Senior Education Advisor, Schooling

Ministry of Education New Zealand; Nelson; On-site; NZD 85,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A government education agency in New Zealand seeks a Senior Education Advisor in Nelson to improve student attendance and achievement through effective communication and support of school initiatives. Ideal candidates will have strong relationship-building skills and a background in the education sector. This full-time role offers a competitive salary range of $85,225 - $94,148 pro rata per annum plus benefits.

Benefits

3% kiwi saver

Qualifications

• Experience in the schooling sector and associated legislation.
• Ability to identify trends, risks, and opportunities using data.
• Experience providing high quality and timely advice.

Responsibilities

• Communicate government priorities and ensure delivery.
• Provide implementation support to the education sector.
• Work with schools to enhance student attendance and engagement.

Skills

Building relationships

Data analysis

Strong communication skills

Team cooperation

Understanding Te Tiriti o Waitangi

Job description

Date advertised: 5 Oct 2025

Job Type: Permanent

Location: Nelson, NZ

Help shape the future of Education

We 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 students in our education system.

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga

This is a permanent, full time role for a Senior Education Advisor in our Nelson Office to start mid-January 2026.

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 Adviser 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: $85,225 -$94,148 pro rata per annum + 3% kiwi saver. 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

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. This includes working co-operatively with others to solve problems and complete tasks.
• The ability to understand and apply the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

Te Mahau | Te Tai Runga 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, and communities to provide support, expertise, and resources to help children and young people reach their full potential.

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

If this opportunity interests you, please submit your cover letter and resume by using the ‘apply' button. In your cover letter we’d like to know about you, your values, or anything else you’d like to share. We’re keen to understand your motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the diverse perspectives you will bring to the role.

Applications close midnight Sunday, 26 October 2025.

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.