Director Strategic Programmes

About the organisation:
The Ministry for Ethnic Communities is the Government’s chief advisor on ethnic communities, ethnic diversity, and the inclusion of ethnic communities in wider society. We work with communities, other Government agencies and a range of organisations to promote social cohesion and ensure Aotearoa is a place where everyone feels welcome, valued, and empowered to be themselves. Our key functions include providing advice to the system, developing an evidence base, convening and brokering to resolve issues and fostering a sense of belonging through the administering of the Ethnic Communities Development Fund.

The Ministry does more than just advise, we work actively to ensure that the serious issues faced by our ethnic communities are addressed, issues such as economic prosperity, employment, representation, access to government services and faith-based issues.

About the role:
Located in Wellington or Auckland , and reporting to the DCE Strategic Engagements and Stakeholder Insights, you will be a critical member of a high performing senior leadership team providing strategic thought leadership and engaging with both existing and new agency partners across government to promote systems changes that improve outcomes for ethnic communities.


You will lead a high performing team of Strategic Programme Leads, shaping the work programme that addresses the complex issues facing ethnic communities. In the Director role you will also head the Ministry’s Talent and Governance function, leading the drive to improve ethnic representation on boards and supporting equitable provision of, and access to, government services for ethnic communities.

Working closely with the Director National Operations, your team will design, develop and implement targeted programmes and projects that engage ethnic communities across New Zealand and to deliver the insights and evidence base that support the Ministry’s advisory function. Your teams work will contribute to a cohesive, national view of ethnic communities’ perspectives and needs, informing the views of stakeholders up to Ministerial level and positively influencing the actions of partner agencies and other key stakeholders.

About you:
This position will suit an inspiring and innovative leader with a spirit of service and a strategic and proactive mindset. You will be comfortable navigating ambiguous, often fast-changing environments and priorities. A creative thinker who’s not afraid to challenge the status quo; someone who can grasp the broader strategic landscape, identify strong solutions and take decisive action. 

Your understanding of the issues facing ethnic communities and ability to build effective relationships will be crucial given the heavy focus on working with community leaders and umbrella organisations. The role also has a strong political element, and you will need to be comfortable navigating this context with stakeholders including politicians and government officials.

Other knowledge and experience:

• Proven leadership experience and the ability to inspire others, developing a shared vision and promoting collaboration.
• A deep understanding of, and established credibility within, New Zealand’s ethnically diverse and inter-faith communities, or a demonstrated capacity to establish that credibility.
• A comprehensive understanding of the machinery of government and the ability to exert influence at the interface of community engagement, policy development and service delivery. 
• The ability to provide the strategic leadership required to develop and implement a prioritised and sequenced work programme that aligns with the national engagement strategy. 

Join a small supportive Ministry that can, and will, make a big difference to our ethnic communities, improving social cohesion that is vital to the wellbeing of all New Zealander’s. The Ministry offers an inclusive, high trust and collaborative work environment.

For a confidential discussion please contact Shane Mackay at [email protected] or apply ref 876503 applications for this role close at 9am on Tuesday 2nd July.