Programme Director – 100 Years of Sporting Unity

2 days ago

Wellington Central, Wellington, New Zealand Sport NZ Group Full time

Are you a strategic leader with a passion for sport, diplomacy, and cultural engagement? Sport NZ is seeking a dynamic Programme Director to lead the delivery of a landmark initiative celebrating 100 years of sporting unity between India and New Zealand.

This high-profile programme will coincide with major tours by India's national cricket, hockey, and football teams in 2026, and will feature a vibrant calendar of events, commemorations, and activations across both countries.

About the Role

As Programme Director, you'll lead a dedicated programme office and work across government, sport, business, and community sectors to deliver a world-class initiative. You'll oversee six core streams including:

  • Sports events and activations
  • Strategic leadership and branding
  • Business engagement
  • Community and cultural engagement
  • Commemorative celebrations
  • Related campaigns and events

You'll also serve as the public face of the programme, championing its vision and ensuring New Zealand's profile is amplified in India and globally.

The Programme Director will lead strategic planning, delivery, and governance of the 100 Years of Sporting Unity programme, ensuring cohesive execution across all workstreams. They will build strong relationships with national sporting organisations, Indian diaspora networks, and diplomatic partners, while coordinating cross-agency collaboration with NZTE, MFAT, MBIE, Tourism NZ, Education NZ, and others. The role includes overseeing budget, risk, and performance management, driving communications, branding, and media engagement, and securing sponsorships and managing investment processes. The Programme Director will also represent the initiative at cultural festivals, bilateral visits, and community events, serving as a visible and trusted champion of the programme.

What You'll Bring

The ideal candidate will bring proven experience in delivering large-scale events or commemorative programmes, along with strong networks across Indian business, cultural, and diaspora communities. They will demonstrate exceptional cross-cultural communication and diplomatic engagement skills and have strategic leadership experience within government or multi-stakeholder environments. High-level project management, risk oversight, and stakeholder coordination capabilities are essential, as is a collaborative mindset and the ability to lead a high-performing team.

The successful candidate will ideally hold a tertiary qualification in events, public policy, communications, or marketing. They will demonstrate a strong commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and possess an understanding of Sport NZ's responsibilities as a Crown agency. A sound awareness of the wider social and political context in which Sport NZ operates is also essential.

This is a fixed-term role through to December 2026. You'll lead a small team (up to three direct reports) and be hosted by Sport NZ.

Apply Now

Ready to shape a legacy of sporting unity and cultural connection? Apply now to lead one of the most exciting programmes in New Zealand's sport diplomacy history.

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