Vacancies
Current vacancies
Programme Coordinator – Wellington Central
Are you passionate about connection, community, and running?
Do you enjoy start-ups and building something meaningful?
Want to be part of a movement that supports addiction recovery and mental well-being through connection and movement?
(How to apply – email to anna@speedfreaks.org.nz CV, Letter and 60 sec film – why the speed freaks?)
About Speed Freaks
Speed Freaks Charitable Trust was established in 2021 to support recovery from addiction and mental distress through the vehicle of running and walking.
We grow community connection, increase recovery capital, and support inclusive communities. Our programme is delivered by trained volunteer coaches, supported by peers and staff, and grounded in our kaupapa that strengthens health and well being.
The development of Speed Freaks across Aotearoa has been shaped by participants, volunteer coaches and our wider community.
We are excited to offer a pilot programme to AOD and mental health providers in Wellington Central. The 12 month pilot has been made possible through the positive response to our programme and community by local agencies, and supporters.
About the Role
We are seeking a community-focused Programme Coordinator to lead and grow the Wellington pilot.
Reporting to the CEO and Regional Development Manager, you will:
- Oversee two part-time peer navigators and a team of local volunteers
- Support AOD and community providers to establish Speed Freaks groups
- Work with the National Volunteer Coordinator to onboard volunteer coaches
- Grow programme reach and long-term sustainability
- Uphold and model the Speed Freaks kaupapa
- Build and maintain key relationships, including with parkrunNZ
- Foster collaboration across the local recovery and well-being sector
About You
You may be a great fit if you:
- Have experience in community development, recovery, mental health or wellbeing
- Are confident working alongside people in recovery
- Are organised, self-motivated and relationship-focused
- Value inclusion, manaakitanga and connection
- Don’t mind lacing up your shoes and getting involved
- Are comfortable presenting to and facilitating a wide range of groups.
This is an active role: You need to be able to comfortably run 8-10 kilometres, as you will, at times be participating in group activities, including supporting and completing running and walking events on both road and trail.
Further role description: This is a 12 month full-time role, with the possibility of an extension. You will be supported by the National Team and networked with Programme Coordinators from regional bases, Te Tai Poutini, Ōtautahi and Tāmaki Makaurau
The Programme Coordinator will;
- Develop participant, volunteer coach and stakeholder engagement.
- Organise both internal and external events/activities for Speed Freaks groups.
- Meet reporting requirements and ensure policy and procedures are maintained.
- Respond to change and growth as our organisation continues to develop.
- Work with your Regional Development Manager and National team, to develop local responses to identified areas of need.
- Be comfortable holding courageous conversations (clear boundaries and confidentiality are a must).
- As a pilot, we will be hosted for the 12 months by a collaborative provider. Our mahi being actively community based, it is expected that the team will be supporting groups and networking from our base. There is some travel expected with the role including visiting teams in Auckland and Christchurch.
Requirements for this role: We seek applicants who have the following skills, knowledge and expertise:
- A good understanding / experience of working in the AOD and mental health sector. A professional qualification and registration is desirable (e.g, Social Work; AOD Practitioner; Counsellor).
- A passion for running, walking and connecting with the community.
- A full drivers license essential and have access to reliable transport.
- Excellent organisational and time management skills.
- Confidence with computers, smart phones, and social media.
- Flexibility and motivation to respond positively in changing environments.
- The ability to consider creative solutions to issues and navigate hurdles.
- The ability to generate and create a safe space for individuals, whanau and community to flourish.
Position hours are required to be worked typically Monday to Friday with flexibility for weekend and evening work.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about our mahi and meet our local groups.
Application by CV and covering letter and a 60 sec film – ‘why the Speed Freaks?’
( applications are not accepted via seek and must be emailed )
Closing Date: Wednesday 15th July 9am
Te Ika-a-Māui (North Island) Development Manager
Full time Permanent
We are pleased to recruit a new position for the North Island supporting the development of the Speed Freaks Trust.
The successful applicant to be based in either Pōneke Wellington Central or Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland with travel required as we grow our satellite regions and new start ups.
Applications by direct email only Letter, CV and a 60 sec film – ‘why the speed freaks?’ to anna@speedfreaks.org.nz
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 13 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 Auckland or Wellington
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 central city, you’ll oversee the Tāmaki Makaurau team, support a Wellington Pilot and strengthen our satellites Whangārei and Taranaki.
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.
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 by email only : anna@speedfreaks.org.nz
- Your CV
- A covering letter outlining your suitability
- A short 1-minute film sharing your “Why the Speed Freaks”
- Closing date: Friday 17th July.
- Interviews: Approximately first week of August.
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.
