Specialist Service Lead

Help shape the future of education in New Zealand

Help shape the future of Education

We work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes

Our organisation is made up of talented and committed people around Aotearoa, 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 | Mo tenei turanga

• 2 Permanent, full-time opportunities
• While the role sits within our national office function, it can be based in any Ministry of Education office location.

As a Specialist Service Lead, you will provide strategic practice leadership across Learning Support and work collaboratively with regional and national colleagues, education providers, whanau, iwi and sector partners.

You will influence practice at a system level by leading the development of national guidance, strengthening professional capability, and using evidence and insights to drive continuous improvement. This is a role for someone who enjoys connecting strategy with practice and translating complex information into practical solutions that improve outcomes for learners.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing expert practice leadership and specialist advice across Learning Support.

• Leading the development of national resources, frameworks and guidance.

• Supporting the implementation of new initiatives and practice approaches.

• Using data, research and insights to inform decision-making and improve service delivery.

• Building capability through coaching, mentoring, quality assurance and professional learning.

• Developing strong partnerships across the education sector and wider government.

• Preparing and quality assuring high-quality advice, briefings, ministerial correspondence and other strategic documents.

Please note: Applications from affected kaimahi | employees will be given priority consideration.

Salary range: $101,296 - $122,490 per annum plus KiwiSaver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.

For more details about the role, you can view the Job Description here.

About you | Mohou ake

To be successful in the role you will be a respected specialist and strategic thinker who can influence others through expertise, credibility and strong relationships. You will be comfortable navigating complexity and have a passion for strengthening services that support children and young people to succeed.

You will also offer:

• A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent specialist experience working with children, young people and whanau.
• Significant experience supporting children and young people with physical disabilities, complex learning needs, neurodiversity, cognitive differences, or other additional support needs, and applying this expertise to improve educational outcomes.
• Experience working within government or complex public sector environments.
• Strong understanding of the New Zealand education system and inclusive education practices.
• Experience leading organisational change, practice improvement or capability-building initiatives.
• Excellent analytical, communication and relationship-management skills.
• The ability to interpret and apply evidence, research and data to improve outcomes.
• Experience coaching and developing others.
• A commitment to culturally responsive practice and supporting equitable outcomes for Maori.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

This is an opportunity to contribute to work that has national impact. You'll join a collaborative and highly skilled team that is committed to:

• Improving outcomes for children, young people and whanau.
• Strengthening inclusive education practice across Aotearoa.
• Building capability across the learning support workforce.
• Delivering on Te Tiriti o Waitangi commitments and advancing equitable outcomes for Maori.
• Creating meaningful change through evidence-informed leadership and practice.

About our group and team | Matau ropu ake

Te Pou Taunaki | Learning Support works to support achievement and success for learners with additional needs, ensuring they receive the right support to thrive. We provide national leadership for learning support policy, practice, service design, delivery, and continuous improvement, partnering across education, health, social services, and community providers to strengthen outcomes for akonga and their whanau.

Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mo tenei mahi?

If this opportunity interests you, please submit your cover letter and resume by using the `apply' button. In your cover letter we'd like to know about you, your values, or anything else you'd like to share. We're keen to understand your motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the diverse perspectives you will bring to the role.

For further information, please contact Shona Jones, Manager, National Support and Guidance at [email protected]

Applications close Midnight - Wednesday, 28 October 2026