Director Data and Evidence at Ministry of Social Development

Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

21 Dec, 25

Salary

214131.0

Posted On

22 Sep, 25

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Evaluation, Monitoring, Performance Measurement, Data Visualisation, Quantitative Research, Qualitative Research, Leadership, Public Sector Accountability, Data Literacy, Continuous Improvement, Equity, Cultural Responsiveness, Data Governance, Ethics, Privacy, Māori Data Sovereignty

Industry

Government Administration

Description

Permanent full-time role Strategic leadership opportunity Drive evidence-informed practice across DSS Are you passionate about using data and insights to drive meaningful change? This is your opportunity to lead a high-impact team and shape how Disability Support Services (DSS) measure performance, demonstrate impact, and inform future investment. About our team | Mō te tīma: The Disability Support Services (DSS) Group is responsible for commissioning, funding, and stewarding high-quality services that support disabled people, their families, and whānau. We’re building leadership and management capacity across our teams to deliver both change and business-as-usual effectively. We work closely with providers, stakeholders, and communities to ensure services are fair, consistent, transparent and sustainable. With a strong focus on performance monitoring, data, and insights, we’re committed to continuous improvement and evidence-based decision-making. It’s an exciting time to join DSS as we strengthen our systems and expand our capabilities. We’re looking for passionate people to help us achieve our goals and make a meaningful impact. About the role | Mō te tūnga: As Director – Data and Evidence, you’ll lead the development and application of evidence, performance, and outcomes frameworks that support learning, accountability, and continuous improvement across DSS. You’ll ensure decisions are informed by robust data and insights, and that the organisation can clearly demonstrate its value to stakeholders, communities, and government. This role plays a critical part in building a culture of evidence-informed practice and ensuring that performance measurement is meaningful, equitable, and aligned with strategic priorities. You’ll also work closely with MSD Strategy and Insights colleagues to commission research and evaluation into current and future needs for disability support services. Key responsibilities include: Designing and implementing an outcomes framework aligned with strategic goals, government priorities, and community aspirations. Leading, coaching, and developing the Evidence, Performance & Outcomes team. Providing strategic direction for the collection, analysis, and use of data and evidence. Developing performance indicators, monitoring systems, and evaluation strategies. Commissioning insights, evaluation, and research in partnership with MSD Strategy and Insights. Overseeing integration and analysis of data from multiple sources to generate actionable insights. Building organisational capability in using evidence and performance information. We value diversity and welcome applications from disabled people and those with lived experience as whānau or members of the disability community. Please let us know if there is any support we can provide to ensure the recruitment process is accessible to you. What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga: Advanced knowledge of evaluation, monitoring, and performance measurement methodologies including familiarity with data visualisation tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau). Experience with both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Proven leadership and people management experience in fast-paced environments. Strong understanding of public sector accountability and performance frameworks. Ability to translate complex data into clear, compelling narratives and experience building data literacy and capability across teams. Experience leading continuous improvement and embedding service excellence. Ability to embed equity and cultural responsiveness into measurement and evaluation. Strong knowledge of data governance, ethics, privacy, and Māori data sovereignty. Proven ability to communicate complex information clearly to diverse audiences, including Ministers. Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga: A copy of the position description can be found here. Director Data and Evidence, position description.Salary range | Utu-ā-tau: $161,811.00 - $214,131.00 Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Sunday 5 October 2025. About us | Mō mātou: The Ministry of Social Development is a people-centred organisation. We’re in communities across the motu, working with partners to help New Zealanders be safe, strong and independent. We provide social policy and advice to government and assistance, including income, employment and housing support to people of all ages, families, whānau and communities. Our people are as diverse as the communities we serve. We care about the wellbeing and success of our people and provide a supportive and inclusive working environment where people can thrive and be who they are. How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono: To apply, click the 'Apply Now' button to upload your CV, cover letter and complete the online application form. Note: Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key responsibilities listed in the position description. All applications must be made online. If this is not possible or if you have any queries, please contact us at jobs@msd.govt.nz Internal MSD Employees – please apply through your myHR portal at work. This will ensure that your myHR employee profile is visible as internal candidate. Joining us | Ko te hono mai: Joining MSD means being part of a whānau that celebrates the diversity each individual represents. We show manaaki, we care about the wellbeing and success of people and want everyone to thrive and be who they are in a supportive and inclusive working environment. We work together to make a difference for communities while doing the right thing with integrity. If you have any support or accessibility requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and application of evidence, performance, and outcomes frameworks across DSS. Ensure decisions are informed by robust data and insights, demonstrating the organization's value to stakeholders and communities.