Team Leader, Democracy

• Would you like to be at the heart of decision making?
• Lead a team that cares & contributes to positive social outcomes
• Rare & exciting leadership role

Kia mahi ngātahi mō Pōneke mō tōna āpōpō | Working together for Wellington's future.

We're Working for Wellington. Wellington City Council's team provides more than 400 services every day for Wellingtonians - everything from parks and pools to consents and cemeteries - playing our part in making Pōneke an inclusive, sustainable, and creative capital for people to live, work and play.

We're looking for someone to join our high-performing team, combining governance expertise and technical knowledge to provide exceptional advice and services to both our internal and external stakeholders.

A key focus of the Democracy Team is to deliver Te Kaunihera (Council) and committee support. Democracy Advisors facilitate the management of Te Kaunihera and committee meetings, and support chairpersons to ensure core democratic services are delivered.

As a leader within the Democracy Team, you'll play a pivotal role in supporting the smooth operation of Council and committee meetings. You'll manage and guide a talented team of Democracy Advisors to deliver high-quality, consistent advice on democratic processes to the Executive Leadership Team, committee chairpersons, and elected members. You'll also be directly involved in the "doing" - preparing accurate agendas, minutes, action memos, forward programme reports, and leading the development of the Committee Work Plan.

With the upcoming council elections in October, you'll take on a key leadership role in ensuring a smooth election delivery.

We think this opportunity would suit someone dynamic in their leadership style with a strong understanding and knowledge of democratic processes, governance, local government legislation, council practices and constraints. Our environment is very fast paced, dynamic and challenging so we are looking for someone who is versatile and pragmatic in their approach. It is important to us that you have exceptional relationship building skills to influence stakeholders, have a customer centric approach and can confidently navigate through a political environment. We are looking for someone who is cool-headed and has the resilience and agility to positively advocate for organisational improvements while championing the ability to think strategically and apply sound judgement and discretion. A relevant tertiary qualification in law, public policy, political science or related areas, is preferred.

What's exciting about the role?

If you want to be at the cutting edge of decision-making for Pōneke, are interested in the political process, can navigate complex political environments with impartiality and professionalism, can think on your feet, and are a great leader, then this could be the role for you.

Our award-winning Democracy Team are leaders in openness, accessibility and transparency and have a reputation for innovation in running excellent election services - and what a great time to join the team in an election year! They really enjoy their role as it gives them a real connection to our amazing capital city and genuinely care about improving the lives of the communities they serve. We understand that people are the most important asset, so we really look after our people, work smart and hard and have fun. WCC offers 5 weeks annual leave, family leave provisions and a generously subsidised kid's school holiday programme and much more!

Believe you can add value?

If you have any questions or need further information, please get in touch with Jennifer Parker, Manager Democracy Services at Jennifer.parker@wcc.govt.nz.

Applications close 2nd of March 2025. All applications need to be submitted online and have the current right to work in New Zealand. Successful applicants will be required to undergo a Ministry of Justice check as part of the pre-employment process.

Please note, we will be shortlisting prior to the closing date with interviews likely to be conducted on 6 March 2025.

Why us?

Working for the Council offers you a range of benefits including 5 weeks annual leave, flexible working options, health and wellbeing support, Council staff discounts and a range of learning and development programmes and opportunities.

More than that - you'll be playing a part in making Pōneke an inclusive, sustainable and creative capital for people to live, work and play. 

So, if joining a team that is focussed on delivering the best outcomes for Pōneke now and into the future (while also having a ton of fun doing it) seems like something that you want to be part of, apply today!