Lead Advisor, Curriculum Design

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

• Permanent Fulltime Opportunity
•  Wellington-based

Are you passionate about creating world-class education experiences? Join Te Poutāhū (Curriculum Centre) as a Lead Adviser, Curriculum Design and play a pivotal role in shaping the New Zealand Curriculum and Te Whāriki.

In this role, you’ll bring your expertise in curriculum design and development to create knowledge-rich learning frameworks grounded in the science of learning. You’ll influence how tamariki and rangatahi engage with learning, ensuring our curriculum empowers every learner to thrive in a rapidly changing world. If you’re ready to shape the future of education, bring your vision, expertise, and commitment to excellence to this exciting leadership role.

Salary range: $99,496 - $120,690 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

We’re looking for a Lead Adviser who brings a unique blend of expertise, insight, and adaptability. You’ll have a strong understanding of the role of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in the education sector, and the ability to use data and insights to identify trends, risks, and opportunities that influence system-level decision-making. Your excellent interpersonal and communication skills will help you build strong relationships, while your resilience and flexibility enable you to thrive in a dynamic, ever-changing environment.

You will be a trusted ‘go-to’ person, with the breadth and depth of experience to provide high-quality advice and lead complex analysis and business cases. With outstanding analytical skills and the ability to translate abstract or complex ideas into clear, practical solutions, you’ll make a real impact. Above all, you’ll demonstrate a commitment to ongoing personal and professional development, ensuring you stay at the forefront of educational innovation.

You will also offer:

• Proven expertise in designing knowledge-rich curriculum, grounded in the Science of Learning
• Demonstrated ability to provide strategic, high-level advice that influences decision-making at a national level.
• Strong track record in applying evidence-based decision-making and intervention logic to drive effective solutions.
• Collaborative leadership experience in co-designing, problem-solving, and delivering complex projects with diverse stakeholders.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

Our team is collaborative, supportive and passionate about making a real difference in the education sector. Joining us means you’ll be part of a group that values fresh thinking, evidence-based approaches, and continuous learning.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

The purpose of Te Poutāhū is to lead the national curricula for Aotearoa New Zealand and associated systems and processes of assessment and aromatawai.

We design, develop and provide curriculum services for teachers, kaiako, leaders, ākonga, their whānau and communities that reflect their identities, languages and cultures. We bring together curriculum, teaching expertise and evidence for the development, support and review of inclusive curricula, assessment and NCEA. Our strengths are across te reo Māori, mātauranga Māori, disability, inclusive learning support and culturally relevant content so that Te Mahau supports learning that is inclusive for all ākonga.

We support the people who are closest to, and directly serve, ākonga and whānau. We do this through Te Mahau where we connect with the sector, working collaboratively to identify priorities and design local solutions.

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 Denise Arnerich, Manager, Curriculum Design at denise.arnerich@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight – Monday, 2 February 2026