Executive Assistant to Regional Director
Date: 23 Jul 2026
Location: Christchurch, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
• Full Time | Permanent
• Based at MSD’s Regional Office, Christchurch
• Be a part of a well-supported team, working towards our vision of enabling people to be safe, strong, and independent.
• Salary range: $79,200 - $95,873
We’re looking for an exceptional Executive Assistant to provide high-level, confidential support to our Regional Director. This is a key role for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, excels at anticipating needs, and supports a busy leader to operate at their best.
About the role | Mō te tūnga
As the Executive Assisant, you will be the central point of coordination for the Regional Director—managing their schedule, communications, travel, and priorities. You will help to support the operational side of our business which includes oversight of all our Service Centres and their teams. You will prepare high-quality documents and briefings, support key meetings and regional initiatives, and ensure vital information flows smoothly between the Regional Director, leadership teams, and stakeholders, while demonstrating strong risk awareness and maintaining strict confidentiality at all times.
You’ll directly support senior leadership and play a critical part in enabling the region to deliver high-quality services to the communities we serve. Your work will create efficiency, clarity and stability at the leadership level—where it matters most.
This role also supports core office functions across HR, finance, and fleet to ensure seamless operational delivery.
Accountabilities & Deliverables | Ngā Haepapa me ngā Whakatutukinga
- Proactively manage the Regional Director’s diary, inbox, and meeting commitments.
- Screen and prioritise requests, ensuring the Director’s time is used effectively.
- Coordinate meetings end-to-end: agendas, papers, tech, venues, minutes.
- Prepare briefings, reports, presentations and correspondence.
- Manage travel arrangements and logistics.
- Act as a trusted point of contact for internal and external stakeholders.
- Coordinate regional events, forums and initiative rollouts.
- Support recruitment logistics, leave tracking and HR administration.
- Oversee expense claims, invoice processing and payroll checks.
- Maintain accurate records and ensure privacy and confidentiality.
- Monitor and manage regional fleet bookings, servicing and monthly reconciliations.
What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga
You will thrive in this role if you are:
- A highly organised EA who anticipates needs and stays ahead of deadlines.
- A strong communicator who builds trust quickly.
- Skilled at juggling multiple priorities and exercising sound judgment.
- Detail-focused, adaptable and proactive.
- Experienced in handling sensitive information with complete discretion.
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga
You can view the position description here: Executive Assistant to Regional Director position description
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $79,200.00 - $95,873.00
Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Sunday, 2nd August 2026
About us | Mō mātou
The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) is a people-centred organisation. We’re in communities across the motu, working with partners to help New Zealanders be safe, strong and independent.
We provide social policy advice to government, and assistance including income, employment and housing support to people of all ages, families, whānau and communities.
As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner, we are committed to supporting and enabling Māori, whānau, hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.
Our people are as diverse as the communities we serve. We care about the wellbeing and success of our people and provide a supportive and inclusive working environment where people can thrive and be who they are.
How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono
Before you submit your application, please take a moment to review our guidance to understand how AI can best support your application. Candidate Guidance - Responsible AI use in recruitment
To apply, click the 'Apply Now' button to upload your CV, cover letter and complete the online application form.
Note: Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process. Please highlight how your skills and experience relate to the key responsibilities listed in the position description and job advertisement.
All applications must be made online. If this is not possible or if you have any queries, please contact us at jobs@msd.govt.nz
Internal MSD Employees – please apply through your myHR portal at work. This will ensure that your myHR employee profile is visible as internal candidate.
Joining us | Ko te hono mai
Joining MSD means being part of a whānau that celebrates the diversity each individual represents.
We show manaaki, we care about the wellbeing and success of people and want everyone to thrive and be who they are in a supportive and inclusive working environment. We work together to make a difference for communities while doing the right thing with integrity. You can find out more about our values here.
If you have any support or accessibility requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.
