Director Innovation

Permanent opportunity

Wellington based

Ko wai mātou About Us:

Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People has a unique mandate of having responsibility to steward change across Government, while commissioning disability support services, as well as transforming how these services are delivered.

Disabled people expect to have greater choice and control over the supports and services they receive to lead their best life. We are committed to this by strengthening relationships and working in partnership with disabled people, tāngata whaikaha Māori, Pacific disabled people and their whānau.

Whaikaha presents an exciting opportunity to make a real difference. The call for “Nothing about us, without us” is an integral part of our operation.

Mō te tūnga About the role:

As Director, you will lead a small team focused on designing initiatives that bring about real change in attitudes and practices at a sector-wide level.

You will use evidence-based approaches to develop and implement interventions that influence key stakeholders and drive positive outcomes for Deaf and disabled people, tāngata whaikaha Māori, and Turi Māori.

You will also work closely with government agencies, community groups, and businesses to foster collaboration and ensure Whaikaha’s strategic goals are reflected in cross-sector efforts.

As a key member of the Whaikaha management team, you will contribute to wider organisational priorities and decision-making.

Key responsibilities include:

Lead the development of innovative, systemic interventions that drive attitudinal and structural change.

Use human-centred design or community-led design practices to develop solutions that address challenges faced by the disability community.

Support the co-design of initiatives with the disability community, ensuring meaningful participation.

Work with Policy, Outreach, Communications and other teams to align engagement, communication, and relationship management strategies.

Mōu About you:

You will have previous leadership experience, including managing teams in a professional, volunteer, or community setting.

Your proven experience in designing and implementing change initiatives will set you up for success in this role.

You will be experienced in marketing, stakeholder engagement, or strategic communications.

You will have previous expertise in human-centred design and co-design methodologies.

Your proven ability to collaborate across local and central government and community groups will have seen you working across different organisations in previous roles.

You will have knowledge of effective change leadership strategies and how to influence change at a system level.

Your ability to manage multiple priorities will see you thrive in a fast-paced environment.

To undertake this role successfully you will either be a disabled person, or you will be able to establish credibility and trust with the disability community.

To undertake this role successfully you will either be a disabled person or you will be able to establish credibility and trust with the disability community.

He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga Position Description:

The job description can be found here: Director Innovation Position Description

Salary range: $175,102.00 - $258,401.00

Tono Mai We encourage you to apply:

Joining Whaikaha means being part of a whānau that celebrates the diversity that each individual brings. Currently, just over 40% of our people identify as disabled people and we want this number to grow. 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 really are. We are committed to the application of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in all levels of our work.

Me He Pātai Anō Further Enquiries:

We encourage you to talk to us about any support you need. We want you to present this information in a way that plays to your strengths. For example, you may prefer to use video instead of traditional CV and cover letter. You might want whānau or a friend to tell us about you or use social media or a PowerPoint presentation. Let's kōrero about what you need to feel supported in your application.

Contact us about the best way for you to apply by emailing us at:

Te Tono Application:

Please click the 'Apply' button to submit your application.

If you work for Whaikaha - Please apply through the myHR portal. You can do this by clicking the ‘Apply’ button to complete the online application form and upload your CV and cover letter. This will ensure that your employee profile is visible as an internal candidate.

Ka Kati Ngā Tono Applications Close: Sunday 11th May, 2025.

Whaikaha has adopted the Ministry of Social Development's (host agency) COVID-19 vaccination policy. This policy applies to all Whaikaha employees and encourages, but does not require, employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and its variants, unless the role is identified as requiring vaccination at the time.