Executive Assistant to the Mayor

Executive Assistant to the Mayor

Live, work and play in Aotearoa New Zealand's most spectacular setting.

No two days at Queenstown Lakes District Council are the same.  Every day we provide services, facilities and programmes essential to the health and wellbeing of our people and environment, while stepping up to the challenges and opportunities that come with being New Zealand's fastest growing territorial authority.

We're proud to be QLDC.  Our people are motivated by a shared purpose driven by care, connection and community.  All our roles are at the heart of a dynamic and diverse set of communities where you will be making a genuine difference every day.  Join us.

We're looking for an Executive Assistant to deliver exceptional executive support to the Office of the Mayor and provide high-level administrative support by staying across Council business and key political matters, ensuring the Mayor's priorities are anticipated and met with professionalism and discretion.  This is a 12-month fixed-term contract covering maternity leave, starting in March

What you'll be doing / He aha te mahi

The Executive Assistant (EA) to the Mayor will be highly informed with regard to Council business, key issues and matters of political significance to ensure the political context is applied at all times. The role requires a high degree of professionalism, integrity, initiative and discretion to ensure that the expectations of the Mayor, the community, the organisation, and key stakeholders are both anticipated and exceeded. The successful candidate may also be required to attend meetings on behalf of the Mayor as appropriate.

The role will involve:

• Manage and effectively triage all incoming correspondence for the Office of the Mayor and hold accountability for timely and accurate responses, ensuring the Mayor is fully briefed.
• Research and prepare briefing notes, speech notes and outbound correspondence. Exemplary communication skills and judgement are required and will apply to all correspondence entered into on behalf of the Mayor.
• Identify and liaise with key stakeholders, and work with officers (e.g. community partnerships) to ensure the Mayor is well connected and prioritising key contemporary issues. Including overseeing all official occasions, visits and delegations, ensuring all international delegations are verified through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).
• Work with the Director of Democracy Services and Democracy Services Manager to develop and implement the triennial councillor induction programme following the Local Government elections, including assisting with the coordination of the inaugural council meeting, and providing input into relevant policy development and maintenance, such as policy on elected member reimbursement and expenses.
• Provide diary management and administration support for the Mayor, and Office of the Mayor, including regular publishing online of the Mayor's diary and meeting schedule, word processing, excel spreadsheets, InDesign and PowerPoint presentations supporting the Mayor, Chief Executive and Executive Leadership Team as required.
• Ensure a consistent customer-centric approach to all operations. Where necessary, escalate customer concerns to Customer Services Manager to coordinate a fulsome response across the organisation.

What you'll bring to the role / Ko wai to Pukeka

The ideal candidate will hold a tertiary Level 6 diploma in business management, communications, or a related field, and bring at least five years' experience in communications, administration, or similar roles. Local Government or Public Sector background is desirable, along with proven senior EA experience supporting executives such as a Chief Executive, Chairman, or elected member.

To best succeed in this role, you'll have:

• Tertiary level 6 diploma qualification in business management, communications, or related field.
• Local Government or Public Sector experience is desirable.
• Minimum of five years' experience in communications, administration, or related field.
• Previous senior EA experience is desirable, particularly having worked with senior executive level, for example, Chief Executive, Chairman or elected member (Mayor or MP).
• Demonstrated experience in a range of desktop applications, including Microsoft Office.
• Demonstrated planning and organisational skills, with an excellent eye for detail.
• Ability to effectively multitask.
• Proven ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with customers and gain their trust and respect.
• Demonstrated ability to take on responsibility and use initiative to prioritise work effectively under pressure and to tight deadlines.

What we offer / Ko a matou whakaratoka

We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports your health, wellbeing, and professional growth, including:

• Discounted membership to our health and fitness facilities
• Hybrid working practices
• Genuine commitment to your training and career development

To apply, please follow the link or for any questions please contact Naell Crosby-Roe, Director of Democracy Services at

Applications close: Wednesday 17th December 2025

Please note we will review and process applications as they come through; we encourage your early application.