Work for us

About the Organisation | Ko wai te Pakihi nei

Creative New Zealand Toi Aotearoa is the national arts development agency, working alongside artists, ringatoi, practitioners and arts organisations across the motu. The organisation is moving into the next phase of a significant change programme, with a new operating model designed to strengthen leadership, connection, investment and impact across the arts and ngā toi.

Current vacancies

• Lead Adviser - Engagement
• Lead Adviser Policy - Performance and Governance
• Lead Practice Adviser - Theatre
• Pou Matarāe Māori
• Head of Partnerships and Development
• Analytics and Insights Lead Analyst
• Executive Assistant to Chief Executive
• Strategic Partnership Adviser - Pacific
• Strategic Partnerships Lead Adviser - Development, Philanthropy and Commercial
• Apply now

Lead Advisor – Engagement | Kaitohutohu Matua – Whakauru

• Build trust through strategic engagement and communications
• Provide expert advice on reputation and relationships
• Permanent role with flexibility to be based in Auckland or Wellington

Ko te āhua o te tūranga | About the Role

You'll shape how CNZ connects with the arts sector, government, communities, and the public, building trust, strengthening relationships, and supporting the organisation's strategic priorities.

Working closely with senior leaders and key stakeholders, you will:

• Design and deliver strategic engagement and communications initiatives
• Build influential relationships across the arts, government, media, and community sectors
• Translate stakeholder insights into organisational action and decision-making
• Lead responses to sensitive stakeholder and reputational challenges
• Support executive engagement, advocacy, and public positioning activity
• Strengthen engagement practice across the organisation

Mōu | About You

The successful candidate will bring:

• Significant experience across engagement, communications, and external relations
• Experience advising senior leaders in complex environments
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills
• Experience managing reputational, political, or organisational risks
• Understanding of government processes and the public sector environment
• Knowledge of the arts, cultural, community, or related sectors
• Familiarity with te ao Māori, tikanga Māori, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• Experience engaging effectively with Pacific and diverse communities

Lead Adviser - Policy, Performance and Governance | Kaitohutohu Matua – Kaupapahere, Whaihua, Whakahaere hoki

• Drive organisational planning, reporting, and performance frameworks
• Provide expert governance, compliance, and risk advice
• Permanent role with flexibility to be based in Wellington or Auckland

About the Role | Ko te āhua o te tūranga

You'll lead organisational performance and accountability functions, ensuring CNZ meets its public sector obligations and delivers insights that support strategic decision-making.

Working closely with senior leaders, government stakeholders, and kaimahi across the organisation, you will:

• Coordinate organisational planning and performance reporting
• Lead Crown entity accountability and statutory reporting processes
• Provide strategic analysis and organisational insights
• Manage ministerial, parliamentary, and information request workflows
• Oversee governance, compliance, and no-surprises processes
• Support effective relationships across government and monitoring agencies

About You | Mōu

The successful candidate will bring:

• Experience in organisational performance, planning, governance, or accountability roles
• Strong public sector or Crown entity experience
• Experience preparing accountability documents such as SOIs, SPEs, or Annual Reports
• Experience managing OIA, Privacy Act, or Parliamentary Question processes
• Strong analytical, writing, and critical thinking capability
• Sound knowledge of government, ministerial, and Parliamentary processes
• Ability to manage competing priorities and complex work programmes
• Understanding of te ao Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• Ability to work effectively across diverse and creative communities

Apply now | Me tono mai inaīanei

Lead Practice Adviser – Theatre | Kaiārahi Kaitohutohu Whakaari

• Lead artform and development projects and initiatives
• Provide strategic recommendations using data and sector insights
• Permanent role with flexibility to be based in Wellington or Auckland

About the Role | Ko te āhua o te tūranga

This is a critical portfolio role within the Arts Investment Pou, which leads Creative New Zealand Toi Aotearoa’s national and international investment and capability and development work. This team is responsible for leading national and international arts development opportunities and pathways, including target markets, territories and opportunities for collaboration, knowledge-sharing and exchange. Working closely with fellow Lead Practice Advisers and colleagues across the organisation, and interfacing with artists, organisations and stakeholders across the sector, we ensure investment decisions are insight and sector-led, equitable and aligned to CNZ’s strategies for maximum impact.

