Day Programmes Team Leader

Application Information 

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Day Programmes Team Leader

Lead people. Shape programmes. Make a difference.

At Christchurch City Mission | Te Whare Mīhana Ki Ōtautahi, we walk alongside people facing some of life's toughest challenges, offering practical support, connection, and hope.

We're looking for an experienced and people-focused leader to take on a newly created Day Programmes Team Leader role. This is an exciting opportunity to lead the next stage of development for our Day Programmes.

We are looking for someone who:

• Sees potential where others see barriers


• Knows how to bring people with you through change


• Can balance strategic thinking with practical delivery


• Believes meaningful activity, learning, and connection can transform lives

We're looking for someone who is excited by the challenge of evolving a good service into a great one.

About Christchurch City Mission

Christchurch City Mission supports people and whānau across Canterbury who are experiencing hardship and vulnerability. Guided by our values and Christian ethos, we provide practical assistance, housing services, social work support, emergency accommodation, and community programmes that help people move towards greater wellbeing, stability, and independence.

Joining the Mission means becoming part of a values-driven organisation where your work genuinely matters and where you can see the difference you make every day.

About the Role

Our Day Programmes provide safe, welcoming, and purposeful spaces where people can learn new skills, build confidence, connect with others, and take positive steps forward.

As the Day Programmes Team Leader, you'll lead the day-to-day operation of our men's, women's, and co-ed programmes, supporting both staff and client educators to deliver engaging, well-structured, and meaningful experiences.

Our Day Programmes are at an important point in their evolution. We're looking for a leader who can build on the strong relationships and sense of community that already exists while creating more structured opportunities for learning, personal growth, and participation.

This is a full-time position, working Monday to Friday.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the daily operation of Day Programmes


• Coach, support, and develop Day Programme Support Staff and Client Educators


• Create a positive, inclusive, and strengths-based environment for clients


• Manage staffing rosters, leave approvals, and day-to-day team coordination


• Support programme planning, development, and continuous improvement


• Build relationships with community partners, tutors, and activity providers


• Ensure programmes operate safely and effectively, in line with organisational policies and standards


• Contribute to reporting, planning, and evaluation activities

What You'll Bring

We're looking for someone who can balance compassion with leadership and who is excited about helping both people and programmes thrive.

You'll bring:

• Demonstrated experience leading people through change and service improvement


• The ability to turn ideas into practical programmes and outcomes


• Experience working with people experiencing complex social challenges, vulnerability, or disadvantage


• Proven people leadership experience, including coaching, mentoring, and developing staff


• The ability to build positive, trusting relationships with clients, staff, and stakeholders


• Strong organisational, communication and facilitation skills


• A calm, practical, and trauma-informed approach


• A commitment to culturally responsive and inclusive practice


• Alignment with the Mission's values and Christian ethos

Experience within community services, adult education, social services, wellbeing programmes, mental health, addiction, housing, or related sectors would be highly regarded.

Why Join Us?

This is a rare opportunity to step into a newly established leadership position and help shape a service that makes a real difference in people's lives.

In addition, we offer:

• A wellbeing allowance


• A paid day off for your birthday


• Ongoing professional development opportunities


• A supportive and collaborative leadership team


• Meaningful work that strengthens our community every day

Our Commitment to Inclusion

We are committed to creating a workplace where people feel welcomed, respected, and supported to be themselves. We encourage applications from people of diverse backgrounds and are happy to discuss any access requirements throughout the recruitment process.

If you have the heart to work alongside people facing significant challenges, the leadership capability to bring out the best in a team, and the enthusiasm to help shape the future of our Day Programmes, we'd love to hear from you.

Applicants must have New Zealand or Australian citizenship, New Zealand residency, or a valid New Zealand work visa.