Chief Executive

• Lead a purpose-led organisation making a clear and tangible impact
• Shape our future direction and grow research-informed education to deliver meaningful community outcomes
• Broad, hands-on role spanning strategic leadership and operational delivery

Mō mātou | About Us

Drowning Prevention Auckland (DPA) has worked to reduce drowning across Tāmaki Makaurau since 1994, delivering water safety education, research and advocacy under the Wai Ora Tāmaki Makaurau framework.  We focus on communities most at risk, including tamariki, older adults and new migrants, and we work across community, workplace and education settings.

As a research-led organisation, our dedicated research and impact function shapes evidence-based programme design, alongside educators who are genuinely connected to the communities we serve. Our values, Mana, Aroha, Whakawhanaunga, and our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, shape how we partner with Māori, Pacific People, Asian and diverse communities across Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Reporting to our Board, you will provide strategic leadership and vision, driving organisational performance and delivery to help us grow responsibly and sustainably, with our mission and values at the core.  This role also carries significant external leadership responsibility, from building our profile and stakeholder relationships to ensuring financial sustainability and positioning us for the future.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading the Senior Leadership Team with strategic direction and sound stewardship
• Supporting our Board with governance, good reporting and decision-making
• Building our profile with influential relationships, and representing DPA with funders, partners, communities, in the media and with other key stakeholders
• Shaping our continued growth and extending our reach, including beyond Auckland
• Ensuring effective communication of our mission, and regularly measuring and monitoring our impact, across our communities, funders and partners
• Championing Te Tiriti o Waitangi and culturally responsive practice

Ko wai koe | About you

You may already be a Chief Executive, or hold a senior leadership role in a charitable, public service or commercial setting, with a track record of building high-performing, highly engaged teams. Experience in water safety/drowning prevention is highly valued, however we also welcome those who can bring relevant experience from other sectors and have an ability to quickly build the knowledge needed to succeed.

Of most importance is an affinity with our kaupapa, leading with authenticity and consistency and building trust across our organisation, sector and the communities we serve. You will bring strategic vision and sound operational delivery, working collaboratively with our Board.

This is a genuine opportunity to help shape DPA’s future and make a lasting difference to drowning prevention across Auckland.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

For a copy of the information pack please email Jo at [email protected]

To apply, please email your cover letter and CV to [email protected]

Applications close Friday 4th September.

Please be assured that a human will carefully read every application. We encourage judicious use of AI.

You must have the right to live and work in Aotearoa New Zealand to apply for this job.