Senior Adviser to the DCE Strategy and Corporate Services

Mō te tūnga | About the role

Are you ready to support senior leaders at the heart of strategic operations and gain exposure to work that shapes how the group delivers, connects, and communicates?

As Senior Adviser – Strategy and Corporate Services, you'll work closely with the Deputy Chief Executive, the Senior Leadership Team, and the SCS Business Manager, providing trusted advice, coordination, and oversight across ministerials, governance, reporting, and departmental matters. This is a fantastic opportunity to broaden your experience and develop your skills in strategic operations, leadership support, and organisational planning.

You’ll play a key role in enabling effective operations, supporting internal engagement, and driving initiatives that strengthen connectedness across the group and wider Department. From preparing executive-level reporting and ministerial responses to coordinating SLT agendas, site visits, forums, and internal communications, you'll help ensure the group runs smoothly and stays aligned to its strategic priorities. You’ll also support recruitment and development activity, contribute to integrated reporting, and lead or support projects that drive continuous improvement.

This role offers variety, visibility, and the chance to work at the centre of a busy, purpose-driven team. It is ideal for someone looking to grow their career and take on new challenges.

Please note : We are advertising and shortlisting this role before the Christmas break, but interviews will not be until mid-January 2026 due to leave. Please keep the length of this process in mind when applying.

Mōu | About you

You're someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and knows how to keep things moving behind the scenes. You're organised, adaptable, and confident working across a wide range of priorities. You've supported senior leaders, coordinated complex work programmes, and know how to bring clarity to competing demands. You build strong relationships, communicate with impact, and enjoy being the go-to person for getting things done.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

You’ll bring relevant experience and a willingness to grow, including :

• Experience providing senior-level advisory support in a complex operational or corporate environment.
• Strong coordination and organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver at pace.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including drafting for senior audiences and ministerial servicing.
• Ability to build trusted relationships and work confidently across teams and with senior leaders.
• A proactive mindset with sound judgement, attention to detail, and a focus on continuous improvement.

Utu ā-tau | Salary

The mid-point of the salary range is $146,562 and the full range (85%-120%) is $124,578 - $175,875. Appointment and remuneration will reflect skills and experience relevant to the role.

Mō mātou | About us

Join Ara Poutama Aotearoa - Department of Corrections, where your work will contribute to improving public safety, reducing re-offending, and address the overrepresentation of Māori in correctional facilities. As a values‑led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship), and whānau (relationships) to guide our work and achieve the goals of our Hōkai Rangi strategy.

We value inclusion and diversity in our workforce, and as a Public Service organisation we are committed to building a workforce that reflects the public we serve. We strive to make our recruitment process fair, and we encourage you to discuss reasonable accommodations with us if required.

Tono ināianei | Apply Now

To submit an application and view the position description, click the apply link. All applications must be submitted through our careers site to ensure transparency – applications received via email will not be considered.

When applying, submit a tailored CV and a cover letter describing your motivation for joining the department highlighting relevant skills and experience and the alignment to our work.

Applications close on : Sunday the 7th of December.

If you have any questions or want to learn more about a career with us, contact or visit careers.corrections.govt.nz.

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