Executive Officer

• Join the Group Strategy & Chief Executive Office Directorate leadership team
• Advise senior leaders on complex and politically significant priorities
• Connect executive direction with delivery across Auckland Council Group

He angitūtanga: The opportunity

As Executive Officer, you’ll operate at the centre of the Group Strategy and Chief Executive Office directorate as a trusted adviser and strategic integrator to the Director and lead team.

You’ll help translate direction from elected members, the Chief Executive and ELT into clear priorities, high-quality advice and coordinated delivery. You’ll maintain visibility and momentum across a broad and politically significant work programme, ensuring the directorate works collectively and focuses its effort where it can make the greatest difference for Aucklanders.

A key part of the role will be commissioning, coordinating and quality assuring advice from across the directorate and Auckland Council Group. You’ll bring together the right people and perspectives, identify dependencies and emerging risks, and ensure decisions and commitments are followed through.

This is a high-trust role requiring sound judgement, initiative and discretion. You’ll need to work confidently across organisational boundaries, bring clarity to complex or ambiguous situations, and know when to challenge, resolve or escalate an issue.

Key responsibilities include:

• Partner with the Director and lead team to translate strategic direction into directorate priorities, business plans and coordinated action
• Coordinate the directorate’s governance rhythm, business planning, performance reporting and priority work programme
• Maintain oversight of key commitments, dependencies, risks and delivery issues, intervening or escalating where required
• Lead selected strategic, operational or transformation priorities that require coordination across organisational boundaries
• Anticipate and manage emerging issues, ensuring senior leaders receive timely advice, clear options and practical recommendations
• Prepare concise executive briefings, correspondence and communications on complex or sensitive matters
• Support the Director and lead team to navigate uncertainty, organisational change and competing priorities while maintaining momentum

He kōrero mōu: About you

We’re looking for an experienced executive adviser and strategic integrator who can operate with confidence in a large, complex and politically accountable organisation.

You’ll bring a strong track record of advising senior executives, leading cross-cutting priorities and coordinating high-quality advice from multiple contributors. You’ll understand how to connect strategic direction with practical delivery and maintain oversight without relying on formal authority.

You’ll exercise excellent judgement and discretion when dealing with sensitive matters and be comfortable working at pace, navigating competing priorities and constructively challenging senior leaders when required. Strong political acumen and an understanding of the respective roles of management and elected members will be important.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer

This is an opportunity to work alongside senior leaders on strategic priorities that have a significant impact across Auckland Council. You’ll have the scope to influence how the organisation responds to complex challenges, lead important initiatives and bring together people, information and perspectives to achieve better outcomes for Aucklanders.

You can view a copy of the position description HERE.

Applications close Tuesday, 22nd September 2026

Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and we are committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application to assist you through the recruitment process.