As an individual with significant, in-sector experience and specific knowledge of Theatre, you will play a key role in strengthening artistic practice, sector capability and wider sector national and international eco-systems for the arts.

• Working closely with advisory groups, artists, organisations, and stakeholders, you will:
• Identify emerging opportunities and challenges across the sector
• Provide senior-level strategic advice that informs investment, development, and sector priorities
• Analyse sector trends, research, and performance to generate insights
• Deliver initiatives that strengthen capability, sustainability, and innovation
• Evaluate investment outcomes to support future decision-making
• Manage strategic partnerships, contracts, and collaborative projects

About You | Mōu

The successful candidate will bring:

• Significant experience within the arts, creative, cultural, or related sectors
• Established relationships with artists, practitioners, and arts organisations
• Experience leading projects, programmes, or sector development initiatives
• Strong analytical skills and sound judgement
• Ability to translate complex information into clear recommendations
• Financial literacy and performance analysis skills
• Ability to work collaboratively and adaptively
• Knowledge of te ao Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• Ability to work effectively across diverse communities and cultural contexts

Apply now | Me tono mai inaīanei

Pou Mātārae Māori

• He tūranga ārahi matua i Toi Aotearoa
• Ka whakaaweawe i te rautaki, te tuku haumi me te whanaketanga o te rāngai
• Arahina ngā toi Māori kia whai mana, kia hōhonu, kia hāponotia hoki

Ko Toi Aotearoa te tari whakawhanake toi ā-motu, ka mahi tahi ki ngā ringatoi, ki ngā mātanga, ki ngā whakahaere toi hoki puta noa i te motu. Kei te neke whakamua a Toi Aotearoa ki te tūāoma kei mua i roto i tētahi hōtaka panoni nui, arā ko te whai i te tauira whakahaere hou hei whakakaha i te ārahitanga, te whai hononga, te tuku haumi me te whai pānga puta noa i ngā toi. Ka noho te Pou Mātārae Māori ki waenga pū i te anamata nei, ka ārahi i Ngā Toi Māori kia rangatira ai te mahi, ka whakarite hoki tērā ka āta whakanōhia ngā awhero mō ngā toi Māori ki roto i ngā tikanga ārahi me ngā tukanga mahi a Toi Aotearoa.

Mōu ka noho hei Pou Mātārae Māori, ka ārahi koe i te rautaki me ngā awhero toi Māori a Toi Aotearoa, ka ārahi hoki i Te Kāhui Māori, ka noho hoki hei kaiārahi matua puta noa i te tari. Ka whakakao mai koe i ngā mōhiotanga me ngā āhuatanga o te mātangatanga ki ngā toi Māori, te mātauranga Māori, ngā tikanga, ngā hononga rautaki me te whai wāhitanga, te whakaaweawe tuku haumi, ngā rangapūtanga me ngā mahi whakatau take. Ka whai hononga koe ki ngā iwi, hapū, whakahaere Māori, ngā ringatoi me ngā hapori puta noa i Aotearoa.

Ka tangata whenua koe ki roto i te ao Māori, ka mōhiotia hoki mō te mātauranga, te ingoa pai me ngā hononga hoki. Ka mātanga koe ki ngā toi Māori, te reo Māori, te mātauranga Māori me ngā tikanga, ka whai wheako mō te ārahitanga matua, ka mārama pai hoki ki Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Ka mōhiotia koe mō ō pūkenga ārahi i ngā horopaki Māori, mō te hanga hāpono ki roto i ngā hapori kanorau, mō te whakaaweawe kei ngā taumata matua o te rāngai, mō te kōkiri hoki i ngā awherio a Ngāi Māori kia māia, kia tau, kia whai mana hoki.

