New Relationships and Event Manager for PNZ

Philanthropy New Zealand | Tōpūtanga Tuku Aroha o Aotearoa is delighted to announce that we have appointed Lynne Umbers as our new Relationships and Events Manager.

Lynne’s current role is Content and Convening Manager at Philanthropy Australia (PA). In this role Lynne has been responsible for the delivery of the content strategy through the curation of webinars, thought leadership series, and the three-day conference program comprising plenary, breakout sessions and masterclasses.   

Lynne facilitated learning, networking and collaboration opportunities for members by convening online peer network groups.  Lynne was the PA lead on the ‘Pay What it Takes’ campaign to support and promote the funding of indirect and capacity building costs for for-purpose organisations.  

Lynne has a Master of Social Investment and Philanthropy. She worked at Good2Give, piloting the giving circle model in the workplace, before joining Philanthropy Australia where she supported better philanthropic practice through the development of content and convening funder networks.

She is a member of the Melbourne Women’s Fund Giving Circle and is involved in fundraising initiatives in Christchurch. 

“We’re delighted to secure Lynne given her significant knowledge of philanthropy, relevant tertiary qualification and experience in content and events. Most important, we love Lynne’s passion for the funding sector, which is shared with our members,” Chief Executive Sue McCabe said. 

Lynne replaces Stephanie Kemp (Steff), who finished with PNZ on Friday to take up a role in publishing. We wish Steff well after her 12 months in the role where her achievements including the Funding Fundamentals course and supporting funder networking, including a two-day event in Auckland in early November. 

Lynne will start on November 28 and will be Christchurch-based. Lynne has been appointed on a one-year contract as, given the growth of PNZ in recent years alongside a changing external environment, we will be reviewing our operations over the next 12 months. 

“I am excited to be joining the team at Philanthropy New Zealand and am looking forward to meeting the members and learning about their funding initiatives. PNZ has a strong program of content and events and I hope to continue to develop this to support the membership and sector.” 

Lynne will share her contact details with members on arrival.