Director Government Relations and Advisory at Ministry For Ethnic Communities, Wellington - Wairarapa

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Director – Government Relations and Advisory

Location:      Wellington

Type:             Permanent

Hours:           40

Salary:           $151,040 - $187,961

Ready to take your leadership career in advising government towards something fresh and energising?

The Ministry for Ethnic Communities is looking for a Director to lead our Government Relations and Advisory team – a small, forward-thinking group with a sharp eye on the future.  Positioned at the intersection of policy, delivery and system change, this role will keep you connected to your strengths in these areas, while giving you fresh opportunities to influence, innovate and shape outcomes across government.

This is a senior, high‑visibility Tier 3 role with significant influence across agencies, Ministers and the public sector.

As Director you will:

• Set the strategic agenda, providing clear leadership, vision and direction to shape and deliver a system-focused work programme that drives meaningful influence and impact.
  
  
• Champion collaboration across government agencies, embedding inclusive practice and strengthening how government serves and partners with Ethnic Communities.
  
  
• Lead and empower a small high-performing team, cultivating excellence, confidence and a strong policy and influencing focus.
  
  
• Play a pivotal role in senior leadership, contributing to organisational development and advancing a cohesive, cross-functional approach that lifts the Ministry's overall performance.

What you will bring:

• Extensive experience as a senior policy leader, gained in the New Zealand public sector or a comparable overseas context, including a minimum of five years experience managing and developing teams.
  
  
• A proven track record of building and leading high-performing teams, that communicate with clarity, work confidently with stakeholders, and deliver concise, system focused advice to government agencies, Ministers and executive leaders.
  
  
• The ability to influence system-level change, lifting organisational maturity and strengthening the Ministry's role as chief advisor on issues impacting Ethnic Communities.
  
  
• Confidence operating with Ministers and senior leaders, able to offer trusted, well‑framed advice on complex issues with composure, judgement and insight.

Why join us?

The Ministry for Ethnic Communities works with communities, other government agencies and a range of organisations to help increase social cohesion, improve economic performance and ensure New Zealand is a place where everyone feels welcome, valued and empowered.

You will be leading a dedicated and genuinely passionate team that is driven by purpose and grounded in impact.

We're building something different and ambitious. Your leadership will help shape the next chapter of this import work.

How to apply

Send us your CV and a cover letter that tells us why this role resonates with you and the unique value you will contribute.

Applications close: 5pm, 6 February 2026

We'll be reviewing applications as they come in — so don't wait.

We encourage inclusion and diversity at the Ministry for Ethnic Communities and are committed to equal opportunity in all our employment policies and procedures.  We want to ensure accessibility needs are well supported, so the recruitment process is fair and equitable for all. Therefore, please let us know if there is any support, we can provide to ensure the recruitment process is fully accessible to you. You can contact us at HumanResources@ethniccommunities.govt.nz if you would like to discuss any accessibility needs you may have.