Here at South Waikato District Council, the community is at the heart of our priorities because we are an integral part of it. Our district provides accessible living, educational choices, breathtaking scenery, and a community that takes pride in its warmth and friendliness.

Te āheinga: The opportunity

South Waikato District Council is seeking an exceptional people leader to lead Council’s Community Wellbeing function, overseeing the delivery of initiatives that improve quality of life, support inclusive participation, and strengthen community-led outcomes across the South Waikato.

This role brings together community development, employment pathways, housing enablement, economic inclusion, and events activation to support holistic wellbeing in the district.

Nga Kawenga me nga Mahi - Responsibilities and Duties

• Provide strategic leadership to a cross-functional team delivering community wellbeing initiatives aligned with Council’s Long-Term Plan.
• Foster inclusive, community-led development by empowering underrepresented groups and supporting local capability.
• Oversee youth employment programmes (WorkIT and MTFJ), partnering with employers and education providers to improve outcomes for rangatahi and job seekers.
• Support the delivery of events, economic development, and housing initiatives that reflect local identity, promote equity, and drive sustainable growth.
• Build strong relationships with iwi, hapū, community groups, funders, and government to enable collective impact.
• Ensure robust monitoring, evaluation, and reporting to drive improvement and meet accountability requirements.

Full details of key accountabilities and abilities are available in the Position Description. 

He kōrero mōu: About you

We are looking for a motivated, enthusiastic and forward-looking individual that has:

• A relevant tertiary qualification in community development, public policy, Maori development, social sciences or a related field.
• Familiarity with rural and regional community contexts, including the strengths and challenges of smaller districts.
• Proven experience in leading community-focused teams or projects across sectors such as local government, iwi organisations, NGOs, or central government.
• Strategic thinking and systems leadership with the ability to coordinate across multiple workstreams.
• Experience with partnership development, contract/funding management, and community engagement.
• Understanding of wellbeing, equity, social inclusion, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi in practice.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with political and cultural sensitivity.

Painga o te mahi: Perks of the job

This is a fixed-term full time position (40 hours per week, Monday to Friday) based in Tokoroa, South Waikato. Check out what else the mighty Waikato has to offer here https://swnz.co/explore/. 

As extra perks, we provide employees with:

• A hybrid working environment (2 days working from home, if applicable)
• Free flu vaccinations
• Subsidised skin-checks
• Ongoing training and development
• And much more!

If you've been wondering what the next step could or should be in your career, we think it's time to 'navigate your next', here with us.

If you have any questions, please e-mail careers@southwaikato.govt.nz

Please be aware that we may begin shortlisting candidates as applications are received. We encourage early submission of applications to ensure consideration.