Manager, School Governance and System Improvement

Ministry of Education; Wellington; On-site; NZD 143,000 - 214,000; Full time

Job summary

Ministry of Education in Wellington is seeking a senior leader to head the School Governance and System Improvement portfolio. You will guide governance practice, strengthen system performance, and support schools and kura to deliver equitable outcomes for learners across Aotearoa New Zealand.

You will lead a nationally significant portfolio, shape a compelling vision for future governance, and drive transformational change while collaborating with boards, principals, regional leaders, and

Qualifications

• Experience in school governance and system improvement.
• Ability to engage confidently with boards, principals, senior leaders and sector partners.
• Track record leading transformational change within complex organisations.
• Understanding of governance roles, responsibilities, challenges and opportunities facing school boards and principals.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Operations Practice Centre and governance practice nationally.
• Build capability, confidence and inspire others to embrace change.
• Collaborate across regions, teams and sector partners to improve outcomes.
• Influence strategic direction and deliver practical governance solutions for learners.

Skills

School governance

Governance leadership

Change management

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic thinking

Team leadership

Relationship building

Delivery focus

Job description

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga

Help shape the future of education in New ZealandHelp shape the future of EducationWe work toshapeaneducationsystem that deliversequitableandexcellent outcomesOur 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.

This is a full-time permanent role based in Wellington and an exciting opportunity to lead transformational work at the heart of New Zealand's education system.The Manager, School Governance and System Improvement leads a nationally significant portfolio focused on strengthening governance practice, improving system performance, and supporting schools and kura to deliver the best possible outcomes for learners.We are looking for a leader with genuine credibility in the school governance space. Whether through working directly with school boards, supporting governance functions, leading system improvement initiatives, or operating within the wider schooling sector, you will bring a deep understanding of the challenges, opportunities, and accountabilities that shape school governance today.This is not a role for someone who wants to maintain existing approaches. You will play a key role in shaping and embedding the Operations Practice Centre, helping create nationally consistent practice, stronger operational capability, improved service delivery, and more connected ways of working across Te Mahau.Leading a highly skilled team, you will create a compelling vision for the future, build capability and confidence, and inspire others to embrace change. You will bring people together across organisational boundaries, build buy-in for new ways of working, and help lead the transition from where we are today to where we need to be tomorrow.Working with school boards, principals, regional leaders, and colleagues across the Ministry, you will influence strategic direction, navigate complexity, and deliver practical solutions that strengthen governance and improve outcomes for learners across Aotearoa New Zealand.Salary range: $142,856 - $214,284 per annum + 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 Manager School Governance and System Improvement

About you | Mōhou ake

You are an inspiring and credible leader with deep experience in school governance, system improvement, and organisational transformation.You understand that effective governance matters. You know how school boards operate, the challenges they face, and the critical role governance plays in achieving strong educational outcomes. Most importantly, you have the credibility and experience to engage confidently with boards, principals, senior leaders, and sector partners.You are not afraid of complexity. You know how to turn strategy into action, build momentum where there is uncertainty, and bring others with you through change.Deep expertise in school governance and system improvement, including a strong understanding of the roles, responsibilities, challenges, and opportunities facing school boards, principals, and education system leaders.

You will offer:

• Significant experience working within school governance, board support, educational leadership, system stewardship, or related education sector functions.
• Deep understanding of the governance responsibilities, legislative environment, challenges, and opportunities facing school boards and principals.
• Proven experience leading transformational change and continuous improvement programmes within complex organisations.
• The ability to hit the ground running and quickly establish credibility with school boards, principals, regional leaders, and sector stakeholders.
• Experience developing governance frameworks, interventions, assurance approaches, guidance, or system improvement initiatives.
• A track record of leading and developing high-performing teams through periods of change and growth.
• Exceptional ability to influence, engage, and build trust across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Strong strategic thinking combined with a practical focus on delivery, implementation, and results.
• The ability to create a clear vision, build buy-in, and inspire people to embrace new ways of working.
• A passion for lifting capability, sharing expertise, and creating environments where people thrive.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

You will also bring:

• Significant experience working within the education sector, public sector, or a comparable complex operating environment.
• Knowledge of school governance frameworks, intervention approaches, planning and reporting requirements, and improvement methodologies.
• Experience leading programmes of work that require collaboration across multiple teams, regions, stakeholders, and system partners.
• Experience developing organisational capability and lifting practice through coaching, mentoring, and continuous improvement approaches.
• An understanding of the machinery of government and the wider public sector context.
• An understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a commitment to improving equitable outcomes for all learners.
• Strong planning, prioritisation, and programme leadership capability.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

Te Mahau provides leadership and integrated education services that are responsive to the needs of learners, whānau, educators, and communities.The School Governance and System Improvement team supports the education system through its focus on effective governance, accountability, planning, intervention, continuous improvement, and operational excellence. The team develops and maintains frameworks, tools, guidance, and services that help schools, boards, regional teams, and Ministry staff navigate complexity and improve outcomes for learners.Working across both strategic and operational domains, the team is responsible for strengthening system consistency, enabling informed decision-making, supporting governance capability, and driving improvements in how services are delivered across Te Mahau.As a key contributor to the Operations Practice Centre, the team helps identify and share effective practice, build capability, foster collaboration, and ensure operational insights inform system improvement. Through strong partnerships across regions, national office, and the education sector, the team supports a more connected, responsive, and effective education system for all ākonga.

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

This is your opportunity to help shape the future of school governance and system improvement in Aotearoa New Zealand.If you are a trusted governance leader who can build vision, inspire change, lift capability, and lead a team through transformation while bringing the sector with you, we'd love to hear from you.Join us and help create stronger governance, better system performance, and improved outcomes for every learner.

For further information, please contact Helen Hurst, Group General Manager, Operational Standards and Support at [e-mail]. Applications close Midnight Sunday 25 October 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.