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

This is a Wellington-based, full-time, permanent position.

We’re looking for a highly organised and trusted Executive Assistant to provide one on one support to our Group General Manager, National Services and Programmes, of Te Mahau | Education Services.

You’ll manage a dynamic schedule, oversee confidential administrative tasks, and ensure the Group General Manager is equipped to lead their business group effectively.

You’ll join a connected, collaborative and supportive team in the Office of the Hautū. The work is varied and fast-paced, with regular engagement across the Ministry and with external partners.

You’ll think two steps ahead to make sure all the little details are taken care of. This includes:

• owning a changing and often complex diary
• overseeing and proactively managing a busy inbox
• triaging requests to ensure urgent matters are actioned and others are delegated appropriately
• managing private and confidential information and situations in a manner that reflects the level and seniority of the environment
• preparing meeting packs and coordinating papers
• sharing your knowledge through peer mentoring opportunities.

Your trustworthy, proactive support, and strong judgement will be critical to the smooth running of our National Services and Programmes business unit and in enabling the Group General Manager to focus on strategic leadership.


Salary range: $74,815 -$90,347 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 Executive Assistant

About you | Mōhou ake

You’ll bring a calm, professional presence and sound judgement, along with:

• Proven experience providing executive support to a senior leader (Tier 2 ideally) in a complex organisation.
• Experience managing the diary of a senior leader, arranging appointments and organising papers to support meetings.
• Excellent organisational, relationship-building, administrative and time management skills.
• Sound judgment, discretion, integrity and professionalism.
• Knowledge of and experience of the Machinery of Government and/or public sector.
• High proficiency in Microsoft tools, including MS Teams.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

In return, you’ll join a supportive team culture with a strong focus on development. You’ll have the opportunity to contribute your skills to meaningful change in education.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

Te Mahau, the Education Services Group is responsible for the provision of services that support ākonga to have the skills, knowledge, confidence and opportunity to achieve, progress, attend and engage actively across all settings. This means learners are supported at each stage of their individual learning with the skills and knowledge to put them into quality employment. 

• Curricula and assessment services to help implement the national curricula effectively, (e.g. curriculum advisors who help teaching and learning practices).
• Ākonga support services including universal support (e.g. provision of funding and staffing orders), tailored support services for ākonga (e.g. those with additional needs based on the circumstances of their learning such as Learning Support specialist services, English as a second language, refugees and migrant support) and targeted support to ākonga (e.g. those with defined needs or risk factors to achieve, attend or progress such as Education Officers in Youth Courts, Study Support Centres, Teen Parents, Trades Academy).
• Support to early learning and schooling operations is about providing the environment in which ākonga are welcomed and participating actively in their learning spaces which are safe, inclusive, and responsive (e.g. provision of funding to run their environments effectively, guidance on health and safety and regulatory requirements, education advisory support to manage their learning environments, provision of alternative education).
• Schooling and early learning improvement services that support schools to meet standards and expectations so that student and education outcomes are met, deploying the full range of statutory interventions as appropriate.
• Access and equity services that remove barriers to learning, so ākonga have equitable opportunities to participate in education (e.g. transport, school lunch provision, period product provision, the attendance service).
• Incident and emergency management support for early learning services, schools and communities to plan for and respond to events when they occur (e.g. Maatara, Interim Response Fund, and business continuity planning).

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 Nicola Giles, Principal Advisor Recruitment Services at nicola.giles@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight Friday 27 March 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.