Relationships and Engagement Manager

Role Overview

Join the Department of Conservation (DOC) in Wellington as the Relationships and Engagement Manager, a key leadership position within the Iwi Strategy and Group Partnerships team. This permanent role plays a crucial part in strengthening partnerships with iwi, hapū, and whānau by ensuring that engagement is strategic, culturally grounded, and aligned with Treaty obligations and DOC’s new Treaty Operating Model.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team comprising Principal Advisors, Senior Advisors, and Advisors to foster a culture of coaching and continuous professional development.
• Provide strategic guidance for DOC’s engagement and partnership approaches with Māori communities.
• Build internal organizational capability to achieve consistency in relationship management and culturally appropriate engagement methods.
• Supervise engagement planning for quality assurance and culturally sensitive practice across the organisation.
• Oversee preparation and quality control of advice, reports, and correspondence for senior leaders, Ministers, and governance forums.
• Implement systems, processes, and standards that support engagement, relationship management, and secretariat operations.
• Ensure DOC fulfills Treaty settlement commitments and honors Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles.
• Deliver trusted strategic advice about relationship opportunities, risks, and Treaty-related implications to senior management.
• Represent DOC at high-level meetings, wānanga, partnership forums, and multi-agency engagements.
• Promote te ao Māori, mātauranga Māori, and tikanga as fundamental elements throughout DOC.
• Lead key programs and initiatives focused on Treaty and engagement matters.

Required Knowledge and Experience

• Extensive knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Crown-Māori relations, and Treaty settlement frameworks.
• Proven experience collaborating with iwi, hapū, whānau, and Māori organizations in complex settings.
• Demonstrated success in leading and developing high-performing teams.
• Comprehensive understanding of te ao Māori, mātauranga Māori, and tikanga Māori.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, stakeholder engagement, and negotiation capabilities.
• Proven ability to manage sensitive and complex relationship environments effectively.
• Strong strategic thinking skills with influence at senior leadership levels.
• Skilled in preparing and critically reviewing written advice and reports for senior leaders and Ministers.
• Experience or understanding of the public sector, conservation sector, or comparable environments.

Desirable Attributes

• Proficiency or confidence in te reo Māori and associated tikanga.
• Previous leadership experience in partnership governance, relationship management or engagement.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications or equivalent professional experience.

Additional Information

• Salary ranges from $125,600 to $162,525 annually, depending on skills and experience.
• The ideal candidate will be based in Wellington, although the broader Greater Kapiti Area is the general location.
• Applicants must hold a valid New Zealand work visa for the entire duration of employment.
• Application deadline is 11:59 pm, Sunday 9 August 2026. Early submissions are encouraged as the position may close sooner.
• If applicants require accommodations during recruitment, these can be requested.
• For inquiries, contact the Senior Recruitment Advisor directly.

Organization's Vision and Commitment

DOC’s vision is for nature to thrive in Aotearoa. They foster an inclusive workplace where diversity, equity, and opportunity for growth are fundamental. The role offers a chance to contribute to a meaningful kaupapa that supports environmental stewardship through authentic partnership with Māori communities.