant Gallery boasts a nationally significant collection, an iconic building, diverse exhibitions, and is home to the renowned Tylee Artist Residency programme. This is an exciting opportunity to join the team at Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery following its acclaimed reopening.

We are seeking a dynamic Head of Development to lead fundraising and philanthropic programmes that will support the gallery's future growth. The successful candidate will be passionate about events and art, have a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, and demonstrate a proven track record of working with donors and achieving fundraising goals. If you are motivated, able to work independently to deliver ambitious outcomes, and are a natural networker who thrives on making big things happen, we would love to hear from you.

About the role:

Reporting to the Director, the Head of Development will provide leadership and management oversight for the development and delivery of high-quality, impactful outputs within the Sarjeant Gallery team. The Head of Development is responsible for the development and successful execution of philanthropic programmes, the nurturing and growing relationships with existing sponsors and supporters, as well as identifying new partnership opportunities and ensuring ongoing donor stewardship. The Head of Development will work closely with, and be supported by, the Sarjeant Gallery Trust to build and maintain relationships and funding streams that will ensure the gallery's future.

As a part of the Whanganui District Council, Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery contributes to the Council's vision to be an energised, united and thriving district offering abundant opportunities for everyone.

Enquiries can be made to Andrew Clifford, Director andrew.clifford@sarjeant.org.nz (Please do not send applications to this address).

If this sounds like you, please download the position description and apply via the council's website.

Applications close Friday 30 January 2026.

Only applications submitted via Whanganui District Council's careers page will be accepted for this role: https://whanganuidc.recruitmenthub.co.nz/Vacancies