Special Focus Leadership Advisor

Job Type: Fixed Term
- Location: Napier, NZ

**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**
- Area and Composite School Leadership Advisor
- Commencing 28 January 2026
- Fixed-term, full-time role
- North Island

There is a vacancy for an Area and Composite School Leadership Advisor based in and serving the North Island region.

This is a 1 - 2-year secondment position and will commence on the 28th of January 2026.

In addition to the two regional roles, the expanded Leadership Advisory service is looking to fill a range of special focus roles. These roles will provide more nuanced support to specific parts of the principal sector in the region and beyond.

These Leadership Advisors will provide dedicated and responsive support to specific parts of the principal/ school sector across broader geographic areas.

We are looking for experienced principals with successful sector experience and strong connections within the network to share your experience, provide advice, coaching and support to others in similar situations.

The Area and Composite School Leadership Advisor (North Island) will work with Te Mahau and the sector to develop innovative and effective ways to meet the unique, current and emerging needs of the principals within this sector.

They will also form effective relationships with Te Mahau across the regions they serve, will work closely with the other special focus advisor in their sector, national sector groups and collaboratively with leadership advisors across New Zealand.

You will report to the Director of Education in your rohe and be supported nationally by the Chief Advisor.

You will use your knowledge, expertise and experience to provide support and advice, addressing issues where and when they arise as a highly trusted educational professional. Your focus will be on improving leadership capability in schools and kura.

You will work closely with regional colleagues and play a key role in facilitating the sharing of good practice across the system, supporting collaborative networks such as clusters of schools, to shape innovative approaches to curriculum design and teaching and learning.

You can view and download the Expression of Interest (EOI) form here

Applicant's current /most recent terms of employment and remuneration will apply.

**About you | Mōhou ake**

You will be a highly experienced current or recently retired school Principal (within the last 12 months).

We are looking for deep first-hand knowledge of the principal’s role and their responsibilities and the ability to work well across the sector.

You will have had experience supporting Principals in Area and Composite Schools.

You will also:

- Have mana and status in the sector, someone who relates well to others and leads with integrity.
- Have proven successful capability in school management and strategic and instructional leadership
- Have the ability to coach and support leaders across the sector (primary, intermediate, and secondary.
- Have the ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

**About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake**

At Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga, we provide services and support nationally, regionally, and locally to the education sector, and in some cases, directly to ākonga and whānau.

Te Mahau Te Tai Whenua is the key interface between Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga | Ministry of Education and education providers. It is our role to ensure that sector leaders and the communities in which they operate have access to the expertise, programmes and resources that will allow our children and young people to reach their full potential.

We give effect to government and Ministry policy and support education and community leadership within a self-managing system, to bring about the positive changes required to lift aspiration and raise educational achievement for all.

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

If this opportunity interests you, please submit your completed Expression of Interest (EOI) and CV by using the ‘apply' button. 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.

Applications are invited for the Area and Composite School Leadership Advisor role, by secondments of 12 or 24 months.

Please note - there is no need to provide a cover letter. Two only attachments are to be uploaded.
**Attachment 1** - EOI Form with a let