In partnership with Tikipunga High School | Full-time | Whangārei
I Have a Dream is looking for a Pathways Navigator to join our team and work alongside Dreamers, whānau and Tikipunga High School.
This is a relationship-based role focused on supporting Dreamers through the important transition from their final year at kura into their chosen career pathway. Building on the relationships and support established while they are at school, you’ll help ensure Dreamers remain connected, supported and encouraged as they take their next steps into tertiary study, vocational training, an apprenticeship or employment.
You’ll walk alongside Dreamers as they explore their options, navigate challenges and turn their aspirations into achievable next steps. This includes checking in on their post-kura progress, connecting them with career opportunities and industry networks, connecting with the Mentor Coordinator to ensure they are matched with a mentor who can provide another trusted relationship and source of guidance along the way.
Working closely with whānau, kura, mentors, tertiary providers, employers and community partners, you’ll help create a strong bridge between school and the world beyond it — so Dreamers know they have people in their corner as they build confidence, independence and a future that matters to them.
About I Have a Dream
Our vision: Tamariki and rangatahi reach their full potential, find pathways to successful futures and realise their dreams.
Our mission: To empower tamariki and rangatahi to overcome barriers and connect with opportunities through long term support in partnership with whānau, kura and community.
Our purpose: To inspire tamariki and rangatahi to have the courage, confidence and capability to drive positive growth in themselves, their whānau and their communities
Our work is grounded in: Aroha, Tūmanako, Rangatiratanga, Whanaungatanga and Akoranga.
About the role
The Pathways Navigator is an enhanced Navigator role with a particular focus on future pathways and post-school transition.
You will build strong, trusted relationships with Dreamers while also holding responsibility for the practical mahi that helps them move forward.
Your mahi will include:
Building genuine, consistent relationships with Dreamers and understanding their strengths, aspirations and support needs.
Supporting Dreamers with academic engagement, wellbeing, goal setting and personal development.
Maintaining purposeful classroom presence and working positively alongside kaiarataki, kaiako and kura staff.
Supporting applications, enrolments, scholarships, work experience and other pathway opportunities.
Preparing Dreamers for what comes next. Building confidence, knowledge, practical skills and understanding of new environments and expectations.
Planning and delivering engaging and consistent After School Programme (ASP) sessions.
Connecting Dreamers, whānau, Kaiarataki, kura and receiving organisations to ensure continuity, relationships and support are in place.
Maintaining connections with Dreamers after they leave kura, identifying any barriers, responding to challenges and ensuring Dreamers are supported as they settle into their next environment.
Keeping accurate records and following through on agreed actions and commitments.
What we're looking for
We are looking for someone who can combine strong relationships with strong follow-through.
You will be someone who:
Builds trusting and respectful relationships with rangatahi.
Is warm, approachable and genuinely enjoys working with young people.
Communicates clearly and responds to people in a timely way.
Is reliable, punctual, organised and accountable.
Can manage their own workload and follow through without needing constant prompting.
Is confident working alongside teachers and kura staff.
Can plan and deliver quality programmes for ākonga.
Understands the strengths, needs and circumstances of young people.
Can have meaningful conversations about education, careers, aspirations and the future.
Is comfortable connecting with tertiary providers, employers and other organisations.
Can advocate for a young person while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
Works in ways that honour identity, culture, whakapapa and mana.
Is reflective, open to feedback and committed to ongoing learning.
Relevant experience in career development, education or youth work is highly desirable. A relevant qualification is welcomed, although equivalent practical experience will also be considered.
You will need to be comfortable working independently in a high-trust environment while also being accountable to your team, your commitments and the Dreamers you support.
What does great practice look like?
For us, it is quite simple.
A great Pathways Navigator is:
Relational — Dreamers know you, trust you and know that you believe in them.
Reliable — you do what you say you will do, communicate early when something changes and can be counted on.
Organised — the important things don't get lost. You plan, record, follow up and keep people informed.
Present — you are actively engaged in programmes, kura and alongside Dreamers, not simply available when something goes wrong.
Purposeful — your programme delivery, conversations and actions have a clear reason and connection to Dreamer outcomes.
Strengths-based — you see what is possible in every Dreamer, build on their strengths and hold high expectations. You encourage, challenge and hold Dreamers accountable in ways that build confidence, independence and belief in themselves.
Future-focused — you help Dreamers see possibilities, understand their options and take practical steps towards their next chapter.
Why join I Have a Dream?
You will be joining a team that believes relationships matter, mana comes first and young people deserve people around them who will show up for them consistently.
This is an opportunity to do work that is deeply relational and genuinely purposeful, supporting young people not just to get through school, but to imagine and build a future they can be proud of.
You will work alongside a passionate team of Navigators, kura staff, whānau, mentors and community partners, with opportunities for professional development, supervision and continued learning.
The practical bits
Role: Pathways Navigator
Location: Tikipunga, Whangārei
Partnership: I Have a Dream & Tikipunga High School
Hours: Full-time - 8:30am-5pm
Reports to: Navigator Manager
Start: January 11, 2027
Ready to walk alongside our Dreamers?
Please submit your CV and a cover letter telling us a little about yourself, your experience working with young people, and why this role speaks to you.
I Have a Dream is committed to creating a safe, inclusive and culturally responsive environment where every Dreamer can feel known, valued and supported.