Lead Advisor, Professional Development

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

Fixed term or secondment opportunity until 21 November 2025

Are you passionate about empowering educators and driving meaningful change in New Zealand’s education system? Do you have the leadership skills to deliver impactful initiatives that shape the future of curriculum, assessment, and aromatawai? If so, this could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for!

Join our team as a Lead Advisor, Professional Development where you will play a pivotal role in shaping professional learning and development across early learning and schooling. You will work within Te Poutāhū (Curriculum Centre) to support the sector in growing their capabilities and leadership in curriculum, assessment, and aromatawai. Our mission is to ensure equity and excellence in learner outcomes for all students.

In this role you will:

• Build and nurture relationships across Te Poutāhū and key stakeholders, designing and developing initiatives that achieve quality outcomes.
• Ensure culturally responsive and honouring approaches to partnering with Māori communities, including whānau, hapū, iwi, and Māori organisations.
• Leverage research, data, and analysis to drive decisions, anticipate emerging issues, and ensure success of professional learning and development initiatives.
• Proactively identify and address potential risks to improve outcomes, using a systematic and integrated approach.
• Track and evaluate the impact of initiatives, providing assurance that investments meet the highest standards of quality and performance.
• Design and implement innovative solutions, using investment and design frameworks to create impactful products and services

Salary range: $99,496 - $120,690 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’ll be joining a dedicated team committed to making a real difference in education. You’ll have the opportunity to influence policy, practice, and the future direction of education in New Zealand. We offer an environment where your contributions are valued, and your expertise can shape the next generation of leaders in the education sector.

To be successful in this role you will offer:

• Strong background in designing and delivering professional learning programmes.
• Proven ability to build effective relationships and lead cross-functional projects.
• Expertise in data analysis, risk mitigation, and driving continuous improvement.
• Experience in leading and mentoring junior staff to drive team success
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

If you’re ready to take on a key leadership role in transforming education and supporting the growth of our educators, we’d love to hear from you. Join us in our commitment to achieving equity and excellence for every learner.

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.

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 Veronica Harvey, Senior Advisor at Veronica.Harvey@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight – Sunday, 18 May 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.