Programmes & Innovation Lead

Presbyterian Support Southland; Invercargill City; On-site; NZD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

External clinical supervision

Flexible hours

Discounts and offers

Job summary

Presbyterian Support Southland’s Family Works Southland seeks an experienced leader to drive the development, review and continuous improvement of parenting and group-based programmes across the region. This permanent full-time role (37.5 hours) combines evidence-based practice, innovation and community engagement to keep services effective and responsive.

You will lead a dedicated team, support facilitators, build partnerships and shape services for tamariki, whānau and communities, with

Qualifications

• Proven experience developing, facilitating, or evaluating parenting, education, or community programmes.
• Strong understanding of evidence-based practice and translating research into outcomes.
• Excellent relationship-building with diverse stakeholders.
• Proven leadership or coaching skills with a collaborative approach.
• Experience creating new programmes or services.

Responsibilities

• Shape and grow Family Works' parenting and family support programmes.
• Turn research and evidence into practical, engaging programme content.
• Lead programme evaluation and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support and mentor programme facilitators to deliver quality services.
• Build strong community and stakeholder partnerships.
• Drive innovation and identify opportunities for service development and growth.

Skills

Leadership

Programme development

Facilitation

Stakeholder engagement

Evidence-based practice

Education

Tertiary qualification in social services/health-related field

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Are you passionate about creating programmes that make a real difference for children, families and whānau? We're looking for an experienced and innovative leader to drive the development, review and continuous improvement of Family Works Southland's parenting and group-based programmes. This is a permanent full-time position working 37.5 hours per week.

In this varied role, you'll combine evidence-based practice, innovation and community engagement to ensure our services remain effective, relevant and responsive to the needs of Southland communities. You'll work alongside a dedicated team, support facilitators, build strategic partnerships, and help shape the future of programmes and support services across the region.

This is a rare opportunity to influence practice, lead meaningful change, and see the impact of your work in the lives of tamariki, whānau and communities.

• Shape and grow Family Works' parenting and family support programmes
• Turn research and evidence into practical, engaging programme content
• Lead programme evaluation and continuous improvement initiatives
• Support and mentor programme facilitators to deliver quality services
• Build strong community and stakeholder partnerships
• Drive innovation and identify opportunities for service development and growth

Ngā pūkenga | What you will need to be successful:

• Proven experience developing, facilitating, or evaluating parenting, education, or community-based programmes
• Strong understanding of evidence-based practice and the ability to translate research into outcomes
• Excellent relationship-building skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders
• Proven leadership, coaching, or facilitation skills, with a collaborative and supportive approach
• Experience in creating new programmes or developing new services
• A genuine passion for improving outcomes for tamariki, whānau and communities, with a commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and culturally responsive practice.
• A tertiary qualification in social services, health, or a related field.

Family Works is an initiative of Presbyterian Support Southland (PSS) and we offer a widespread range of support services to families/whānau, children and young people in the region. From counselling and social work support through to parenting programmes, we work alongside families as they face challenges and we support them to flourish.

We provide essential services today for tomorrow’s generations in our community.

At the heart of our work is an understanding that:

• Life is challenging
• The role of parents is crucial and the most important job anyone will ever have
• Families are the best places to grow happy, healthy children and young people
• Families are the backbone of each and every community

Family Works is one of two service divisions of Presbyterian Support Southland (PSS), Southland's largest for-purpose provider of social services and aged care. Alongside Family Works, our Enliven service supports older people through retirement living, residential and hospital-level aged care, and community-based services. Together, we are committed to strengthening the wellbeing of people and communities across Southland

Why you'll love working here:

• Opportunities for personal and professional growth
• External clinical supervision
• A supportive environment for achieving work-life balance and competitive wages that recognise your talents and contributions
• We are committed to excellence, innovation and shaping a workplace culture that values every individual
• Enjoy discounts and offers across a range of goods and services!

Please note to be considered for this role you will need to have the right to work in New Zealand.

Pre-employment checks may include criminal history check, drug and alcohol testing, medical assessment.

(Interviews with suitably experienced candidates may be conducted prior to closing date)

For a copy of the Job Description visit programmes-and-innovation-lead---2026.09.02.pdf