Chief Executive
Auckland or Christchurch
- Lead a respected national charity into its next chapter
- Strengthen national presence and organisational capability
- Make a lasting difference for people with spinal cord impairment and their whānau
- Christchurch or Auckland based
About The Role:
Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the Chief Executive will provide leadership that positions the New Zealand Spinal Trust (NZST) and its people for long-term sustainability, national impact and growth. Following the amalgamation of its services, the Trust is entering an important new phase, with the opportunity to strengthen its national presence, financial resilience, organisational capability and impact.
Key areas of focus include:
- Execution of the newly developed national strategy;
- Strengthening financial performance and enabling long-term funding security, growing diversified income;
- Building relationships across the government, health, disability, philanthropic, business and community sectors;
- Leading the team across the North and South Islands to build a cohesive and high-performing culture;
- Providing the Board with clear, forward-looking advice, supported by strong governance reporting and risk management;
- Acting as the Trust’s national advocate, growing its profile with funders, stakeholders and the wider community.
This is an executive role, leading through senior managers rather than day-to-day operations. It offers an accomplished leader the chance to set the direction of a respected organisation and make a meaningful difference for people throughout New Zealand.
Skills & Experience:
The Board is seeking an accomplished senior executive with a track record in strategic leadership, financial management and organisational development, and a genuine commitment to the Trust’s purpose.
Candidates of interest will bring:
- Senior executive experience, as well as leading through growth, change or integration;
- Strong commercial and financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting and building financial sustainability;
- Experience developing funding partnerships and diversified revenue, is well-connected and can open doors;
- Experience reporting to a Board and a sound understanding of governance;
- Excellent communication and relationship skills, with the credibility to represent the Trust nationally;
- An understanding of, and commitment to, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and equitable, inclusive service delivery.
Experience in the not-for-profit, disability, health or community sectors would be an advantage. However, the Board welcomes applications from leaders in other sectors who can demonstrate transferable capability and a strong alignment with the Trust’s purpose.
About the Company:
Founded in 1994 by the late Professor Alan Clarke, the New Zealand Spinal Trust is a national charity supporting people with spinal cord impairment, and their whānau, to build positive and independent futures. Its services include Peer and Whānau Support, Vocational Rehabilitation and the Resource Centre, delivered free of charge from bases at Burwood Hospital in Christchurch and the Auckland Spinal Rehabilitation Unit. Around 220 people in New Zealand are diagnosed with a spinal cord injury each year.
The Trust has recently amalgamated with Spinal Support NZ, bringing the two organisations together to serve communities nationwide.
