Partnership Director at Candidate Experience Site - Department of Internal Affairs

Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

08 Jul, 26

Salary

221000.0

Posted On

09 Apr, 26

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Local government policy, Stakeholder engagement, Relationship management, Strategic leadership, Communication, Policy development, People leadership, Project management, Inter-agency collaboration, System challenges analysis

Industry

Government Relations Services

Description

About our Team | Mō te tīma Our team of four Partnership Directors support and deliver the local government work programme within the Department’s Policy and Te Tiriti Branch. Large projects include rates capping, simplifying local government, water service reform and city and regional deals. Partnership Directors work across the different Branch teams delivering these projects and closely with other agencies working on related projects, including resource management reform. Collectively we advise the Minister of Local Government and the Secretary for Local Government, connect the local government sector to other central government agencies, and deliver operational support to local authorities. Partnership Directors lead our engagement and relationships with the local government sector, including peak bodies. They provide leadership across strategic issues and system challenges within the local government sector. About you | Mōu You will bring a strong understanding of the local government environment, including council processes and practices, and be able to apply this knowledge effectively in a complex operating context. You will be a highly effective communicator with proven capability in building and managing relationships, representing the Department with credibility in high‑stakes environments. You will be widely recognised as a senior professional who performs well in a fast‑paced setting, confident in working across multiple agencies and engaging with a broad range of stakeholders. You will be motivated by the opportunity to contribute to a dynamic branch addressing complex and challenging policy issues. You will also be an effective people leader who works collaboratively to deliver results, fostering strong team performance and constructive ways of working. More importantly, while the work is serious, you will not take yourself too seriously and be prepared to make a joke and have fun while working hard. This role is Wellington based but will require a significant amount of travel as you build and maintain relationship with local government in a designated region. For you | Mōu Working at the Department of Internal Affairs, you’ll have the opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of New Zealanders. We are committed to offering a collaborative and innovative culture where your perspective and ideas will be welcomed. We want our people to thrive within a culture of best practice, while being able to set and achieve goals and being encouraged to challenge the status quo. To learn more about the diverse, important mahi we do at the Department and see why we're a great place to work check out our website https://www.dia.govt.nz/ [https://www.dia.govt.nz/] Benefits - About Internal Affairs - Careers with us - Benefits - dia.govt.nz [https://www.dia.govt.nz/About-Internal-Affairs---Careers-with-us---Benefits] The appointing range for this role is $177,000 - $221,000 To review the full job description, please click here. [https://www.dia.govt.nz/job-description/JD-PTT-Partnership-Director/$file/JD-PTT-Partnership-Director.pdf] How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono We are unable to accept applications via email. Please click the apply button to submit your application. We're committed to ensuring our application process is accessible to everyone. Please let us know if there is any support, we can provide to ensure the process is accessible to you. Applications for this role close 5pm, Thursday, 16 April 2026. Please also note that you must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand to be considered for this role. If you have any questions, please email Richard Ward [richard.ward@dia.govt.nz], General Manager Local Policy, Partnerships and Operations

Responsibilities

The Partnership Director leads engagement and relationships with the local government sector to deliver complex policy work programmes. They provide strategic leadership and operational support while advising the Minister and Secretary for Local Government.