Job Description

Executive Assistant to the Deputy Chief Executive, Audience & Experience

Help shape better ways of working and support the delivery of our key priorities

At Te Papa, we connect people with the stories, taonga, ideas and experiences that make Aotearoa unique.

We're looking for a highly organised, proactive and relationship-focused Executive Assistant to support our Deputy Chief Executive (DCE), Audience & Experience. This is a pivotal role at the centre of a busy and dynamic directorate, providing executive support, governance coordination, business management and strategic delivery support.

Working closely with the DCE and Audience & Experience Senior Leadership Team, you'll help coordinate priorities, support decision-making, improve ways of working, and ensure key initiatives and commitments progress smoothly. If you enjoy variety, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and take pride in helping others succeed, we'd love to hear from you.

What Success Looks Like

In this role, you'll be successful when:

• The DCE and Senior Leadership Team are well supported and able to focus on strategic priorities.
• Directorate priorities, governance activities, communications and reporting are coordinated effectively and delivered to a high standard.
• Actions, risks, decisions and commitments are proactively tracked and progressed.
• Stakeholders experience responsive, professional and trusted support.
• Opportunities to improve processes, systems and ways of working are identified and implemented.

What We're Looking For

You'll be someone who enjoys bringing structure to complexity and can confidently manage competing priorities while maintaining exceptional attention to detail. You're proactive, adaptable and resourceful, with the judgement to anticipate needs and the initiative to make things happen.

You'll bring:

• Experience providing executive support to a senior leader or leadership team in a complex environment.
• Strong organisational, coordination and relationship management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Experience supporting governance processes, including meeting coordination, agenda preparation, minute-taking and action tracking.
• Excellent written communication skills and the ability to prepare high-quality reports, presentations, briefings and internal communications.
• Experience coordinating projects, work programmes or strategic initiatives and monitoring progress against agreed outcomes.
• Strong problem-solving skills, sound judgement and a high level of professionalism, including the ability to manage confidential information.
• Advanced Microsoft 365 skills and confidence using a range of business systems.

Experience with governance platforms such as Diligent and financial or travel management systems would be advantageous.

Why Join Te Papa?

This is an opportunity to work at the heart of one of New Zealand's most recognised cultural institutions, supporting a portfolio that shapes how audiences, visitors, communities and partners engage with Te Papa.

You'll work closely with senior leaders, contribute to strategic priorities, and play a key role in helping the Audience & Experience directorate deliver exceptional outcomes. In return, you'll join a collaborative and purpose-driven organisation where initiative is valued, ideas are welcomed, and your contribution makes a real difference.

Other Information

This is a full-time position, 40 hours per week, based on site at Te Papa in 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 are circa $81,000 however 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.

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

Applications close: 11 October 2026

For any enquiries, please contact Yoeun.steenson@tepapa.govt.nz