Executive Assistant | Pouāwhina

We’re looking for a highly organised, proactive and experienced

Executive Assistant to support our Executive Director Strategy and Planning. This is a pivotal role where your ability to anticipate, coordinate, and communicate will help drive strategic and operational success across a diverse and high‑impact Directorate.

About Nelson City Council | E pā ana ki te Kaunihera o Whakatū

Our vision for Whakatū Nelson is a creative, prosperous and innovative city. Our community is inclusive, resilient, and connected – we care for each other and our environment.

About the role | Kō tēnei tūranga mahi

As the Executive Assistant –

Strategy and Planning, you’ll provide high‑quality, proactive support that enables the Executive Director to focus on strategic priorities. You’ll manage complex diaries and information flow, coordinate key meetings, prepare polished documentation, and act as a trusted point of contact for staff and stakeholders. Working collaboratively with the wider EA team, you’ll help ensure seamless operations across Directorates and contribute to a unified, well‑connected organisation.

Key Responsibilities Of The Role Include

• Managing the Executive Director’s diary, inbox, correspondence.
• Coordinating meetings, agendas, papers, minutes, and follow‑up actions.
• Preparing and reviewing correspondence, reports, and presentations.
• Screening and prioritising communication to ensure timely responses.
• Providing project and cross‑Directorate support as part of the wider EA team.

About you | Ko ngā pūmanawa ō

The Ideal Candidate Will Possess

• Demonstrated deep experience providing high-level executive‑level support.
• Exceptional attention to detail and a passion for well-structured, efficient processes that deliver high-quality outcomes
• Ability to work efficiently and accurately with pace.
• Outstanding organisational skills, with the ability to balance competing priorities.
• Strong judgement, discretion, and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Excellent communication, proofreading, and document preparation skills.
• Ability to build trusted relationships with key stakeholders such as the other EA's and Business Unit Managers, as well as work collaboratively across teams.
• Advanced Microsoft Office capability.
• A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent professional experience.

What we offer | Ko ngā painga mōu

• Wellbeing leave, platforms and initiatives
• A fully subsidised health insurance scheme
• Learning and professional development opportunities
• Access to various employee benefits and discounts
• Mountains, beaches and national parks at your doorstep

Applications close | Rā whakakapi

On Friday 31 July 2026.

Applications will be reviewed as received, and the vacancy may close early if a suitable candidate is found. We encourage you to apply without delay.

For further enquiries | Ina he pātai anō, whakapā mai

Please reach out to Juliette Sutton - People & Capability Advisor if you have any questions on ***email_hidden***

At Nelson City Council, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where everyone feels safe, valued, and has a true sense of belonging. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from diverse ethnicities and cultures, LGBTQ+ communities, neurodivergent individuals, and people with disabilities. If you require any assistance with your application, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.