Lead – Engagement and Partnerships

New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology (NZIST) is New Zealand's leading institute of technology, which helps to drive the development of a skilled workforce not only in New Zealand but also around the world.

NorthTec, a business division of NZIST, provides quality tertiary education and training across a wide range of subjects and qualifications.  From certificate to postgraduate studies, we offer NZQA programmes for learners at a level and pathway that suits them.

To learn more about NorthTec/NZIST, visit Tai Tokerau Wānanga | NorthTec.

Overview

NorthTec has an outstanding opportunity for a strategic, organised, and relationship-driven professional to join our External Engagement team as Lead – Engagement and Partnerships.

Reporting to the External Engagement Manager, you'll cultivate and manage strategic relationships with iwi/hapū, industry, government, and community partners. You'll lead partnership projects and initiatives that enhance NorthTec's visibility, influence, and impact across the region.

This role is not just about building connection, it's about delivering results. You'll be as comfortable negotiating contracts and tracking ROI as you are engaging stakeholders and representing NorthTec at key events. We're looking for someone who combines people skills with commercial acumen, attention to detail, and the ability to drive measurable outcomes.

To succeed, you'll be a confident communicator, a strategic thinker, and a hands-on collaborator. You'll bring experience in stakeholder engagement, partnership development, and project delivery, with a strong understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and cultural responsiveness.

This is a full-time, permanent position. Flexibility to travel across Tai Tokerau and attend events outside standard business hours is required.

Skills, Experience and Attributes

• Tertiary qualification in communications, community engagement, or a related field.
• 5+ years' experience in stakeholder engagement, partnership development, or community relations.
• Proven experience working with iwi/hapū and diverse communities.
• Strong understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application in engagement contexts.
• Excellent relationship-building and interpersonal skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strategic thinking with a collaborative, hands-on approach.
• Commercial acumen—able to negotiate contracts, manage partnership agreements, and track ROI.
• Highly organised, able to manage multiple priorities and deliver outcomes.
• High level of cultural competence and emotional intelligence.
• Ability to lead and motivate others, including oversight of the Schools and Community Engagement Facilitator.
• Full NZ driver's licence may be required.
• Willingness to travel across Tai Tokerau and attend events outside standard business hours.
• Police vetting required.

If you would like the opportunity to join a team that prides itself in making a difference in the lives of ākonga, their whanau, and the wider community, we welcome you to apply for this position.

How to Apply

To be considered for this position, applicants must be a NZ Citizen or NZ Permanent Resident.

Please apply online and attach your current CV and covering letter highlighting your skills and experience that align with this role.

Note: NorthTec will be closed for the holiday period, and applications will not be reviewed until mid-January 2026.

More about Tai Tokerau Wānanga | NorthTec

Tai Tokerau Wānanga | NorthTec is committed to developing Northland and its people through tertiary education. NorthTec is the region's largest provider of tertiary education, with campuses and learning centres in Whangārei and across Northland in addition to over 60 community based delivery points. NorthTec remains the only Tertiary Education Institute (TEI) based north of Auckland that provides programmes from foundation to degree level.

The region's gentle climate, relaxed lifestyle and unbounded opportunities continue to attract people from around the world to Northland's spectacular rural and coastal surroundings.

Te Tai Taitokerau Wānanga, He kuratini whakatangata, whakakaha hāpori hoki

He kuratini e taea ai koe te ako i ngā āhuatanga e whai mahi ai

Disclaimer

This position is currently open to internal candidates of NZIST divisions. It has also been identified as a potential redeployment for kaimahi who have had their position impacted. Therefore, in assessing applications affected kaimahi will be given priority. We welcome external applicants.