Principal Advisor, Secondary Transitions

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 an exciting opportunity to make a real difference in the outcomes of young people by ensuring better progression from schooling to further education, training and employment.

The Principal Adviser Secondary Transitions is a regionally based specialist role providing strategic change leadership to education sector leaders, with a strong focus on improving achievement, retention, transitions, and progression from secondary schooling into tertiary pathways and employment. Working across clusters of schools, secondary schools, wharekura, tertiary providers, iwi, employers, and communities, the role supports the implementation of NCEA changes, strengthens partnerships, and develops strategies that lift learner outcomes.

A key part of the role is helping education providers build strong local employer connections and creating innovative, practical solutions for young people who are disengaged or struggling in mainstream settings.

Success in the role requires agility, strong change management capability, and the ability to use data to inform decisions within a dynamic and evolving regional work programme that focuses on current government priorities.

Salary range: $119,171 - $131,865  per annum + 3% KiwiSaver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.

For more details about the role, you can view the Job Description here.

About you | Mōhou ake

To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate the following capabilities and competencies:

• A proactive, detail driven approach, with the ability to thrive in dynamic, fast paced environments.
• The capacity to work at pace, manage pressure, and operate effectively when information is limited.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to demonstrate diplomacy, tact, and cultural awareness.
• The ability to work collaboratively with employers, tertiary providers, schools, iwi, and community groups.
• Confidence in navigating complex information and building relationships across diverse teams, bringing people together to achieve meaningful outcomes for learners and communities.
• Extensive experience and knowledge in education and/or leadership, including the capability to support professional change at a school level.
• Competence in using data and insights to inform planning, reporting, and regional decision making.
• A full driver’s licence, as travel will be required.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

Te Tai Raro (North&West) provides leadership and integrated services to the sector and others. This includes services such as learning support, education advice, and regulation and network functions for kōhanga, schools, kura and early learning services.

As a frontline group we develop and harness existing relationships with communities at the regional and local level, including deep relationships with iwi and hapū. Our Directors of Education have the lead role and relationship with early learning, kōhanga, school and kura, and this means they will be across all the services we provide at a local level, whilst ensuring that national priorities are met.

We also collectively strengthen relationships with our diverse communities who support Māori, Pacific peoples, disabled ākonga and/or ākonga with learning support needs, and ākonga from disadvantaged backgrounds.

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 Recruitment.TamakiHT@education.govt.nz.

Applications close Midnight – Sunday, 1 February 2025

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.