Director Operations, Community Law Centres Aotearoa

About the Role

Community Law Centres Aotearoa (CLCA) is a national network of 24 centres committed to delivering vital legal aid to underserved communities across New Zealand. The Director Operations is a newly created senior leadership position that reports directly to the Chief Executive and plays a crucial role in strengthening organizational capacity to advance CLCA's strategic goals.

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, this role oversees finance, systems, business operations, information management, people operations, organizational performance, and continuous improvement. The successful candidate will ensure that CLCA has resilient infrastructure and efficient processes to support the community law movement now and into the future.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a dedicated team managing finance, data, systems, and organizational support.
• Provide strategic oversight for operational functions to boost organizational capacity and performance.
• Manage financial planning, budgeting, reporting, and financial governance activities.
• Enhance business systems, information management, technology, and data capabilities.
• Drive organizational planning, operational improvements, and risk management initiatives.
• Direct people operations including recruitment processes, payroll, health and safety compliance, and capability development.
• Oversee procurement, vendor management, and general business support services.
• Collaborate closely as part of the Senior Leadership Team to shape CLCA’s future direction.

Candidate Profile

• Proven track record in senior leadership roles within operations, corporate services, or business management.
• Strong expertise in financial management encompassing budgeting, reporting, and governance.
• Experience in leading organizational improvements and embedding effective systems and workflows.
• Ability to work closely with Chief Executives, Boards, and senior leaders.
• Excellent people leadership skills demonstrated through a cooperative and empowering leadership style.
• Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a commitment to uphold its principles in the workplace.
• Alignment with the ethos and values of community service, kaupapa Māori, iwi, membership, or not-for-profit organizations.

Experience within not-for-profit or membership organizations and Chartered Accountant (CA) accreditation are desirable but not mandatory.

Why Work With Us?

This position offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact by shaping the operational backbone of a nationally significant organization. Your efforts will enable 24 Community Law Centres throughout New Zealand to deliver stronger outcomes for their communities by enhancing organizational systems, capacity, and resilience. The role supports the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team in focusing on sector leadership, advocacy, and improving access to justice nationwide.

Additional Information

This is a full-time onsite position based in Wellington, New Zealand.

Application Process

Candidates are invited to submit a CV and cover letter to Kirsty McLaren by Sunday, 9 August 2026. For further details, a position description is available on the recruitment agency’s website or by phone inquiry. The shortlisting process will commence shortly after the closing date and may take up to two weeks.