Help shape the future of Education

We work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes

Our organisation is made up of talented and committed people around Aotearoa, from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. While we work in different groups and on different things, we all strive every day to make the biggest difference we can for our students in our education system.

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga

This is a permanent full-time role based in Wellington.

We are seeking an experienced, strategic and influential leader to head the Ministry of Education's Monitoring and Appointments function within Te Pou Kaupapahere | Policy.

This is a unique opportunity to play a key leadership role at the centre of the education system. As Director, Monitoring and Appointments, you will provide strategic leadership and senior-level expertise across the Ministry's Crown entity monitoring and governance functions, helping ensure education agencies are well governed, high performing, and delivering for learners across Aotearoa.

You will lead the Ministry's work in monitoring the performance of education sector Crown entities and other agencies, while also overseeing high-quality board appointment processes that support strong governance, capability and diversity across the education system. The role involves working on complex and sensitive issues, providing trusted advice, and maintaining effective relationships with Ministers, Board Chairs, Chief Executives and senior leaders across government.

This is an exciting time to join the function. Following recent machinery of government and organisational changes, the Ministry is strengthening and expanding its monitoring capability, including new relationships with the New Zealand School Property Agency and Teaching Council. You will help shape the future direction of monitoring and appointments, build strategic relationships across the sector, and strengthen the Ministry's stewardship role across an increasingly complex system.

Reporting to the General Manager, System, Connections and Early Learning Policy, you will lead a highly capable team and work closely with a newly established Senior Manager Monitoring and Appointments to deliver an ambitious programme of work that supports better governance, stronger organisational performance, and improved outcomes across the education system.

We are also advertising the Senior Manager, Monitoring and Appointments vacancy. Together, the Director, and Senior Manager roles provide both strategic stewardship and operational leadership across the Monitoring and Appointments portfolio.

Salary range: $142,856 - $214,284 per annum + KiwiSaver. The successful candidate will be appointed based on their skills and experience. Applicants are welcome to indicate their salary expectations as part of the recruitment process.
 

For more details about the role, you can view the Job Description here Director Monitoring and Appointments

About you | Mōhou ake

We are looking for a strategic leader who brings credibility, sound judgement and the ability to influence at the most senior levels.

You will ideally bring:

• Significant experience leading complex policy, monitoring, governance, stewardship or public sector performance functions.
• Proven success leading high-performing teams and developing people and capability.
• Experience working effectively with Ministers, boards, chief executives and senior government stakeholders.
• Strong strategic thinking skills, with the ability to anticipate emerging issues, work through ambiguity and shape future-focused solutions.
• Exceptional relationship management and influencing skills, with the ability to build trust across organisations and sectors.
• Experience leading complex, sensitive and high-profile work programmes while maintaining excellent delivery standards.
• A commitment to collaboration, continuous improvement and strong public service stewardship.
• Knowledge of, or a willingness to develop an understanding of, Te Ao Māori, tikanga Māori and Te Reo Māori.
• Knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an appreciation of, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application in the public sector
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

In return, you will have the opportunity to lead a strategically important function, influence the performance and governance of key education agencies, and help strengthen the education system for future generations of learners.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

The Systems, Connections and Early Learning Policy Group provides advice and stewardship across the education system, building strong connections and relationships domestically and internationally, with a particular strength in early learning and system policy.

The Monitoring and Appointments function is responsible for supporting the Ministry's stewardship responsibilities across the education sector through Crown entity monitoring, board appointments, governance support and strategic performance oversight. The function works closely with Ministers, Crown entities, statutory bodies and education agencies to strengthen governance, improve organisational performance and support achievement of Government priorities.

The Group also includes Early Childhood Education policy teams, the System Policy team, and the International Cooperation and Engagement team. Together, we lead work that strengthens education at a system level to ensure it is inclusive, responsive and delivers equitable outcomes for learners across Aotearoa.

Te Pou Kaupapahere is responsible for whole-of-system policy integration across early learning, schooling and tertiary education. We provide integrated policy advice to Ministers and work closely with government agencies to deliver joined-up solutions to complex challenges.

We are proud of our collaborative culture, our focus on supporting one another, and our commitment to developing our people.

Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi?

If this opportunity interests you, please submit your cover letter and resume by using the ‘apply' button. In your cover letter we’d like to know about you, your values, or anything else you’d like to share. We’re keen to understand your motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the diverse perspectives you will bring to the role.

For further information, please contact John Brooker, General Manager, System Connections and Early Learning Policy at John.Brooker@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight Wednesday 11 November 2026.

We want our people to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.