Senior Policy Manager, Infrastructure Policy

Help shape the future of education in New Zealand

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 Fixed Term role for 12 months to provide backfill cover for a period of secondment, based in Wellington.

The role is varied, complex and interesting and involves providing “big picture” analysis and advice.

This is a great opportunity for a results-driven leader to contribute to priority policy areas for Government and work within a collegial and supportive team culture.

We are looking a Senior Policy Manager to lead the Infrastructure Policy team in the Schools Policy group, Te Pou Kaupapahere, the Ministry’s policy group.

This role will suit an experienced people leader, with strong policy leadership capability, excellent relationship management skills, and public sector experience in a policy management or an advisory role.

You’ll also think strategically about how to achieve the policy goals of Government across the education sector.

You’ll join a supportive management team and a policy shop that is driven to make a difference for Aotearoa.

The Infrastructure Policy team is responsible for providing quality advice on how to balance access, choice and efficiency in the schooling network and investing in and managing education infrastructure. The team has a key role in working with other teams across Te Pou Kaupapahere (policy group) and the operational school property and network groups to support the delivery of Ministerial priorities.  Current projects include developing a new model to for the operational delivery of school property and providing advice on optimal schooling networks.  

Salary range: $142,856 – $214,284 per annum + 3% 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 Senior Policy Manager Infrastructure Policy. 

About you | Mōhou ake

We would like to hear from you if you have proven policy management experience, and

You will also offer: 

• have proven ability to develop and lead multiple complex and sensitive cross-Ministry policy projects or programmes of work, to deliver on Ministerial priorities and the Ministry’s outcomes
• demonstrate an ability to apply te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi), understand and take account of Māori perspectives in policy
• set and encourage a positive and inclusive team culture, and support team members to grow, develop and perform at their best
• thrive in a fast-paced policy environment
• develop and maintain strong relationships internally and with Ministers and Minsiters’ offices, to enable the group to deliver
• have established strong working relationships across key government agencies to ensure effective management of cross-government programmes
• demonstrate knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an understanding of Te Ao Māori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Māori.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

In return we can offer you the opportunity to contribute to a high profile, challenging and ambitious agenda for change, a strong focus on the development of our people, and the ability to drive and influence policy direction.

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 Sunday 20 July 2025

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.