Senior Curriculum Lead at Ministry of Education, Canterbury

Help shape the future of education in New Zealand

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. We all strive every day to make the biggest difference we can for all children and students in our education system. 

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga

The Senior Curriculum Lead works within a region to lead the effective delivery of curriculum and assessments to kura and schools.

As a Senior Curriculum Lead you will lead the regional Curriculum Advisory Service to guide and support teachers and kaiako, leaders and tumuaki in schools, kura, and early learning services and Kāhui Ako to:

• have a better understanding of government priorities that relate to curriculum and assessment including understanding what this means for them
• get ready for and implement curriculum and assessment change through building capability and supporting change
• embed and sustain change overtime.

As a senior member of the team, you will:

• Coach and mentor Curriculum colleagues to support service delivery and ensure consistency
• Take a strategic view of the level and nature of support required by Curriculum Advisers for them to enable kaiako, teachers and leaders to understand and implement the national curriculum, assessment changes and to design teaching and learning experiences that meet the needs of every akonga.
• Be a key conduit between the national curriculum team and regional integrated teams, and as such, will lead the planning and implementation of curriculum initiatives within the region
• Work proactively to ensure that the practice management, professional development, and standards of practice are met and contribute to the delivery and deployment of capability building approaches for Curriculum Advisers across the pathway, including through the facilitation of regular Community of Practice and other hui.
• Build and contribute to effective networks within and across Te Mahau teams so colleagues understand and support the Curriculum Advisers work programme.

You will be part of the regional Practice and Performance team, who collaboratively support the implementation of all Government education priorities across the region.

This is a permanent, full-time role which can be based in any of our local offices (Dunedin, Invercargill and Cromwell) and travel will be an expectation of the role.

Salary range: $118,371- $143,760 per annum + 3% 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 this role, you will need to have the following capabilities and competencies:

• Strong, proven curriculum leadership and design expertise and a deep working knowledge and practical experience in literacy and communication or maths teaching (early learning, primary or secondary) is essential.  Please state your area of expertise in your application.
• Proven credibility within the education sector and confidence in implementing literacy & communication or maths teaching (early learning, primary or secondary) or te reo matatini or pangarau teaching (kaupapa Maori or Maori medium) across the national curriculum is essential for this role.
• A track record of bringing people together, leading, coaching, and mentoring and inspiring actions that contribute to meaningful outcomes for diverse communities.
• Strong diplomacy, interpersonal and facilitation skills, with an ability to adapt to different interaction styles and contexts that prioritises the building of reciprocal and trusting relationships with colleagues and across the sector.
• Proven experience of supporting education settings to build and maintain educationally powerful, reciprocal and trusting relationships with Māori whānau, hapū and iwi, Pacific, and other communities.
• Familiarity with te ao Māori and understanding of Te Reo, tikanga and mātauranga Māori.  Passionate about equitable outcomes for Maori and who can confidently apply Te Tiriti into your work. Proven use and promotion of culturally sustaining practice within education settings.
• Experience in identifying what is working well, for whom and why, providing analysis, feedback, and insight to identify next steps.

• 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 | 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 (please do not email your application). 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.

For further information, please contact Aimee Te Tau, Manager Practice and Performance at aimee.tetau@eduction.govt.nz or phone 03 474 5264.

Applications close Midnight – Wednesday, 26 March 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.