Deputy Secretary, Curriculum Centre

Strengthening Education

The Ministry of Education plays a critical role in shaping New Zealand’s education system to deliver equitable and excellent outcomes for all learners.

Achieving excellence is about supporting every student to experience success at every stage of their learning journey from early learning and schooling, right through to tertiary, training and employment. A focus on equity is critical in the New Zealand context – it means recognising and responding to the diverse circumstances and needs of all our learners.

We are now reshaping the way the Ministry is organised so that we are better positioned to deliver on the goals of equity and excellence. This means being focused on our core role and doing it well; being deliberately outward-facing and forward-looking; utilising evidence and data to make informed decisions; and supporting a strong organisational culture.

As the stewards of our education system, the Ministry is looking for experienced and outstanding leaders who are driven, curious, open to different perspectives and adaptable to lead our people through system and organisational change.

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga

The Hautū | Deputy Secretary Te Poutāhū | Curriculum Centre is accountable for the provision and delivery of quality curricula, assessment, and teaching expertise, in alignment with the Ministry’s overall strategic priorities and programmes of work.

As the senior leader for the Curriculum Centre, this role supports the Secretary by leading the Te Poutāhū group to design and deliver national curricula and associated systems and processes of assessment that supports great outcomes for students. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of shifting educational achievement.

As a member of the Ministry’s Executive Leadership Team, this role contributes to whole-of-Ministry leadership and decision-making, providing strategic leadership and direction across the organisation, and proactively understanding the work and needs of stakeholders to ensure effective service provision.

About you | Mōhou ake

You are a senior executive with the vision, capability, and resilience to lead one of the Ministry’s most complex and high-profile groups. With a proven record of designing and delivering relevant services on a national scale in large, multifaceted organisations, you bring the confidence to engage at the highest levels of government. You combine functional expertise with system-level leadership, connecting the Curriculum Centre to the Ministry’s wider purpose and outcomes for learners.

You bring the judgement, and presence to influence across Ministers, central agencies, and sector partners. Skilled at leading large professional teams, you inspire confidence under pressure, drive transformation, and foster collaboration across government. Above all, you bring pace, energy, and a collaborative style that strengthens the Executive Leadership Team and sets the tone for the Ministry.

Ideally you bring a working knowledge of curriculum design and implementation and teaching practice and some experience in engaging with the education or similar complex sectors.

You will bring

• Extensive executive leadership experience in large, complex organisations.
• Strong knowledge of the public sector, including governance and ministerial processes.
• Expertise leading high-performing public services.
• Proven capability in the integration of policy design, ideally in the education sector.
• Some knowledge of current teaching practices.
• A track record of delivering transformational change.
• Credibility to engage confidently with Ministers, central agencies, and sector leaders and unions.
• Resilience, judgement, and a collaborative style that grows people and strengthens organisational performance.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to and promote thePublic Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

About the group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

Te Poutāhū, the Curriculum Centre group is responsible for leading the national curricula for New Zealand, with the focus on the delivery of excellent and equitable outcomes for users of the education system.

The functions within the group are focused on the design, development and provision of curriculum services for teachers, kaiako, leaders, ākonga, their whānau and communities that reflect their identities, languages and cultures. We bring together curriculum, teaching expertise and evidence for the development, support and review of inclusive curricula, assessment and NCEA.

We connect with the sector, work collaboratively to identify priorities and design effective solutions while maintaining and growing public trust and confidence in the Ministry to deliver.

Key functions within this group include, but are not exhaustive to:

• New Zealand’s curriculum services and Te Whāriki (New Zealand’s early learning curriculum)
• Qualifications and Pathways
• Sector Engagement
• Implementation of education services

We want our candidates 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.

Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi?

APPLICATIONS CLOSE: Monday, 29 June2026

APPLY OR VIEW THE POSITION DESCRIPTION : www.jacksonstone.co.nz

REFERENCE: BH-11688

FURTHER ENQUIRIES: Simon Boyes +64 4 550 8026 or Donna Williams +64 4 550 8020