Alternative Education Lead

4 days ago

New Plymouth Central, New Zealand Zeal Education Trust Full time NZ$60,000 - NZ$90,000 per year

About Zeal

At Zeal, we believe every young person in Aotearoa deserves the opportunity to live a life full of meaning and purpose.

We provide transformative spaces and experiences where rangatahi are seen, valued, safe, and empowered — giving them an equitable shot to thrive.

Our team is guided by core values of aroha, whanaungatanga, manaakitanga, rangatiratanga, and ngakau mahaki. If that sounds like your vibe — you'll fit right in.

The Opportunity

We're looking for an inspiring, organised, and relational Alternative Education Lead to head up Zeal Taranaki's Alternative Education (AE) programme.

This is a leadership role that blends heart and strategy — managing day-to-day operations, mentoring youth workers and tutors, and ensuring high-quality outcomes for young people who need alternative pathways to learning and growth.

You'll also help coordinate creative and education programmes across Zeal and local schools, building strong connections with referral schools, whānau, and partner agencies.

What You'll Do

  • Lead and manage Zeal Taranaki's Alternative Education (AE) programme.
  • Build strong, trusting relationships with young people, schools, and whānau.
  • Ensure programme delivery meets all contractual, safety, and reporting requirements.
  • Support young people to develop confidence, life skills, and pathways back into school, training, or employment.
  • Mentor and coach youth workers and tutors to deliver engaging, high-quality practice.
  • Coordinate daily AE routines and activities that promote wellbeing, belonging, and learning.
  • Track student progress, maintain records, and oversee reporting to partners and funders.
  • Advocate for young people across education and wellbeing systems.
  • Contribute to the wider Zeal Taranaki team and support creative education initiatives.

What You'll Bring

  • Experience working in Alternative Education or a similar youth education setting.
  • Relevant tertiary qualification (Youth Work, Education, Social Work, etc.) and 4+ years' experience in youth/community development.
  • Knowledge of The Circle of Courage and Te Whare Tapa Whā.
  • Strong ability to build relationships with rangatahi and coach others to do the same.
  • Confident communicator with schools, agencies, and whānau.
  • Organised, proactive, and adaptable — able to juggle priorities in a dynamic environment.
  • Creative thinker with a passion for social change and youth empowerment.
  • Alignment with Zeal's values and kaupapa.

Why Join Zeal?

  • Be part of a kaupapa-driven team making a real difference for rangatahi in Taranaki.
  • Work in a supportive, creative, and collaborative environment.
  • Use your leadership and youth development experience to shape meaningful change.
  • Enjoy variety, autonomy, and purpose in your day-to-day mahi.

How to Apply

If you're passionate about youth development, education, and creativity — and you want to lead a team making real impact — we'd love to hear from you.

Please send your CV and cover letter (telling us why this kaupapa matters to you) to by 5 December.

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