Board and Project Secretary

About the Role

The Auckland City Mission operates with two governing bodies: the Auckland City Mission Housing Board and the Auckland City Mission Board. The Housing Board functions as a company with directors, while the Mission Board acts as a trust, governed by trustees. Recently, both boards have experienced notable changes including the departure of some members, the addition of eight new Māori board members, and the introduction of remuneration for directors and trustees for the first time.

The Board Secretary is a newly created position alongside a Board Advisor, both working closely with the unified Board Chair, trustees, directors, the CEO (also termed Missioner/Manutaki), and key executives, especially the three Directors of the Mission.

The core responsibility of this role centers around providing governance administration and support to the Boards and their respective subcommittees. Beyond traditional board secretarial duties, the role includes analytical work to enhance the effectiveness of Board meetings and implementing improvements accordingly.

Learning and professional growth are emphasized, with mentoring and on-the-job development opportunities available within the broader Mission community dedicated to impactful and value-driven service.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Board Advisor to prepare Board meeting agendas aligned with the calendar and effectively communicate Board requirements to executives, drawing insights from prior meeting minutes and discussions with the CEO.
• Attend Board and committee meetings, accurately document minutes, and disseminate them promptly.
• Ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory obligations, including filings to Companies Office and Charities Services.
• Assist the Board Advisor in delivering strategic projects linked to the Board, such as compiling Board Reports involving Business Plans, prioritisation, and budgeting processes.
• Provide senior-level executive assistance to the CEO and act as a backup for the CEO’s Executive Assistant role when necessary.

Candidate Profile

• Demonstrated experience in a comparable governance support or secretarial capacity.
• A proven commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the Mission’s core values of Manaakitanga (hospitality), Atawhai (kindness), Rangapū (partnership), and Mana Tika, Mana Ōrite (equity and justice), reflected through practical actions.
• Proficiency or willingness to learn Board governance software such as BoardPro.
• Strong multitasking abilities to prioritize competing demands and meet deadlines in a complex, evolving organizational environment.
• High discretion and professionalism in managing sensitive and confidential information.

The Mission acknowledges that relevant skills and experience can be acquired through varied means, including paid employment, voluntary work, or community involvement via church, marae, iwi, whānau, or other social responsibilities.

Benefits and Work Environment

• Cultural engagement opportunities including weekly Kapa Haka and waiata, plus monthly romiromi sessions.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) access and external supervision support.
• Special "Mission Leave" policy aimed at promoting wellbeing alongside standard annual and sick leave provisions.
• Bereavement leave (Tangihanga) available.
• Sick leave entitlement starting from the first day of employment.
• Continuous professional training and development programs.
• Discounts available at Auckland City Mission Op Shops and Pharmacy.
• Access to affordable fresh produce via the Mission Grocer.
• Convenient public transport accessibility and options for discounted parking.
• Clear pathways for career growth within the Mission.

About Auckland City Mission

Auckland City Mission – Te Tāpui Atawhai partners with individuals in Tāmaki Makaurau who face challenges such as poverty, homelessness, hunger, and isolation. With over a century of service history, the Mission integrates support services in housing, food, health, and recovery, reaching tens of thousands annually. The organisation’s actions are rooted in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and guided by the values of Manaakitanga, Rangapū, Atawhai, and Manatika/Mana Ōrite. The Mission is dedicated to fostering hope, collective responsibility, and belief in people, inviting like-minded candidates to join their team.