Job Description

Executive Assistant to the Co-Leaders (Fixed term)

Akaiāwhina Matua a ngā Kaiārahi Takirua

Join the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa in a pivotal role supporting our Co-Leadership structure — the Tumu Whakarae (Chief Executive) and Kaihautū (Māori Co-Leader).

Purpose of the position

We're looking for a highly organised, proactive Executive Assistant to join our team for a fixed term period to provide executive support, manage schedules, facilitate work and information flows and coordinate key engagements. This is a fixed term position to cover parental leave until October 2027.

Over this period, Te Papa will be recruiting for a new Tumu Whakarae. The EA role will therefore:

• Support the Kaihautū as they perform the role of Chief Executive in addition to their own duties
• Provide administrative support to one of Te Papa's four Deputy Chief Executives

You'll work in a way that reflects manaakitanga (care and respect), builds whanaungatanga (strong relationships), and encourages auahatanga (creativity).

Skills, experience and behaviours

We're looking for someone who brings

• Proven experience in executive support, ideally in a bicultural and/or public sector environment 
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build and maintain strong working relationships
• Strong judgement, discretion and cultural competence
• Proven expertise with Microsoft Office suite and ability to quickly adapt to other office systems and software tools
• Competent in diary management, travel coordination and meeting administration 
• An understanding of te reo Māori and tikanga Māori or an active willingness to learn

What we offer

• A supportive, values-driven team environment
• A workplace committed to Te Tiriti
• Comprehensive benefits including onsite Kindergarten, subsidised parking, café and store discounts, and free entry to paid exhibitions

Other Information

This is a full-time fixed-term position, 40 hours per week, based onsite at Te Papa, 55 Cable Street, Wellington.

For more details, please refer to the attached Position Description.

If you are viewing this advertisement on a website other than the Te Papa job board, the Position Description may not be accessible. In this case, please visit jobs.tepapa.govt.nz to view the Position Description and apply.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand. Pre-employment checks will be undertaken.

Starting salary offers will be made to reflect the skills and experience offered by the candidate and those required of the role, and internal relativities with other employees.

Apply now to support visionary leadership at one of Aotearoa New Zealand's most iconic institutions.

Please ensure to submit your CV and a cover letter via jobs.tepapa.govt.nz

Applications close: 27 September 2026

If you have questions, please get in touch

For any enquiries, please contact Antonia.Haythornthwaite@tepapa.govt.nz