"Chief Executive"

Direct the vision and strategy for a critical, nation-wide institution with nearly 80 years of history.

Shape the future of accessible vocational education nationwide, ensuring education is truly available to everyone, everywhere.

Play a critical role in the ITP sector, collaborating with partners to drive efficiency, cohesion, and shared delivery across Aotearoa.

This isn't just a CEO role, it's an opportunity to steer New Zealand's national specialist in open, distance, and flexible learning through a pivotal period of transition and growth.

As Chief Executive of Open Polytechnic, you will champion educational equity and radically expand access to vocational training for one of the country's largest and most diverse learner communities.

Mō te Whakahaere | About Open Polytechnic

For nearly 80 years, Open Polytechnic has been a cornerstone of accessible education in New Zealand. Reinstated as an independent Institute of Technology and Polytechnic (ITP), we are now poised to solidify our mission as a critical provider of accessible vocational education.

We serve a unique, diverse learner base, specialising in supporting those who face barriers due to distance, disability, or a lack of local options.

Our institution is driven by a profound commitment to equity, access, and learner success. We uphold our Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations, and we foster an inclusive, innovative, and collaborative workplace, prioritising staff wellbeing.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

As Chief Executive, you will oversee the full operational, financial, academic, and strategic authority of this statutory organisation. This is a transformation leadership role where you will build the future of the Open Polytechnic while safeguarding the stability of existing delivery and learner experience.

You will be the key liaison, fostering productive relationships with members of the ITP federation, industry leaders, government agencies, and crucially, with iwi/Māori and communities.

Mōu | About you

You are a proven transformational leader, ready to take on one of the most impactful roles in New Zealand's tertiary sector.

You will lead with an inspirational, inclusive, and transparent style, maintaining an evidence-based, outcome-focused approach to complex decision-making.

You bring senior leadership experience in complex organisations, with demonstrated success leading significant organisational change while maintaining stability and service delivery. Critically, you understand that this role extends beyond organisational leadership — as the anchor polytechnic in the ITP federation, you will shape system-wide outcomes and drive collaborative delivery across the sector.

Your strategic thinking, financial management skills, and resource allocation abilities are matched by your familiarity with Crown entity governance, reporting requirements, and public accountability frameworks.

You have a track record of building and sustaining collaborative stakeholder relationships at the most senior levels across diverse communities, and possess a solid grasp of academic delivery, quality assurance, and compliance frameworks. You demonstrate openness to upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations and a genuine commitment to working in partnership with Māori.

Ngā Tono | Applications

If you're ready to apply your leadership to shape accessible vocational education in New Zealand, we encourage you to apply.