Lead Connector | Palmerston North | Permanent
Date: 16 Sept 2026
Location: Palmerston North, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
- Lead and mentor a team making real impact
- Champion the Enabling Good Lives approach
- Permanent role based in Palmerston North
Join a committed team reshaping Aotearoa’s disability support system. In this leadership role you will coach and support Connectors, partner with disabled people and whānau, and drive person-directed, community-connected outcomes.
About our team | Mō te tīma
The Disability Support Services (DSS) Group is responsible for commissioning, funding, and stewarding high-quality services that support disabled people, their families, and whānau.
We’re building leadership and management capacity across our teams to deliver both change and business-as-usual effectively.
We work closely with providers, stakeholders, and communities to ensure services are fair, consistent, transparent and sustainable. With a strong focus on performance monitoring, data, and insights, we’re committed to continuous improvement and evidence-based decision-making.
It’s an exciting time to join DSS as we strengthen our systems and expand our capabilities.
We’re looking for passionate people to help us achieve our goals and make a meaningful impact.
About the role | Mō te tūnga
As a Lead Connector, you’ll provide leadership, mentoring and guidance to Connectors and Specialist Connectors, helping them grow their skills to support disabled people and whānau.
You’ll work alongside individuals and families to explore options, create possibilities, and support decision-making about their lives and the resources that enable them to thrive.
This role is central to the Enabling Good Lives approach and contributes directly to the transformation of the disability support system.
You’ll work in homes, schools, communities and provider organisations to build relationships, encourage aspiration, and connect people with their local communities.
Please note this role is based in Palmerston North. To learn more about the Enabling Good Lives approach, visit https://www.enablinggoodlives.co.nz
Key responsibilities include:
- Lead, manage, coach and provide guidance to Connectors and Specialist Connectors
- Support disabled people and whānau to plan and direct their own lives
- Build strong relationships across diverse communities
- Promote the Enabling Good Lives vision and principles
- Work collaboratively across homes, schools, and community settings
- Contribute to system transformation and inclusive practice
We value diversity and welcome applications from disabled people and those who have lived experience with whānau, or the disability community.
Please contact us if there is any support that we can provide to ensure the recruitment process is accessible to you.
What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga
- Deep understanding of the Enabling Good Lives vision and principles
- Experience mentoring or leading teams and managing workflow
- Skilled in creative thinking and supporting aspirational planning
- Strong community connections and knowledge of local resources
- Ability to build trust with diverse individuals and whānau
- Lived experience or strong links with Māori, Pasifika, Rainbow, Deaf or migrant communities
- Excellent communication skills and adaptability across contexts
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga
A copy of the position description can be found here. Lead Connector position description.
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $104,359.00 - $129,869.00
Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Wednesday 30 September 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.
