Do you want a job with real purpose and the ability to support clinicians who work with our most vulnerable children?
About the role
Rei Kōtuku is seeking a Chief Executive to lead the organisation through its next stage: consolidating a high-performing contracted service in the Central Region while positioning the Trust to contribute to - and potentially deliver within-a national model of care. Reporting to the Board, the Chief Executive will provide strategic, organisational and people leadership. You will partner closely with the Clinical Director, protect clinical capacity, maintain disciplined governance and financial management, strengthen relationships with Health New Zealand and other stakeholders, and secure philanthropic support for services beyond the scope of government funding. This is a hands-on executive role in a small, purpose-led organisation based in Wellington, with flexibility appropriate to the position.
Key responsibilities
Lead contracted service delivery: Work with the Clinical Director to ensure safe, compassionate and consistent delivery of the Central Region Health New Zealand contract, with clear performance reporting, escalation pathways and service continuity.
Provide strategic and governance leadership: Translate strategy into an executable workplan, provide timely and decision-ready advice to the Board, and maintain strong policies, risk management and accountability.
Lead people, culture and wellbeing: Build a supportive, values-led and high-performing culture, with particular care for wellbeing in an emotionally demanding clinical environment.
Shape the national system: Represent Rei Kōtuku with Health New Zealand, government agencies and health-sector partners, bringing clinical evidence and the voices of tamariki and whānau into the design of an equitable national service.
Secure financial resilience: Oversee budgets, cashflow, forecasting, payroll and compliance, while sustaining grants, donor relationships and philanthropic income for holistic and out-of-region support.
Prepare for scale and transition: Develop practical scenarios, risks and implementation pathways for national hub participation, organisational growth or other future operating models.
Maintain strong operations: Ensure systems, patient records, administration, reporting and family-support logistics are reliable, well documented and continuously improved.
About you
Executive leadership – A credible, inclusive leader with experience guiding a purpose-led organisation through growth, change or increasing complexity.
Health-system and stakeholder acumen – The ability to build trusted relationships with funders, government, health leaders, clinicians, donors and community partners; experience working with Health New Zealand or public-sector contracts would be valuable.
Commercial and operational discipline – Strong financial literacy and confidence overseeing contracts, performance, risk, compliance, systems and organisational delivery.
Strategic influence – Sound judgement, excellent communication and the ability to turn complex issues into clear choices, persuasive narratives and practical action.
Partnership with clinical leadership – Respect for clinical expertise and the ability to create the conditions in which clinicians can focus on excellent care.
Values and resilience – Warmth, humility, courage and personal resilience, with a deep commitment to equitable care for seriously ill children and their whānau.
About us
Rei Kōtuku is a specialist paediatric palliative care service supporting children with life-limiting conditions and their whānau. We combine clinical expertise with compassionate wrap-around support so families do not face life's toughest journey alone. Following a successful philanthropically funded pilot, Rei Kōtuku has entered a new phase of maturity. Health New Zealand has funded continuation of our Central Region service, while work progresses on the design of a national paediatric palliative care service.
We will be interviewing as job applications come in, so don't miss out! Applications will close 12th NOVEMBER 2026 5pm.
Any questions regarding the role please contact Dr Amanda Evans on 021 242 7823 or email [email protected]