Director of Education for Nelson Marlborough West Coast - Nelson based

Help shape the future of Education

We work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes 

Our organisation is made up of talented and committed people around Aotearoa, from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. While we work in different groups and on different things, we all strive every day to make the biggest difference we can for our ākonga in our education system.

About this role |Mō tēnei tūranga

This is a permanent role based in Nelson with responsibility for the Nelson, Marlborough and West Coast regions. It is preferred that candidiates are located in the geographical area. 

As Director of Education, you will lead the delivery of Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga | Ministry of Education services across the region, shaping an education system that enables every learner to succeed.

This is a pivotal leadership role focused on bringing together the Ministry, education providers, and wider sector to drive coordinated, high-impact outcomes. You’ll champion collaboration, influence strategic direction, and ensure the region delivers on the Government’s education priorities with pace and purpose.

Accountable for regional performance, you will lead responsive, locally informed solutions that lift achievement, strengthen equity, and create lasting change for tamariki and rangatahi.


The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary based on their individual skills and experience. 

For more details about the role, you can view the Job Description here Director of Education for Nelson Marlborough West Coast

 
About you | Mōhou ake
Your extensive experience as a senior leader within a large, complex organisation, preferably in service delivery, will be crucial to your success within this role.

You will also offer:

• A proven track record in change leadership and successful implementation and management of multiple and diverse programmes and services.

• Understanding of the levers and challenges of educational achievement.

• Proven track-record in working with and delivering equitable outcomes for Maori, Pacific and/or people with special education needs.

• Highly developed engagement and communication skills. 

• The ability to understand and apply the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi

• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

As Director of Education for Nelson, Marlborough and West Coast, you will join a highly effective, collaborative team of 17 leaders who collectively support the education sector across New Zealand.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake 

Te Mahau | Education Services has accountability for delivering national equity and access services, support to early learning and schooling operations, ākonga support services and improvement services for schooling and early learning. We work closely with the Early Childhood and Schooling sectors, providers, and communities to provide support, expertise, and resources to help children and young people reach their full potential.

Our role drives system performance by leading operational practices that are efficient, effective and sustainable by acting as the integration point where, funding, regulation, change management and good practice intersect. We forecast system performance and composition, regulate the sectors, manage the design and delivery of change initiatives and monitor their impacts, deliver billions of dollars of funding, and administer nationwide initiatives.

Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi?   

If this opportunity interests you, please submit your cover letter and resume by using the ‘apply' button. In your cover letter we’d like to know about you, your values, or anything else you’d like to share. We’re keen to understand your motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the diverse perspectives you will bring to the role. 

For further information, please contact Geoff Short, Hautū, Te Mahau | Deputy Secretary at Geoff.Short@education.govt.nz
 

Applications close Midnight – Wednesday 5 August 2026 

We want our people to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.