Executive Assistant

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

The Executive Assistant is a full time key position and will be supporting the Director of Education - Te Tai Tokerau.

You will support the Director to achieve goals by managing their diary, managing information flows, and providing a range of administrative, coordination and secretariat services to the Director and the Senior Leadership team.

Our Directors of Education have the lead role and relationship with early learning, kōhanga, school and kura, and this means they will be across all the services we provide at a local level.

The role will be suitable for someone with previous experience as an Executive Assistant or a Personal Assistant with a strong administrative background, and a willingness to learn and do the mahi. In return, this role will offer a collaborative working environment and career progression opportunities within the organisation.

Salary range: $69,801 - $79,195 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

As the Executive Assistant, you will bring your keenness to learn, grow and develop your understanding and do the mahi to be successful in the role at senior levels.

You will also offer:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to calmly and effectively address complex situations.
• Ability to deal with ambiguity and maintain resilience in a constantly changing environment.
• Ability to prioritise work, make proactive decisions and apply good judgement.
• Attention to detail and excellent time management and organisational skills.
• Ability to monitor basic information flows, observe patterns and identify issues
• The ability to build and maintain strong relationships across a diverse group of contacts.
• The ability to understand and apply the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and tangatawhenuatanga.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

Ideal candidates will take pride in producing high quality work and will be comfortable working independently to achieve defined objectives.

You will bring your high attention to detail, calmness under pressure and the ability to anticipate the needs of the Director and the wider team. You will have sound computer knowledge, experience with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, and Word, etc) and will be able to perform your duties with considerable confidentiality, initiative, and mature and independent judgment. 

You will demonstrate knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an understanding of Te Ao Māori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Māori. You will also 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.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

Te Mahau | Te Tai Raro is a frontline group. Our frontline groups collectively provide leadership and integrated services to the sector and others. This includes services, such as learning support and education advice and regulation functions for schools and early learning services.

As a frontline group we develop and harness existing relationships with communities at the regional and local level through the Director of Education, including deep relationships with iwi and hapū. Our Director of Education has the lead role and relationship with early learning, kōhanga, school and kura, and this means they will be across all the services we provide at a local level.

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 Anne-Marie Kelly, Business Support Manager] at annemarie.kelly@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight – Sunday 1st February 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.