Senior Strategic Advisor - Māori | Wellington

Job Description

SENIOR STRATEGIC ADVISOR – MĀORI

• Strengthen practical engagement with Māori communities and iwi
• Lead the development and implementation of Māori strategy
• Based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara

Our ākonga are at the centre of all we do

Ko wai mātou | About us

Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu (Te Kura) is the largest state-funded school in Aotearoa, supporting up to 24,000 ākonga at any given time. It provides personalised, flexible learning programmes across early childhood, primary, and secondary education, including NCEA Levels 1–3, with a strong focus on young adult and adult ākonga. Its kaimahi are based across the country, with three-quarters working as Kaiako.

The vision of Te Kura is to empower ākonga to achieve their educational and personal goals, enabling them to become engaged, confident members of their whānau and communities. 

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About the role

Reporting to the Communications Manager, the Senior Strategic Advisor – Māori will contribute to strengthening engagement with Māori communities and supporting improved outcomes for Māori ākonga across Te Kura. The role supports the development and implementation of Māori strategy and works alongside the Chief Executive, Senior Leadership Team, and leaders across the organisation to ensure Māori perspectives are reflected in planning, policy, curriculum, and communications.

Engagement with Māori communities is a central part of the role. You will build strong and constructive relationships with iwi, hapū, whānau, Māori education providers, and wider community networks to help ensure Te Kura remains connected to the communities it serves. Internally, you will support leaders and teams to grow their capability and confidence when engaging with Māori communities and incorporating Māori perspectives into their work.

The role also supports monitoring progress and maintaining clear reporting on outcomes, helping the organisation track performance, identify areas for improvement, and strengthen delivery for ākonga.

This role suits someone with strong cultural knowledge, strategic capability, and a commitment to achieving meaningful outcomes for learners and communities.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

The ideal candidate will have:

• Professional grounding in te ao Māori, te reo Māori, tikanga Māori, and mātauranga Māori
• Experience in leading strategic Māori initiatives in education, iwi, public sector, or a related context
• Proven ability to build trust and enduring partnerships with Māori communities, and to navigate diverse Māori perspectives
• Knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application in education
• Ability to influence at senior levels, with excellent communication and relationship management skills
• Experience designing or contributing to monitoring and evaluation frameworks

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

We have partnered with Jackson Stone & Partners, a trusted recruitment agency, to support the appointment process for this role. You are welcome to apply through Te Kura's careers website, or directly with Jackson Stone using the link below:

Apply via Jackson Stone:

https://jacksonstone.co.nz/job/bh-11573-senior-strategic-advisor-maori/

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and suitable candidates may be contacted before the closing date.

Hei whakautu | In return

Te Kura offers a supportive and collaborative environment where innovation is encouraged and relationships matter. You will be part of a leadership team committed to equity, partnership and continuous improvement, with genuine flexibility and opportunities to grow.

E hiahia ana koe ki te mōhio anō? | Like to find out more?

To find out more, please contact Annalee Hoogeveen 04-550 8041 / 021 921 802 for a confidential kōrero.

Applications close 11.59pm on Sunday, 29^th March 2026