Director DCE's Office
Date: 19 Jun 2026
Location: Wellington, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
- Permanent opportunity based in Wellington.
- We may also consider secondment opportunities for this role.
An exciting opportunity is available for a Director supporting the Office of the Deputy Chief Executive (DCE) in the Māori, Communities and Partnerships (MCP) Group.
About our team | Mō te tīma:
The Māori, Communities and Partnerships Group is responsible for connecting and collaborating with social sector partners and service providers to build community resilience and develop effective community approaches and services that support people to be safe strong and independent. We are also responsible for maintaining our relationships with Iwi and supporting the broader organisation's capability to engage and support the aspirations of Maori.
About the role | Mō te tūnga:
This strategic leadership position is a member of the MCP LT and plays a pivotal role in supporting the DCE to drive, deliver and monitor strategic outcomes within the responsibility of the group. In the role you will be managing key relationships, risks and issues on behalf of the DCE particularly with the Chief Executive and the Minister's office. You will be responsible for overseeing and monitoring critical work programmes, managing risks including media management and supporting the wider leadership team to troubleshoot group and Ministry wide challenges .
The MCP rōpu is made up of four teams, the Maori, Pacific and Communities, the Safe, Strong Families and Communities team, the Ministry of Youth Development, the Service and Contracts Management team and a small but mighty MCP Office. The Director support all teams and is a critical liaison with the wider organisation.
What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga:
To be successful in this role, you will need:
• Exceptional leadership capabilities
• Sound judgement, innovative thinking, intellectual flexibility and political nous
• To be a passionate people leader, with personal resilience, and the ability to be flexible and adaptable
• Strong and collaborative stakeholder management skills
• A well-rounded understanding of both strategy and operations
• Proven ability to provide high quality advice on a range of issues
• An ability to work with ambiguity and to move quickly in a dynamic environment
• To be outcomes focused, and prepared to get stuck in to achieve desired outcomes
• Excellent planning, and written and verbal communication skills
Please note to fulfil the requirements of the Director Office of Māori, Community Partnerships position a Secret security clearance will be required.
For more detailed information about this role, including responsibilities and expectations, please refer to the job description provided.
Working here | Te mahi ki konei:
The MSD senior leadership team is accessible and engaged in our work. We have a strategic direction which brings us together and inspires our work. Read more about Te Pae Tawhiti – Our Future here: Our strategic direction: Te Pae Tawhiti – Our Future
This is a unique opportunity to work with teams that make a difference to the lives of vulnerable New Zealanders. Our dedicated and collaborative teams work to support each other. We offer challenging, varied, and interesting work. We support flexible work options and the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.
If you're a driven, skilled leader ready to contribute to a growing, cooperative team tackling future challenges, we welcome your application
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga:
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $200,121.00 - $266,828.00
Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Friday 3rd July, 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.
