Te Ika-a-Māui (North Island) Development Manager

The successful applicant to be based in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland with travel required as we grow our satellite regions and new start ups.

About Us

Speed Freaks Charitable Trust has been “running for recovery” since 2021. We support recovery from addiction and mental distress by building prosocial, life-changing relationships and experiences through the process of running and walking.

From our first group in Ōtautahi (Christchurch), we now run 28 groups a week with hubs in Christchurch and Auckland, and satellite groups in Whangārei and Taranaki. We’ve recently launched a pilot in Te Tai Poutini (West Coast), with other regions on our waitlist.

With 10 staff, 130 volunteers, and a dynamic Board, we’re ready to respond to growing demand and take the next step—by creating two new Regional Development roles.

Our vision is to deliver impactful programmes that support inclusive communities, growing health and wellbeing across Aotearoa.

Based in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland).

This is a permanent, full-time role reporting to our CEO/Founder and the Trust Board. You will lead the development, implementation, and growth of Speed Freaks’ programmes and partnerships across the North Island.

Working from our central Auckland office, you’ll oversee the Tāmaki Makaurau team, support our Whangārei and Taranaki groups, and help us expand into new regions—starting with Wellington.

Securing funding, establishing contracts, exploring opportunities for growth and ensuring sustainability for new initiatives will be a key focus.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategies to strengthen Speed Freaks’ regional presence.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with donors, government agencies, corporate partners, and community groups.
• Identify fundraising opportunities, prepare and support grant applications.
• Lead regional events and community engagement activities in collaboration with local and national teams.
• Monitor, evaluate, and report on regional programme effectiveness.
• Support and manage regional staff, and work with the Volunteer Coordinator to ensure delivery of initiatives.

What We’re Looking For

• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in the mental health sector and/or business development, fundraising, or people leadership.
• A registered healthcare qualification or postgraduate degree in a relevant field (preferred).
• Strong fundraising, financial reporting, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• A balance of responsiveness, creativity, and strategic thinking.
• Proficiency with MS Office and other IT tools.
• Ability to jog/run 5–10km at a comfortable pace (essential to connect with our kaupapa).
• Clean, current, full NZ driver’s licence.
• A strong network in Tāmaki Makaurau & Te Whanganui a Tara is advantageous.

Salary $95,000 – $110,000 per year

Why Join Us?

This is a rare opportunity to be part of a growing movement that is transforming lives. You’ll combine leadership, creativity, and community engagement with real, on-the-ground mahi—supporting inclusive communities that grow health and wellbeing.

Application Process

Please submit;

1. Your CV
2. A covering letter outlining your suitability
3. A short 1-minute film sharing your “Why the Speed Freaks”

• Closing date: Monday 13th October 2025
• Interviews: Thursday 23rd and Friday 24th October
• Proposed start date: Early 2026

Preference is for applications to be directly emailed to CEO Anna Christophorou. – you may choose to use a file transfer service such as https://wetransfer.com/ to send your application, if it is larger than 15 megabytes.

Questions can be directed to Anna Christophorou - 021 216 3675

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about our mahi and meet our local groups.

www.speedfreaks.org.nz