Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive

Whanganui District Council; Whanganui; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Whanganui District Council is seeking a proactive Executive Assistant to support the Chief Executive, handling a fast-paced diary, coordinating meetings and logistics, and ensuring information is ready when required. You will be the main contact for requests for the CE’s time, building trusted relationships and navigating sensitive matters with diplomacy.

Ideal candidates will bring at least five years’ experience supporting a senior executive, preferably within local or central government, and

Qualifications

• Five years’ experience supporting a senior executive.
• Experience within local or central government preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage busy diary and coordinate meetings and logistics.
• Track actions and follow-ups; ensure information is available when needed.
• Act as a key point of contact for requests for the CE’s time or attention.
• Build relationships with discretion, diplomacy and good humour.

Skills

Organised

Relationship building

Clear communication

Discretion

Political awareness

Prioritisation

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'll 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