Apply now | Me tono mai inaīanei

Head of Partnerships and Development | Upoko Hononga, Whakawhanaketanga hoki

• Senior leadership role at Creative New Zealand
• Build high-value partnerships across Aotearoa and internationally
• Permanent role with flexibility to be based in Wellington or Auckland

Creative New Zealand Toi Aotearoa is the national arts development agency, working alongside artists, ringatoi, practitioners and arts organisations across the motu. The organisation is moving into the next phase of a significant change programme, with a new operating model designed to strengthen leadership, connection, investment and impact across the arts and ngā toi.

As Head of Partnerships and Development, you will lead Creative New Zealand’s partnerships, and development agenda and contribute as a senior enterprise leader across the organisation. Reporting to the Chief Executive and as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will set the vision and direction for the Partnerships and Development Pou, growing investment and diversifying revenue streams for Creative New Zealand, strengthening collaboration and unlocking new opportunities for the arts across Aotearoa and internationally.

You will build and steward high-value relationships across government, philanthropy, business, iwi, communities, regions and international partners. You will position Creative New Zealand as a trusted connector and catalyst, bringing together investment, capability and influence to strengthen the arts ecosystem, diversify funding and create sustainable outcomes for artists and communities.

You’ll bring senior leadership experience, strong commercial and investment acumen, and a proven track record of building strategic partnerships and securing opportunities in complex environments. You’ll be known for your ability to build trust, influence at senior and system level, navigate diverse interests and work across cultures. You’ll also bring a strong understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, kaupapa Māori approaches and Aotearoa’s funding, philanthropic and development landscape.

Apply now | Me tono mai inaīanei

Analytics and Insights Lead Analyst | Kaitātari Matua – Tātari Raraunga, Māramatanga hoki

• Lead organisation-wide analytics, evaluation, and evidence practice
• Shape investment and strategic decisions through trusted insights
• Permanent role with flexibility to be based in Wellington or Auckland

About the Role | Ko te āhua o te tūranga

Working within the Insights and Systems team, part of the Business Services pou, you'll provide senior specialist leadership in analytics, research, evaluation, and insight generation. You’ll strengthen analytical practice across Creative New Zealand, ensuring high-impact analysis and reporting are robust, forward-looking, transparent, and culturally grounded.

Working closely with leaders and teams across the organisation, you will:

• Lead complex, forward-looking analysis, forecasting, research, and evaluation at programme and organisational strategy levels
• Establish organisation-wide standards and methodologies for rigorous, ethical quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method analytical practice
• Lead impact measurement and evaluation, including the design of frameworks, models, forecasts, and scenario testing
• Provide senior technical advice and assurance on the quality, integrity, and statistical validity of high-impact analysis and reporting
• Translate complex evidence into clear insights that advise and influence senior decision-makers, while building analytical capability across the organisation
• Embed Te Tiriti-informed practice while strengthening capability and relationships

About You | Mōu

The successful candidate will bring:

• Extensive senior-level experience leading advanced analytics, research, or evaluation at programme or organisational strategy level
• Demonstrated experience in the public, research, social impact, or not-for-profit sector
• Advanced quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method expertise, including statistical validity, measurement methodologies, forecasting, and impact evaluation
• A strong track record of advising and influencing senior decision-makers through complex analysis and evidence
• Knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, te ao Māori, Māori data sovereignty, and culturally responsive ways of working
• Experience setting analytical standards, assuring high-impact work, guiding colleagues, and lifting analytical capability across an organisation

Apply now | Me tono mai inaīanei

Executive Assistant – Chief Executive | Pou Āwhina

• Enable effective leadership and decision-making at the executive level
• Coordinate high-quality governance and Council processes
• Permanent role with flexibility based in Auckland or Wellington

About the Role | Ko te āhua o te tūranga

You'll provide trusted support to the Chief Executive and Arts Council, helping drive effective governance, decision-making, and organisational performance across CNZ.

