Chief Executive Officer

Role overview

Alzheimers New Zealand is looking for a Chief Executive to guide the organisation through a period of transition. The emphasis is on setting a strong long-term direction, keeping delivery focused, maintaining organisational stability, and deepening sector relationships that support both immediate leadership and future growth.

The organisation works with member bodies across New Zealand to provide advocacy, national leadership, strategic influence, education, and support. It functions within a federated model, with strong regional relationships, a national voice, and a clear commitment to helping people living with dementia mate wareware be valued and supported.

The environment is relationship-driven and complex. The role involves balancing advocacy, member support, governance, fundraising, and national alignment while strengthening the organisation’s standing across the sector. A thoughtful, strategic approach will be essential in a setting that is challenging and constantly evolving.

This position will appeal to a leader who can unite people, partner closely with the Board, engage confidently with government and sector stakeholders, and bring a clear strategic perspective to priorities, partnerships, and organisational direction. It also requires practical leadership within a small organisation.

Key focus areas

• Provide leadership to a national organisation with a defined purpose.
• Help build advocacy, relationships, and sector engagement across the country.
• Support a Wellington base; a four-day or five-day working week may be considered.

What you will do

• Work alongside member organisations in a federated structure to build alignment, consistency, and trust while helping define a clear national direction and sector role.
• Act as a credible representative with government, funders, sector partners, and other stakeholders, using sound judgement and influence.
• Assist the Board with governance processes, advice, board documentation, and organisational insight, while contributing to strategy, priorities, and decision-making.
• Lead a small national office and ensure the organisation continues operating effectively through change.
• Oversee the National Donor Programme so fundraising activity is well managed, effective, and aligned with broader organisational goals.
• Support the Dementia Learning Centre and its leader so it continues to deliver sector training and strengthen capability.
• Maintain active risk awareness and management, viewing challenges from both a sector and organisational perspective to achieve the best outcomes for the purpose of the organisation.
• Contribute to practical operating model work and support conversations about stronger sector connection, including with Dementia NZ, with a view to long-term positioning and sector impact.

What you will bring

• Senior leadership experience, preferably gained in a not-for-profit, health, social sector, or membership-based setting, with evidence of setting direction and leading strategically.
• Strong relationship-building skills and the judgement to work effectively with government, sector agencies, funders, and partners, along with senior-level credibility.
• Demonstrated ability to work constructively with a Board and support strong governance, strategy, and decision-making.
• Experience leading a small, distributed team and balancing strategic responsibilities with hands-on delivery.
• Commercial understanding and the ability to support revenue-generating activity, including donor and education functions, in a way that supports long-term sustainability.
• Political awareness, resilience, and a practical leadership style that brings clarity and confidence in a changing environment.
• Familiarity with federated organisations or member-based structures would be an advantage, along with the ability to operate effectively in a complex stakeholder environment.

Why this opportunity stands out

This is a chance to lead a national organisation with a clear purpose and an important role in the sector. You will help shape strategic direction, strengthen its voice and position, and influence how it works with others to improve outcomes. The role comes at a time when steady leadership, strong relationships, and good judgement will be especially important.

Additional information

The successful candidate can shape the role as either four or five days per week.

Applications close on Tuesday, 7 July 2026.

Reference: BH-11691.

Further enquiries: Nikki Franklin +64 4 550 8027 and Donna Williams +64 4 550 8020.

Position description available via jacksonstone.co.nz.