Executive Director Māori – Pouārahi
UCOL
Executive Director Māori – Pouārahi
- Shape UCOL as a Tiriti-led organisation
- Newly established executive leadership role
- Based in Palmerston North with travel to other campuses
Whakairohia he toki, tāraia te anamata | Learning with purpose, creating our futures
Ko wai mātou | About us
UCOL is a long-standing Institute of Technology and Polytechnic with campuses in Whanganui, Wairarapa, Manawatū and Horowhenua. With a history dating back over a century, UCOL plays a critical role in delivering vocational education that supports learners, whānau, employers and communities to thrive now and into the future.
As a values-led organisation, UCOL places learners and their whānau at the centre of everything it does. Known for its strong community connections and ability to adapt to changing needs, it continues to evolve its programmes, partnerships and delivery to provide relevant, future-focused learning opportunities that support learners, employers and communities to thrive.
Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About the role
This role provides senior, organisation-wide leadership to embed Te Tiriti o Waitangi as a foundational principle in UCOL’s strategy, policy, systems and practice. A key early focus will be the development of foundational frameworks, policies and institutional standards that define how UCOL operates as a Tiriti-led organisation.
As a newly established function, this role requires a greenfields mindset, with accountability to build, shape and embed capability from the ground up.
Working closely with the Chief Executive, Executive Leadership Team and governance, the role provides regular reporting, assurance and strategic advice on ākonga Māori outcomes and Te Tiriti strategy performance and implementation.
The impact of the role is achieved through influence, presence and trusted relationships. You will connect throughout the organisation and with iwi and stakeholders, bringing a thoughtful and grounded approach to providing advice on tikanga Māori and cultural practice.
This is a highly visible, people-facing role, with an expectation to be regularly out with kaimahi, attending hui, engaging at events and representing UCOL in the community. A confident communicator, you will be visible and approachable, contributing throughout a range of forums and supporting decision-making in a way that is clear, considered and aligned with Te Tiriti commitments, helping to shape how UCOL is experienced by learners, kaimahi and communities.
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
You will have:
- Proven senior executive leadership experience, driving organisational strategy, performance, and transformation.
- Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application in governance, strategy, and organisational systems.
- Strong knowledge of tertiary education, vocational delivery or workforce development, including policy and funding contexts.
- Postgraduate qualification in education, leadership in Māori development or a related field or equivalent professional expertise.
- High proficiency in te reo Māori, enabling sustained communication, cultural leadership and authentic engagement with iwi and Māori stakeholders.
- High analytical, communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- A demonstrated ability to build functions, frameworks or capability from an early stage or greenfields environment.
- A visible and engaging leadership style, with a commitment to being present and connected to kaimahi and community.
KA KATI NGĀ TONO/ APPLICATIONS CLOSE: Friday, 12th June 2026
MŌ TE TONO, MŌ TE TIROTIRO TĀTAI TŪRANGA / APPLY OR VIEW THE POSITION DESCRIPTION: www.jacksonstone.co.nz
TAUPĀNGA /REFERENCE: BH-11663
ME HE PĀTAI ANŌ / FURTHER ENQUIRIES: Annalee Hoogeveen 04-550 8041 / 021 921 802
