Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive

Whanganui District Council; Whanganui; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Whanganui District Council is seeking an organised and proactive executive assistant to support the Chief Executive. You will manage the CE's diary, coordinate meetings and logistics, and ensure timely information is available when needed.

You will act as a key contact for stakeholders, demonstrating discretion, diplomacy and strong relationship-building skills. With at least five years’ experience supporting a senior executive, ideally within local or central government, you will thrive in a

Qualifications

• Five years' experience supporting a senior executive, ideally in local or central government.
• Ability to manage a busy diary, coordinate meetings and logistics, and track follow-ups.
• Excellent drafting of high-quality correspondence and communications.

Responsibilities

• Manage a busy and changing diary for the Chief Executive.
• Coordinate meetings, logistics and follow-ups, ensuring timely information.
• Be a key contact for people seeking the CE's time and attention, with discretion.
• Support executive in a complex, political environment and build relationships.

Skills

Organisation

Prioritisation

Communication

Relationship building

Discretion

Diplomacy

Political awareness

Proactivity

Job description

This isn't an EA role that sits on the sidelines. Working alongside our CE, you'll be right at the centre of what's happening across Whanganui District Council, supporting a role that spans the organisation, elected members, our community and a wide range of external relationships. It's a busy, varied and trusted position where being two steps ahead makes all the difference.

The role

Our CE works at pace and has a lot on the go. You'll manage a busy and constantly changing diary, coordinate meetings and logistics, keep track of actions and follow-ups, and make sure he has the information he needs when he needs it. You'll also be a key point of contact for people wanting his time or attention, so being approachable, building strong relationships and knowing what needs to move, what can wait and when something needs a little more care or discretion are all part of the job.

The person we're looking for

Our CE is looking for someone who:

• is exceptionally organised and can adapt quickly when plans change
• anticipates what's needed rather than waiting to be asked
• confidently manages competing priorities and keeps track of the moving parts
• communicates clearly and can draft high-quality correspondence and communications
• builds relationships easily and works with discretion, diplomacy and good humour
• has the judgement and political awareness that comes with supporting a senior executive in a complex environment
• genuinely enjoys making things happen and getting things done.

You'll have at least five years' experience supporting a senior executive, ideally within local or central government.

Why this role?

You will be working alongside the CE at the heart of an organisation that has a real impact on Whanganui every day. No two days will look quite the same, and there'll be plenty of opportunity to use your initiative, get involved and make a difference.

Enquiries about this vacancy can be made to Kellie Brougham at [e-mail]

Reference code 6943778

Applications close 22 November 2026