Programme and Outreach Lead

We're looking for a Programme and Outreach Lead to help shape and deliver meaningful lifelong learning experiences across Selwyn District. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced leader with a passion for community learning, outreach services and programme delivery.

About the role

As the Programme and Outreach Lead, you will:

• Guide the planning, coordination and delivery of lifelong learning programmes and outreach activities across our Selwyn Libraries service.
• Lead a team of Programme & Learning Coordinators and Programme Delivery Assistants, ensuring high‑quality service delivery and positive customer experiences.
• Oversee our rural outreach service ‘Edge Connector Vehicle', ensuring it provides accessible and engaging programmes to outlying communities and special events.
• Work closely with a wide range of providers, educators, agencies, institutions, and internal teams to shape some of the most innovative and well-regarded and popular public library programmes in Aotearoa.

This role is part of the operational leadership team within the Arts, Culture and Lifelong Learning Team, contributing to service improvements and ensuring our programmes are relevant, accessible, and aligned with community needs.

 

You will be responsible for:

• Leading the planning and delivery of quality public library lifelong learning programmes across the district.

• Work collaboratively with team leads to deliver arts, heritage and library-focused programmes.
• Network with GLAM and library peers across Canterbury and New Zealand.

• Work with leadership to identify emerging community needs and support community development opportunities.

 

This role is full time, permanent role based in Te Ara Ātea. You will be required from time to time to work from other facilities across the district

About our team culture

At Selwyn Libraries, we're more than just a team — we're a whānau. We come from diverse backgrounds and bring our unique experiences, interests, and passions to our mahi. We support each other, celebrate our wins, and work together to create welcoming, inclusive spaces for our communities. We believe in continuous learning, sharing knowledge, and lifting each other up. If you're looking for a role where you can grow, lead, and make a real difference, you'll feel right at home here. We believe that diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives makes us stronger. If you meet many of the qualifications but not all, we still encourage you to apply — your unique perspective is valuable to us.

About you

You'll bring strong leadership skills, excellent communication and the ability to empower others. You'll thrive in a role where no two days are the same and where community impact is at the forefront of every decision.

You will have:

• Bachelor's Degree in a relevant subject area (e.g., Libraries, Museums, Education, Arts)
• Experience in the GLAM sector (Galleries, Libraries, Museums, Archives) or other learning environments
• Demonstrates an understanding of Te Ao Māori values and principles and commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• 3-5 years' experience developing and delivering policies and procedures within a medium or large organisation
• Strong relationship‑building skills and the ability to collaborate across diverse stakeholders
• A Full New Zealand Drivers Licence

What we can offer

• Career coaching and development
• Life insurance
• Wellbeing and volunteer leave
• Three days paid leave between Christmas and New Year
• Two weeks paid Partners Leave
• Sick leave from day one
• Continued KiwiSaver contributions during savings suspension
• Discounts with local and national businesses

About us

Selwyn is one of the fastest-growing districts in New Zealand. We have a fantastic quality of life, great communities, and a thriving economy. Our Council works actively with residents to provide the services and facilities that help our communities to thrive and grow.

Our head office is based in Rolleston (only 25km from Christchurch), which offers an enviable family lifestyle, outstanding local facilities and an easy drive to the ski fields, rivers and hills that make up Canterbury's stunning landscape.

Our values are important to us and represent the way we work: · Be a good human · Be brave - Think differently · Better together- Make it happen for Selwyn.

We honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi and we are committed to working with our Treaty partner to deliver on our obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

If you'd like to play a part in making Selwyn the best place to live, work and play, join us today!

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may take place prior to the close date. This means we reserve the right to close a job ad before the advertised close date.

To apply for this job go to: https://sdcjobs.co.nz/Vacancies & enter ref code: 6856982. 

Applications close 18 February 2026