Executive Assistant Deputy Secretary

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

Are you an outstanding Executive Assistant who thrives on supporting busy, high-impact leaders? We have three opportunities to join Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga | Ministry of Education as Executive Assistant to one of our Hautū | Deputy Secretaries:

Hautū, Te Pou Kōrero | Digital and Data

Hautū, Te Pou Tuarongo | Māori Education

Hautū, Te Mahau | Education Services

Our Hautū lead large, complex groups and work at pace on some of the most important issues in education. As their Executive Assistant, you'll be their trusted right hand - keeping them organised, prepared and one step ahead, so they can focus on leading. These roles offer a front-row view of how the education system is led, and the chance to make a real difference by helping effective senior leaders do their best work. The roles are based in Wellington, and while flexibility is possible on occasion, are office-based roles.

Across all three roles, you will

Get to know your Hautū's priorities and commitments, and spot emerging issues, risks and solutions early

Proactively manage diaries, meetings, travel and logistics

Monitor correspondence, refer queries to the right people and flag what's urgent and important

Prepare papers and briefings, and draft correspondence, reports, speaking notes and presentations

Handle private and confidential information with discretion, maintaining your Hautū's trust and confidence

Make sound decisions on your Hautū's behalf within the Ministry's policies and protocols

Administer purchasing and financial processes, and monitor spending against budget

Contribute to a positive, collaborative team culture that respects our obligations to te Tiriti o Waitangi

Salary range: $75,815 - $91,347 per annum + Kiwi Saver. 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 here EA - Te Pou Kōrero.pdf).

For more details about the role, you can view the Job Description here EA - Te Pou Taurongo.pdf)

For more details about the role, you can view the Job Description EA - Te Mahau soon

About you | Mōhou ake

We're looking for highly organised, proactive and discreet professionals who love supporting senior leaders in a busy, fast-paced environment. You think ahead, stay calm under pressure and bring integrity to everything you do. You build strong, trusted relationships with people at every level, and you take pride in delivering excellent service.

Across all three roles, you will also offer

Proven experience providing executive support to a senior leader in a complex, fast-paced organisation

Excellent time management and organisational skills, with the ability to juggle competing priorities

Experience booking travel and organising conferences, events and related requirements

The utmost integrity, treating all information you handle as confidential

A track record of excellent customer service and building trusted relationships with a diverse range of people

Initiative, sound judgement, professional independence and self-discipline

Knowledge of the Machinery of Government and/or experience in the public sector

* The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

You'll join a supportive network of Executive Assistants and Business Management/ Office of the Hautū teams across the Ministry. We value collaboration, care and continuous improvement, and we back our people to grow. These roles are a great opportunity to broaden your experience, build networks right across Te Tāhuhu, and see first-hand how your work helps make a difference for ākonga and their whānau.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

Each role sits in a different business group, giving you the chance to support leadership in an area that matters to Aotearoa:

Te Pou Kōrero | Digital and Data leads the delivery of digital and data solutions for the Ministry and across the education sector. It sets the Ministry's digital vision and strategy, runs the platforms and services the Ministry relies on, and turns data into trusted insights that support better decisions.

Te Pou Tuarongo | Māori Education plays a critical role in supporting the Ministry's Māori-Crown relationships and is focused on lifting the capability across our organisation to give practical effect to te Tiriti o Waitangi. It provides our organisation with clear visibility of Ka Hikitia — Ka Hāpaitia (the Māori Education Strategy) and Tau Mai Te Reo (the Māori language in Education Strategy) in action so we can see that our core work is making the difference that these strategies require. It leads Māori education practice across the Ministry, monitors and advises on Māori education outcomes, and builds strong relationships with iwi, hapū, and Māori organisations and communities.

Te Mahau | Education Services brings the Ministry's national and regional delivery together in a single group, providing services and support to and through the education sector across the country. It balances national consistency with the flexibility to respond to local needs through our regional teams.

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 Nicola Giles, Principal Advisor, Recruitment Services at [email protected]

Applications close Midnight Monday 2 November 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.