Director Future Funding Models | Fixed Term

Director Future Funding Models | Fixed term

Important mahi supporting the Disability Support Services Taskforce

Work in an organisation driving better outcomes for all disabled people

Do you want to be part of a team that is committed to transforming the disability support system for disabled people, whanau and communities?

The Disability Support Services Group (DSS) is being established to ensure fairer access to disability support services in New Zealand, ensuring those with the greatest needs receive quality support services.

The DSS Review Taskforce has been established to implement the recommendations of the Independent Review in DSS to :

provide disabled people with certain and consistent access to DSS, no matter what their circumstances or where they live in New Zealand

prioritise funding for disabled people with the highest needs, and those who would benefit most from early intervention support

ensure that Enabling Good Lives (EGL) principles are put into practice

ensure that the long-term sustainability of DSS is strengthened to provide disabled people and carers with services that are both fair and affordable.

About the role | Mo te tunga :

You will be the key conduit between DSS and Treasury—building strong relationships, providing economic and sector analysis, and influencing investment decisions.

Drawing on your expertise in welfare economics, health funding, or public finance, you'll design and champion evidence-based models that support equitable and sustainable disability funding into the future.

Working closely with policy and operational leaders, you will ensure that funding models reflect sector needs, government priorities, and the diverse perspectives of disabled people and whanau.

Your work will directly inform the development of the fair funding allocation approach, support multi-year funding tracks, and provide the foundation for meaningful change.

Key responsibilities include :

Leading the development of DSS funding and allocation frameworks, grounded in sound economics and sector evidence

Engaging constructively with Treasury and other agencies to secure alignment and support

Providing strategic advice to senior leaders on funding model design and fiscal strategy

Overseeing high-impact projects that drive long-term value and equitable outcomes

Building DSS's capability in economic analysis and funding modelling

This is a fixed term or secondment opportunity ending 30 June 2026.

We value diversity and welcome applications from disabled people and those who have lived experience with whanau, or the disability community.

Please contact us if there is any support that we can provide to ensure the recruitment process is accessible to you.

You will bring strong analytical and relationship-building skills, a deep understanding of public funding systems, and a commitment to improving outcomes for disabled people.

We\'re looking for someone who can bridge technical expertise with strategic influence, and who thrives in a collaborative, cross-agency environment.

You will also have :

Advanced qualifications in economics, public policy, finance or a related field

Extensive experience in economic or funding model development in the public sector, ideally in health, disability or social services

Proven experience working with central agencies on funding approaches

Understanding of the disability sector, actuarial modelling, and social investment principles

The ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders including Treasury, Ministers, and senior leadership

A track record of leading through complexity and delivering high-quality, practical funding solutions

Salary | Utu-a-tau : $161,811.00 - $214,131.00

The Ministry of Social Development is a people-centred organisation.

We're in communities across the motu, working with partners to help New Zealanders be safe, strong and independent.

We provide social policy and advice to government and assistance, including income, employment and housing support to people of all ages, families, whanau and communities.

Our people are as diverse as the communities we serve.

We care about the wellbeing and success of our people and provide a supportive and inclusive working environment where people can thrive and be who they are.

How to apply | Me pehea te tuku tono :

To apply, click the 'Apply Now' button to upload your CV, cover letter and complete the online application form.

Note : Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key responsibilitieslisted in the position description.

All applications must be made online.

If this is not possible or if you have any queries, please contact us at

Internal MSD Employees – please apply through your myHR portal at work.

This will ensure that your myHR employee profile is visible as internal candidate.

Joining MSD means being part of a whanau that celebrates the diversity each individual represents.

We show manaaki, we care about the wellbeing and success of people and want everyone to thrive and be who they are in a supportive and inclusive working environment.

We work together to make a difference for communities while doing the right thing with integrity.

If you have any support or accessibility requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.

#J-18808-Ljbffr