Principal Advisor, Sector Engagement

Ministry of Education; Wellington; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 146,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

KiwiSaver

Job summary

Ministry of Education in Wellington is seeking a senior leader to drive strategic engagement with the education sector across Aotearoa New Zealand. You will shape the engagement strategy, lead initiatives, and build trusted relationships with sector partners to influence system improvements.

The role requires experience in leading strategic projects, political acumen within government processes, and the ability to provide clear strategic advice to senior leaders.

Qualifications

• Identify opportunities and risks and influence system level decisions.
• Sound political awareness and ability to navigate government processes.
• Provide strategic advice and influence decision making.
• Adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for engagement with the education sector across Aotearoa New Zealand to improve learner outcomes.
• Shape the engagement strategy and lead engagement initiatives, building trusted relationships with education sector partners.
• Advise senior leaders in the Ministry on engagement outcomes and strategic options.

Job description

Help shape the future of education in New ZealandHelp shape the future of EducationWe work to shapeaneducationsystem 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.

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga Permanent |Full time

You will provide strategic leadership for engagement with the education sector across Aotearoa New Zealand to improve outcomes for learners with additional needs. You will shape the engagement strategy and lead engagement initiatives, building trusted relationships with education sector partners, to ensure their voice is reflected in system improvements. You will also provide advice to senior leaders in the Ministry.

Salary range: $120,171 - $145,560 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 the Job Description here.

About you | Mōhou ake

To be successful in the role, you'll bring experience of leading and contributing to strategic initiatives, and working collaboratively to build relationships with key internal and external stakeholders to achieve shared outcomes.

You will also offer:

• A proven ability to identify opportunities and risks and to influence system level decision making
• Sound political awareness and an ability to navigate government processes
• An ability to provide strategic advice and influence decision making
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

Join a brand new team in the Ministry's Learning Support System Design and Practice Group where you will have opportunities to shape the development of our strategic engagement with key stakeholders and partners.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

We're a new team in the Learning Support System Design and Practice Group accountable for leading the design and implementation of learning support services and delivery approaches, that are user-friendly and meet the diverse needs of educators and students at an individual, regional and national level.

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

For further information, please contact Rachael Vink, General Manager, Learning Support System Design and Practice at [e-mail].

Applications close Midnight - 18 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.