Principal Advisor to the Chief Executive

Help us to make a positive difference

At the Charter School Agency | Te Tari Kura Hourua, our mission is to lift student achievement, strengthen and diversify New Zealand’s education system. We do this so that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow and succeed.

Charter schools | kura hourua offer high quality education with diverse choices for students and families, greater flexibility for educators, and increased accountability.

With the child at the heart of what we do, we achieve better outcomes together.

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga

The Principal Advisor to the Chief Executive is a key role, linking the operations of the Agency, providing strategic advice and high-level support to the Chief Executive in driving the performance of the Agency. You will contribute advice and support across a range of issues as required.

You will operate with a high degree of agility and autonomy, using your sound judgement, understanding of complexity, and management of risk and issues. You will work across the Agency, the Ministry of Education, Minister’s office and other statutory bodies, building and maintaining strong relationships at all levels.

You will be responsible for providing advice and information to the Chief Executive on key issues, overseeing information flows, assisting in risk and issues management, commissioning and contributing to key activities. You will do this by stripping back complexity and bureaucracy and communicating clearly and simply.

Salary range: $119,171 – $144,560 per annum + 3% KiwiSaver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary based on their individual skills and experience. 

For more details about the role, you can view the Job Description here.

About you | Mōhou ake

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Proven experience in issues management
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• A proactive and results-focused approach with a strong service delivery ethic
• Ability to work through pressure and respond flexibly
• Ability and/or confidence to influence without authority
• Well-developed critical thinking and sound judgement
• Capacity to research and respond quickly to emerging or emergency issues

About our Agency | Mātau rōpū ake

We are a departmental agency established to implement and operate the charter school model. We receive services and support from the Ministry of Education and are accountable to the Associate Minister of Education. We are the secretariat for the Authorisation Board, which approves sponsors for new and converting charter schools, oversees charter school performance, and decides on interventions with charter schools.

You can find more information at: www.charterschools.govt.nz/about-us.

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 Sean Teddy at Sean.Teddy@charterschools.govt.nz

Applications close: Tuesday 7 April 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.