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.

The Executive Assistant provides high-level support by managing complex schedules and performing a wide range of confidential administrative and advisory tasks.  

• We are seeking a permanent, full-time Executive Assistant to be based in Wellington.
• This is an in-office position, requiring regular on-site presence to support the General Manager.

You’ll work closely with the General Manager and her leadership team—including other EAs, managers, and principal advisors— so that the team is well-positioned to deliver on strategic and operational priorities. A key focus of this role is supporting collaboration across Te Pae Aronui in ākonga, community, and learning support spaces.

While experience as a Personal Assistant is valued, this position requires at least 3 years proven experience specifically as an Executive Assistant supporting senior leaders.

The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to manage complex schedules, coordinate high-level meetings, and handle sensitive communications with discretion, strategic insight, and political awareness.

In this role, you will:

• Provide high-quality, proactive, and confidential administrative support and operational advice aligned with business priorities.
• Manage diaries, travel arrangements, meetings, financial information, SharePoint content, and logistics efficiently and effectively.
• Draft clear, plain-language communications and respond to a variety of correspondence.
• Handle private and confidential information, situations, and issues with professionalism.
• Be a collaborative team player—flexible, agile, and solution-focused.

Appointment will be based on skills and experience; indicative salary range is between $74,015 and $89,547 per annum plus 3% KiwiSaver.

For more information you can view the Job Description here.

About you | Mōhou ake

Your organisational, advisory, and administrative skills are second to none. You are an experienced and confident Executive Assistant with at least three years’ experience supporting a General Manager or a more senior leader.

You thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and are comfortable working across multiple portfolios. You know how to triage and prioritise information and tasks quickly and effectively to meet the needs of the General Manager. You build trust quickly and maintain strong relationships with internal and external audiences.

Please note: Prior experience as an Executive Assistant to senior leadership is essential. Experience solely as a Personal Assistant will not meet the requirements for this role.

You will also bring:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to respond calmly and effectively to complex or changing situations.
• Strong attention to detail, time management, and organisational skills.
• The ability to build and maintain relationships across a diverse range of contacts.
• A high level of discretion and trust in handling sensitive information.
• Proven experience managing multiple diaries and shifting priorities.
• A collaborative approach to supporting senior professionals, offering guidance and assistance as needed.
• The ability to identify and manage risks to ensure successful delivery.
• A proactive attitude and willingness to respond to urgent, complex, and sensitive matters.
• A commitment to upholding the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

Te Pae Aronui was established within Te Mahau to provide the education sector with support and services that are more locally responsive, more accessible, and integrated.

It is the place where everything Te Tāhuhu does for ākonga can come together. We gather insights, regulate, have service design and delivery functions, understand ākonga, whānau, communities and businesses - and use that to shape and influence the direction of education in Aotearoa New Zealand.

As part of Te Mahau, we work with whānau, hāpu, iwi, early learning services and schools / kura, to support ākonga and kaiako to create interactions in the magic space where learning happens.

We have a critical role to support a proactive and future-focused Te Tāhuhu that delivers on equity and excellence for all ākonga. By 2025, we aspire to transform Te Pae Aronui so that: people are thriving, connections are strong, the system is sound, and we are producing equitable outcomes for ākonga and whānau. 

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 and a confidential conversation, please contact Anna Scadden for more information at anna.scadden@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight – Wednesday, 1 October 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.