- Lead the national expansion of youth‑focused boxing academies across Aotearoa
- Steer a values‑led organisation through transition while honouring legacy
- Drive sustainable partnerships, funding, and long‑term capability
About Champions Initiative
The Champions Initiative (CI) partners with communities across Aotearoa New Zealand to support youth-focused boxing academies that strengthen young people and the places they live. Inspired by the legacy of the Naenae Boxing Academy, CI exists to champion rangatahi through sport, structure, and strong community connection.
Established in 2018, CI now operates across four regions, supporting communities to deliver best-practice, locally led programmes. Their vision is clear: Champion young people contributing to their communities. By 2030, they aim to partner with 50 high-quality academies nationwide.
They live their values: We Care. We Have Fun. We Are Bold. We Remain.
About the role
Reporting to the Board, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) leads the strategic and operational direction of the CI during a critical growth and transition phase.
This role will guide CI beyond its founding chapter into a confident, sustainable national organisation, honouring a strong legacy while evolving governance, leadership, and brand identity to support diverse communities. The CEO will lead CI’s national strategy, strengthen systems and capability, grow funding, and mobilise strong relationships across government, funders, iwi, and communities.
With funding stability in place over the next three years, this role offers the opportunity to strengthen foundations, introduce new ideas, and position CI for long-term impact.
What you'll bring
As a leader, you will have a deep understanding of the heart and soul of our kaupapa, leading with genuine care for people and community. You are a highly values-driven, strategic, and empathetic leader with the credibility to engage from grassroots communities through to senior decision-makers. Comfortable leading through transition, you balance stability with innovation, protecting what matters most while confidently shaping what comes next.
You’ll also bring:
- Leadership experience across community development, youth, sport, or education, able to lead strategy, teams, and partnerships
- Strong understanding of notforprofit governance, compliance, risk, and sustainable funding
- Credible communicator with the ability to engage funders, stakeholders, and diverse communities, including Māori and Pasifika
What they offer
A rare opportunity to lead a nationally respected, purpose-led organisation with deep community roots and clear ambition. You will work with a committed Board, passionate staff, and trusted partners, with the chance to make a lasting difference for rangatahi across Aotearoa.
The role offers a base salary in the range of $120,000–$130,000 plus a motor vehicle. As a charitable trust, their remuneration reflects both the seniority of the role and our purpose-driven mission to champion young people contributing to their communities.
How to apply
To apply, please Apply now. For a more information, please contact Fraser Leith at Fraser@inside.co.nz
Applications close midday Friday 30th January.
