Policy Director

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 permanent position based in Wellington.

This is a great opportunity for a results-driven, highly experienced policy professional seeking a leadership position supporting GMs to set and drive the strategic agenda at portfolio and cross-portfolio levels, along with our organisational priorities, within a collegial and supportive team culture.

We are looking for an experienced policy professional with strong policy leadership capability, excellent relationship management skills, a forward focus and deep public sector experience to support Te Pou Kaupapahere, the Ministry’s policy group, our policy leaders and leaders of the education system with strategic and system–level performance insight. You will help lead and champion a connected, whole of Ministry approach to exceptional quality policy advice, and play a key role in building the education system’s future-focussed capability.

You’ll join a supportive management team and a policy shop that is driven to make a difference for Aotearoa.

Salary range: $190,841 - $232,335 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 Policy Director

About you | Mōhou ake

We are looking for a committed and experienced Policy professional who will be able to hit the ground running and bring energy and analytical ability to complex problems, policy craft and influencing. We would like to hear from you if you have proven policy experience.

You will also offer: 

• High level knowledge and significant experience of design, development and delivery of education policy, strategy and programmes
• Demonstrate mastery of public policy processes and an in-depth understanding of the policy production process
• Proven ability to work collaboratively across policy functions, across government at senior levels and with key sector stakeholders, to influence and achieve shared outcomes through non-formal leadership
• Exceptional intellectual capability and judgement to analyse large, complex policy issues and readily grasp and synthesise the ideas, analysis and advice produced by others.
• The ability to bring new frameworks, data and knowledge to bear on complex system issues as well as facilitate outcomes through personal credibility and influence.
• Can manage multiple complex and sensitive projects concurrently to deliver on Ministerial priorities and the Ministry’s outcomes in a fast-paced policy environment
• Can communicate and persuade using a range of oral, written and visual mediums in diverse situations.
• Knowledge and understanding of Te Ao Māori and the importance of promoting tikanga and Te Reo Māori
• Strong working relationships across key government agencies to ensure effective management of cross-government programmes
• Knowledge of te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) as it applies in the public sector.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

 
In return we can offer you the opportunity to be involved in a high profile, challenging and ambitious agenda for change, and the ability to drive and influence policy direction.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

Collectively, Te Pou Kaupapahere are responsible for whole-of-system, end-to-end policy covering early learning, compulsory schooling, and tertiary including Māori medium, te reo Māori, Pacific and Learning Support and international education policy.

We hold the relationship with all education Ministers and provide integrated policy advice to them. We collaborate across government organisations so our advice to Ministers is joined up.

We work to develop strong internal relationships as well as working closely with other central education agencies and other parts of the government. We use high quality research and evidence of what works and are informed by knowledge held by our frontline colleagues.

Our group works closely with other groups across the Ministry of Education, and together we hold relationships with iwi, hapū, hapori and Māori peak bodies, that support the development of policy that honours te Tiriti o Waitangi.

We hold the regulatory stewardship function, taking a whole-of-system, lifecycle view across for the entire education system, as well as for each regulatory subsystem. 

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 Katrina Sutich, General Manager, Tertiary Policy at Katrina.Sutich@education.govt.nz

or Sela Finau, General Manager, Learner Success & Tiriti at Sela.Finau@education.govt.nz 

Applications close Midnight Monday 14 July 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.