Principal Advisor, Secondary Transitions

Overview Help shape the future of education in New Zealand. We work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes. Our organisation is made up of talented and committed people aroundAotearoa, 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 students in our education system. About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga This permanent, full‑time opportunity is available in either Dunedin, Invercargill, or Cromwell. It is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference in the outcomes of young people by ensuring better progression from schooling to further education, training and employment. The Principal Adviser Secondary Transition is a regionally based specialist providing change and thought leadership to education sector leaders, assisting them to support learners to move through National Certificate of Education Achievement (NCEA), to employment with a focus on equitable outcomes. This role also plays a key part in the implementation of KaHikitia and the Action Plan for Pacific Education. You will work across the region with secondary schools, wharekura, tertiary education providers, iwi and communities with the new NCEA changes and develop new strategies to lift achievement and rates of retention in education. You will also assist education providers to establish strong local partnerships with employers in order to equip young people to build successful careers, supporting their wellbeing and assisting them to have successful lives. You will work in practical ways to provide innovative alternative solutions for students who are disengaged and/or struggle in mainstream settings. A flexible and agile mindset is important as is experience in change management, and utilising data to support decision making. Salary range:$119,171–$144,560per annum plusKiwiSaver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience. About you | Mōhou ake You will bring strong interpersonal and relationship skills, diplomacy and tact, and the ability to work seamlessly between local employers, tertiary providers, schools, iwi and communities. Extensive experience and knowledge in education and or leadership and the ability to support professional change at a school level is required. You should be able to utilise data and key knowledge to support regional insights, planning, and reporting. Applicants must have a full driver’s licence as travel will be required. The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct is essential. About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake Te Mahau is a frontline group. Our frontline groups collectively provide leadership and integrated services to the sector and others, including learning support, education advice, regulation and network functions for kōhanga, schools, kura and early learning services. We coordinate and deliver responsive solutions to realise local region education priorities and goals. We develop and harness existing relationships with communities at the regional and local level, including deep relationships with iwi and hapū. We also strengthen relationships with our diverse communities who support Māori, Pacific peoples, disabled ākonga and/or ākonga with learning support needs, and ākonga from disadvantaged backgrounds. Contact For further information, please contact Aimee TeTau, Manager, Practice & Performance, Otago | Southland Region at [email protected]. Applications close Midnight – Sunday, 19July2026. We want our people to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know. #J-18808-Ljbffr