Lead Advisor, Professional Development - Wellington
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 Wellington based role so the successful candidate will be required to be in the office as agreed with their manager.
Join our team as a Lead Advisor, Professional Development where you will play a pivotal role in shaping professional learning and development across early learning and schooling. You will work within Te Poutāhū (Curriculum Centre) and work closely with the Professional Development team, our senior leadership team and wider group to provide credible advice, insights and guidance on a range of initiatives, to help translate these into practice and influence across a changing landscape. This expertise and advice will ensure exceptional and consistent levels across our delivery of service for our ākonga.
The role requires the following focus and capabilities:
Leverage research, data, and analysis to drive decisions, anticipate emerging issues, and ensure success of professional learning and development initiatives.
Proactively identify and address potential risks to improve outcomes, using a systematic and integrated approach.
Track and evaluate the impact of initiatives, providing assurance that investments meet the highest standards of quality and performance.
Design and implement innovative solutions, using investment and design frameworks to create impactful products and services.
Work closely with the Principal and Senior Advisors to develop researched and evidence-based solutions providing innovative solutions to current practices.
A strong understanding of The New Zealand Curriculum, challenges, risk and impacts.
Critical thinking with the ability to draw on various sources to help our senior leadership make informed decisions.
Collaborate closely across Te Poutāhū to make recommendation and provide insight into the design strategy to ensure our resources are aligned to meet current and changing demands.
Identification of skill gaps and training to ensure curriculum integration so we are keeping up with technological and changing ākonga needs.
Salary range: $100,296 - $121,490 per annum + 3% KiwiSaver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.
For more details about the role, you can view the Job Description here.
About you | Mōhou ake
We are looking for a Lead Advisor with the following capabilities:
Expertise and experience in designing knowledge rich curriculum resources and the science of learning to support quality education outcomes.
Strong stakeholder relationship management skills, including across education and government sectors.
Comprehensive knowledge of the following area; Professional Development/ curriculum and associated challenges, risk and impacts.
Excellent analytical skills including ability to lead and support the development and delivery of complex analysis, business cases and advice.
Possess excellent ministerial writing skills clear and professional written and verbal communication.
A strong level of Industry knowledge which will allow for actionable insights advice and analysis.
Experience overseeing development and design of Professional Development Curriculum assessment and resources.
Critical thinking with the ability to draw on various sources to help our senior leadership make informed decisions.
Confidence to mentor, coach and build capability across the organisation.
Aptitude to work flexibly across the work area and an ever-changing environment.
Conceptual thinker who can translate, guide and develop frameworks and standards to support our professional development design with excellent teaching and learning resources
The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.
About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake
The purpose of Te Poutāhū is to lead the national curricula for Aotearoa New Zealand and associated systems and processes of assessment and aromatawai.
We design, develop and provide curriculum services for teachers, kaiako, leaders, ākonga, their whānau and communities that reflect their identities, languages and cultures. We bring together curriculum, teaching expertise and evidence for the development, support and review of inclusive curricula, assessment and NCEA. Our strengths are across te reo Māori, mātauranga Māori, disability, inclusive learning support and culturally relevant content so that Te Mahau supports learning that is inclusive for all ākonga.
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 Heena Ravji at heena.ravji@education.govt.nz
Applications close Midnight – Sunday, 7 December 2025
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.
