Lead Advisor, Schooling

Ministry of Education; Rotorua; On-site; NZD 101,000 - 122,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

KiwiSaver

Job summary

The Ministry of Education in New Zealand is seeking a Lead Advisor, Schooling to join our Bay of Plenty team. This permanent, full-time role based in Tauranga or Rotorua focuses on improving educational achievement for all ākonga, with emphasis on Māori and Pacific learners and those needing learning support.

You will partner with schools, Kāhui Ako, and regional staff to broker support and drive equitable outcomes.

Qualifications

• Strong relationships with schools/kura and Kāhui Ako to raise achievement.
• Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in education.
• Knowledge of the NZ education system and legislation.

Responsibilities

• Identify issues and opportunities to improve equitable outcomes for ākonga.
• Problem solve, plan and broker support for schools and regions.
• Support regional office operational planning for education provision.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to deliver services.

Skills

Relationship building

Data analysis

Leadership

Facilitation

Stakeholder engagement

Te Tiriti knowledge

Education

Education-related tertiary qualification

Job description

Help shape the future of education in New Zealand Help shape the future of EducationWe 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 ākonga in our education system.

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga

Permanent, full-time Tauranga or Rotorua, Bay of Plenty-Waiariki. Do you have a passion for improving educational achievement for all students/ākonga, particularly Māori and Pacific learners, and those with learning support needs? Are you currently working in the education sector and need a new challenge? There is a lot going on in the education system to improve attendance and achievement through a knowledge-rich curriculum grounded in the science of learning. We are also working to strengthen other areas, such as learning support interventions and the development of the education workforce. Our role is to work with the education sector to implement these and other priorities - including through proactive, consistent supports and services from our regional teams. The Lead Advisor, Schooling works in partnership with internal and external stakeholders to identify issues and opportunities, improve equitable outcomes for ākonga, and problem solve, plan and broker support. This role supports regional office operational planning for education provision. This requires working with schools and kura, Kāhui Ako (Communities of Learning), and regional and national Ministry of Education staff so that the Ministry can respond effectively in its service delivery. This permanent, full-time role can be based at our Tauranga or Rotorua office, offering a fantastic lifestyle and work-life balance opportunity. Applicants who live in the surrounding Bay of Plenty areas and are willing to commute may also be interested in this role.

Salary range: $101,296-$122,490 per annum plus 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 Job Description here.

About you | Mōhou ake

To be successful in this role, you will need to be able to:

• build and manage strong, effective relationships using exceptional communication skills to influence stakeholders
• use data and insights to identify trends, risks and opportunities to solve complex problems and guide decision-making
• lead and work with others to support and implement change initiatives
• present and facilitate group discussions
• work collaboratively with Ministry colleagues within the regional teams and across the organisation to support service delivery
• demonstrate a strong understanding of and the ability to apply the principles of Te Tiririti o Waitangi and tangata whenatanga

We are looking for people who have:

• knowledge and understanding of the New Zealand education system and relevant legislation
• an understanding of the relationship between policy intent and the range and combination of tools available for implementing new initiatives
• successful experience in working with school/kura leaders and Kāhui Ako (Communities of Learning) to strengthen school practice and raise student achievement
• an understanding of working with iwi, Māori and Pacific communities
• a relevant tertiary qualification, preferably related to education, or an equivalent level of practical experience, preferably in a leadership role within a school
• knowledge of te reo and tikanga Māori
• a full, clean driver licence as travel will be required
• the ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

Te Mahau | Education Services is a frontline group that collectively provides leadership and integrated services to the education sector and others. This includes learning support, education advice and regulation functions for schools and early learning services, and advice and support with curriculum. We also share practice and learnings collaboratively with other Te Mahau and Ministry groups to support insights driven guidance, design and policy. We work closely with the early childhood and schooling sectors, providers, communities, iwi and hapū to provide support, expertise, and resources to help children and young people reach their full potential. We also collectively strengthen relationships with our diverse communities who support Māori, Pacific peoples, disabled ākonga and/or ākonga with learning support needs, and ākonga from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi?

For further information, please contact Pennie Muldoon at 07 349 7464 and/or email [e-mail].

Applications close at midnight on Sunday, 29 November 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.