Senior Education Advisor

Ministry of Education; Tauranga; On-site; NZD 86,000 - 104,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

KiwiSaver

Job summary

Ministry of Education is seeking a Senior Education Advisor in Tauranga, Bay of Plenty, to support education priorities and implement strategies at the regional level. You will work with schools, kura and whānau to improve attendance, engagement and achievement, drawing on data and relationships to influence positive outcomes.

The role requires knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, leadership experience in schooling, and a commitment to equity for Māori and Pacific learners.

Qualifications

• Experience building relationships and influencing change to achieve outcomes.
• Ability to use data and insights to identify trends, risks and opportunities.
• Strong engagement and communication skills, including providing high-quality advice.

Responsibilities

• Support education priorities by communicating government priorities and strategies.
• Provide implementation support and track progress with schools, kura and whānau.
• Ensure attendance and engagement improvements across education settings.

Skills

Relationship building

Data analysis

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Te Tiriti o Waitangi knowledge

Leadership in education

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent leadership experience in a school

Job description

Help shape the future of education in New ZealandHelp 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, 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 Senior Education Advisor role is part of our Education Advisory service that supports the education sector to implement education priorities through: communicating government priorities and strategies and ensuring these are well understood and delivered on identifying, brokering and providing implementation support tracking and reporting on implementation progress working with schools, kura and whānau to ensure students are attending and engaged in education utilising the suite of supports and interventions to advance attendance and achievement outcomes.

Salary range: $86,225 - $104,071 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.

Applicants who live in the surrounding Bay of Plenty areas and are willing to commute may also be interested in this role.

This permanent, full-time role is based at our Tauranga Office, offering a fantastic lifestyle and work-life balance opportunity. (See the following link for more information on Tauranga as a destination: Welcome to the Bay of Plenty)

About you | Mōhou ake

We are looking for someone who has experience in and knowledge of the schooling sector and associated legislation.You will offer:

• experience in building relationships and influencing change to achieve outcomes
• an ability to use data and insights to identify trends, risks and opportunities
• strong engagement and communication skills, including experience of providing high quality and timely advice - written and verbal
• the ability to work as part of an integrated team delivering services to the education sector across a diverse range of settings (this includes working co-operatively with others to solve problems and complete tasks)
• a strong understanding of and the ability to apply the principles of Te Tirriti o Waitangi and tangata whenuatanga
• the ability to contribute to the regional goal for Māori achieving and enjoying educational success as Māori and to work confidently with schools and kura in both Māori medium and mainstream contexts
• the ability to provide support for diverse learners, their whānau and communities
• a relevant tertiary qualification or an equivalent level of practical experience, preferably in a leadership role within a school
• knowledge of te reo and tikanga Māori
• a full current 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.

We want our people to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging.

Applications close at midnight on Sunday, 29 November 2026.

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

If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.