Working closely with leaders and stakeholders across the organisation, you will:

• Manage the Chief Executive's schedule, priorities, and key stakeholder engagements
• Coordinate Council, Committee, and Senior Leadership Team meetings and activities
• Prepare agendas, papers, minutes, and governance records
• Deliver briefings and reporting that support informed decision-making
• Support the smooth flow of information across executive and governance functions
• Build trusted relationships across CNZ and the wider arts sector

About You | Mōu

The successful candidate will bring:

• Executive support experience at Chief Executive or senior leadership level
• Governance administration and committee support experience
• Exceptional organisation skills and the ability to manage competing priorities
• Proven ability to manage confidential information with discretion
• Advanced Microsoft 365 and digital systems proficiency
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills across diverse communities and stakeholders
• Understanding of te ao Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, with a commitment to ongoing learning

Apply now | Me tono mai inaīanei

Strategic Partnerships Adviser – Pacific | Kaitohutohu Matua Hononga Rautaki – Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa

• Build partnerships that strengthen Pacific arts and communities
• Connect key relationships, funders, communities and organisations
• Support and develop sustainable investments and long-term strategic outcomes

About the Role | Ko te āhua o te tūranga

As a Strategic Partnership role, this position is guided by Creative New Zealand's Pacific Arts Strategy and the long-term vision of Tu Mai Rā 2040, helping to shape the future of Pacific arts through strategic relationships, investment, and collective impact.

You will:

• Grow strategic partnerships that create opportunities, unlock investment, and deliver lasting impact for Pacific artists, practitioners, and communities.
• Build influential relationships across Pacific communities, government, philanthropy, the arts sector, and wider stakeholders.
• Identify and leverage partnership, co-funding, and investment opportunities in Aotearoa New Zealand, the Pacific, and internationally.
• Drive strategic initiatives and collaborative programmes that advance Pacific arts priorities and aspirations.
• Use insights, trends, and sector knowledge to influence decisions and identify new opportunities.
• Contribute to partnership agreements, governance, and investment activity from concept through to delivery and evaluation.
• Champion Pacific values, perspectives, and voices in all aspects of the role.

This is an opportunity to help strengthen and elevate Pacific arts, creating meaningful outcomes for artists, communities, and future generations.

About You | Mōu

The successful candidate will bring:

• Creativity, passion, strategic and future focused thinking
• A minimum of five years’ experience in partnerships, stakeholder engagement, community development, or investment-focused roles
• Established and existing Pacific arts relationships, networks and strong community connections with national impact
• Strong understanding and respect of Pacific cultures, diverse communities, and contexts
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and relationship-building skills
• Experience supporting projects, events, programmes, or cross-sector initiatives
• Sound judgement, confidence and the ability to translate insights into practical outcomes and advice
• A solid understanding of te ao Pasifika to uphold the mana of Pasifika communities
• An understanding of te ao Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi

Apply now | Me tono mai inaīanei

Strategic Partnerships Lead Adviser – Development, Philanthropy & Commercial | Kaitohutohu Matua Hononga Rautaki – Whakawhanaketanga, Atawhai Pūtea, Tauhokohoko hoki

• Grow investment and funding for the arts across Aotearoa
• Build high-value relationships with funders, donors, and sponsors
• Permanent role with flexibility to be based in Wellington or Auckland

About the Role | Ko te āhua o te tūranga

You'll help grow and diversify investment into the arts by developing strategic partnerships, funding opportunities, and sustainable revenue streams that support CNZ's long-term priorities.

Working closely with colleagues and external partners, you will:

• Cultivate relationships with funders, donors, sponsors, and strategic partners
• Identify and progress philanthropic, sponsorship, and investment opportunities
• Develop compelling funding proposals and investment cases
• Manage funding pipelines and stewardship activities
• Provide specialist advice on fundraising and revenue growth initiatives
• Align investment opportunities with strategic priorities and impact outcomes

About You | Mōu

The successful candidate will bring:

• Experience in fundraising, philanthropy, sponsorship, or business development
• A track record of securing funding from trusts, foundations, donors, or sponsors
• Experience developing successful funding applications and business cases
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing capability
• Commercial acumen and an understanding of funding and investment models
• Established networks within philanthropy, funding, or sponsorship sectors
• Understanding of te ao Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• Ability to work effectively across diverse and creative communities

 Apply now | Me tono mai inaīanei