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 | Mō tēnei tūranga
This is a 12-month Fixed Term or Secondment opportunity based in Wellington.
- Are you interested in shaping the future of education policy in Aotearoa?
- Do you enjoy working on complex, system-level issues with real-world impact?
We’re looking for an experienced Senior Policy Manager to lead the Infrastructure Policy team within the Schools Policy group, Te Pou Kaupapahere.
This role offers the opportunity to work across a diverse and intellectually engaging programme that brings together regulatory settings, funding approaches, and Treaty considerations. The work tackles complex, longstanding policy challenges that directly affect learners, whānau and communities across New Zealand.
You’ll lead strategic policy work and support the delivery of priority advice, while working closely with colleagues across policy and operational groups.
Importantly, this is a role where you can focus on thoughtful, high-quality policy development in a supportive and collaborative environment. We welcome interest from candidates who are considering a secondment as well as fixed-term opportunities.
Salary range: $142,856 - $214,284 per annum + 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 hereSenior Policy Manager
About you | Mōhou ake
This may be the perfect opportunity if you:
- have proven experience leading complex and sensitive policy projects or programmes of work
- bring strong strategic thinking and sound judgement to policy development
- are confident working across a varied and evolving policy programme
- demonstrate the ability to work with ambiguity and long-standing system challenges
- build strong relationships across teams, agencies and with Ministers’ offices
- support and grow others, and contribute to a positive and inclusive team culture
- understand and incorporate te Tiriti o Waitangi considerations and Māori perspectives in policy
- Have the ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.
In return, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to a deeply meaningful and intellectually rewarding policy programme, with:
- A supportive and caring team environment
- opportunities to work on complex, high-value policy issues
- strong support for your professional growth and development.
About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake
The Schools Policy group sits within Te Pou Kaupapahere (Policy Group). Te Pou Kaupapahere works alongside our colleagues in other parts of the Ministry to provide Ministers with policy options to resource and shape the education system. This means delivering whole-of-system, end-to-end policy that covers early learning, schooling, and tertiary including Māori medium, te reo Māori, Pacific and learning support.
We hold the relationship with all education Ministers and provide integrated policy advice to them. We collaborate across government organisations so our advice to Ministers is joined up.
We work to develop strong internal relationships as well as working closely with other central education agencies and other parts of the government. We use high quality research and evidence of what works and are informed by knowledge held by our frontline colleagues.
Our group works closely with other groups across the Ministry of Education, and together we hold relationships with iwi, hapū, hapori and Māori peak bodies, that support the development of policy that honours te Tiriti o Waitangi.
We hold the regulatory stewardship function, taking a whole-of-system, lifecycle view across for the entire education system, as well as for each regulatory subsystem.
Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei 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 Jen Fraser, General Manager, Schools Policy at Jennifer.Fraser@education.govt.nz
Applications close Midnight Thursday 2 July 2026
We want our people 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.
