Executive Director

About the Organisation

The New Zealand Writers Guild | Puni Taatuhi o Aotearoa (NZWG) serves as the union and professional association representing screenwriters engaged in film, television, and digital media throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. Marking its 50th anniversary, the Guild is a small yet impactful organisation dedicated to advocating for fair remuneration, robust contracts, and ensuring screenwriters are respected, safeguarded, and have a voice. Their activities include collective bargaining, member support, copyright and AI policy advocacy, professional growth, governance, and leading the sector.

Role Overview

Reporting directly to the NZWG Board, the Executive Director will provide visionary leadership, champion advocacy efforts, and oversee the Guild's operational management. This high-responsibility position involves directing industrial relations, membership services, policy initiatives, and governance. The Executive Director will lead the staff, maintain strategic partnerships with government, industry, and international stakeholders, and manage collective bargaining activities under the Screen Industry Workers Act (SIWA), a pivotal development in NZWG's history.

Core Responsibilities

• Deliver strategic direction and day-to-day operational leadership of the Guild.
• Guide and manage collective bargaining processes with members and the Board under SIWA regulations.
• Supervise membership services, communications, and organisational infrastructures.
• Advocate for screenwriters' interests with government entities, industry professionals, funding bodies, and media outlets.
• Cultivate collaborative relationships with producers, broadcasters, and international screenwriter organisations.
• Ensure strong governance practices through consistent board reporting, policy advisement, and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee a high-performing team of employees and contractors aligned with organisational values.
• Lead policy advocacy on copyright, artificial intelligence, and screen industry matters.
• Represent New Zealand in global writer organisation forums such as the International Affiliation of Writers Guilds (IAWG).

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a seasoned senior leader deeply dedicated to supporting creative professionals, with considerable insight into the screen industry. They possess strategic foresight coupled with operational proficiency, skilled at coalition building, effective negotiation, and managing unexpected challenges.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Proven senior leadership in comparable organisations such as unions, arts bodies, membership associations, or industry groups.
• Familiarity or experience within New Zealand's screen industry or related creative sectors.
• Background in collective bargaining, industrial relations, or advocacy roles.
• Strong governance understanding and previous experience working alongside boards.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, including public speaking and media liaison.
• Ability to juggle multiple priorities, navigate limited resources, and manage critical relationships.
• Knowledge of copyright law, AI policy, or screen funding is advantageous; a screenwriting or creative industry background is beneficial but not mandatory.

Compensation & Working Conditions

• Salary range between $95,000 and $110,000 per annum.
• Permanent full-time position.
• Approximately 40 hours per week (1.0 FTE).
• Based in Auckland with options for hybrid work upon agreement.

Additional Information

The Guild values an inclusive, Te Tiriti-informed workplace culture and encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply. Applicants must be authorized to work in New Zealand. For further inquiries or a detailed job description, contact mirabelle@nzwg.org.nz. Application deadline is Monday 27 July at 5 pm.