Senior Policy Manager, Budget Strategy and Coordination

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 6-month Fixed Term role based in Wellington. The role is complex, interesting and varied and will focus on “big picture” analysis and advice.

It’s a great opportunity for a results-driven leader to contribute to priority policy areas for Government and work within a collegial and supportive team culture.

We are looking a Senior Policy Manager to lead the Budget Strategy and Coordination team in the Learner Success & Tiriti group, Te Pou Kaupapahere, the Ministry’s policy group.

Do you want to lead a team that helps work out where the government should put its next education dollar and provide the strategic context to support the government’s $11 billion investment in the Education sector? Our Budget Strategy and Coordination team leads the annual process of advice to Ministers on changes to Vote Education and Vote Tertiary Education through the Budget process.

This role will suit an experienced people leader, with strong policy leadership capability, excellent relationship management skills, and public sector experience in a policy management or an advisory role.

You’ll also think strategically about how to achieve the policy goals of Government across the education sector. 

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

The Budget Strategy and Coordination Team sits at the centre of investment decision making in the education system. The team runs the annual Budget process for the Ministry of Education, from developing the Ministry’s Budget Strategy to delivering the education package on Budget Day.

This is a great opportunity for anyone looking to get greater exposure to one of the core processes of Government, which is high profile internally, for Ministers and with the education sector.

The Budget is not something delivered in isolation. You will work closely with Ministers’ offices, other Government agencies (most notably the Treasury) and gain invaluable insight into Ministerial decision making. You will also get exposure to a variety of work programmes from many different teams, giving you a cross-Ministry view of priority work items and how these come together to deliver outcomes for learners, whānau and communities.

Salary range: $142,856 - $214,284 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 Senior Policy Manager - Budget Strategy and Coordination

About you | Mōhou ake

We would like to hear from you if you have proven policy and people management experience, and

• have proven ability to develop and lead multiple complex and sensitive cross-Ministry policy projects or programmes of work, to deliver on Ministerial priorities and the Ministry’s outcomes
• have proven ability to develop and support high performing teams
• demonstrate knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an understanding of Te Ao Māori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Māori
• thrive in a fast-paced policy environment
• demonstrate the ability to establish strong working relationships across key government agencies to ensure effective management of cross-government programmes
• have knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an appreciation 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 contribute to a high profile, challenging and ambitious agenda for change, a strong focus on the development of our people, 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 integration 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, life-cycle 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 Sela Finau, General Manager, Learner Success & Tiriti at Sela.Finau@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight Friday 25 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.