Executive Assistant

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

We are looking for an Executive Assistant to provide high quality support to the Hautū – Te Pou Ohumahi Mātauranga | Deputy Secretary – Education Workforce.

This key support role calls for discretion and superb prioritisation skills. The office works closely with senior leaders in our Group and the Ministry, and with the Minister’s Office. Experience in the public sector, understanding of the political interface, and knowledge of the machinery of government will be advantageous.

Adeptness at navigating a variety of tasks with poise, professionalism and a service-centric mindset are important and valued in the team.

This role requires a high degree of professionalism and efficiency in your day-to-day delivery of EA support. You will effectively manage competing time pressures and anticipate demands and make decisions. In doing so, you will identify emerging issues and risks and take steps to manage them appropriately and consultatively where required.

You will provide support through excellent diary management and making certain the Deputy Secretary is prepared for, and supported, in their day-to-day activities. This role performs a wide variety of, at times, complex administrative, secretarial, coordination and research responsibilities that require confidentiality, initiative, tact and independent judgment.

Being organised and agile with excellent interpersonal skills will ensure your success in this role.

Salary range: $74,015 - $89,547 per annum + 3% kiwi saver.  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

You will have significant EA experience ideally within the public sector, and some knowledge/experience in an education setting would be of benefit.

You will also offer:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to calmly and effectively respond to changing or complex situations.
• Attention to detail and excellent time management and organisational skills.
• The ability to build and maintain strong relationships across a diverse group of contacts.
• The ability to quickly establish and maintain a high level of trust and confidence both internally and with external stakeholders.
• Proven experience with managing changes to multiple diaries.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and effectively manage risks to ensure delivery, minimising impacts.
• A willingness to respond where there is urgency, complexity and sensitivity.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

If you’d like to bring your skills to a rewarding role within an organisation that’s continually reaching goals and striving for a better future for New Zealand, we’d love to hear from you.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

Our Group,Te Pou Ohumahi Mātauranga | Education Workforce, develops and implements strategies for the education workforce and its leaders. We make sure the education system has the right people in the right places at the right time in early learning and schools. This includes providing information on the supply of and demand for teachers and administering a range of scholarships and awards to attract, grow and retain our teaching workforce. We lead sector workforce employment relations, the relationship with Education Payroll Ltd (the schools payroll provider), and hold the responsibility for bargaining employment terms and conditions.

The team you will work in is small and flexible, and works in the office. We provide cover for each other as needed and turn our hands to a range of tasks. Our role involves ministerial and enquiries coordination, governance and performance advice, group administration, planning and reporting, and Executive Assistant and general support to the Hautū.

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 Donna Ross, Director, Office of the Hautū at donna.ross@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight – Thursday, 12 June 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.