Community Engagement Manager

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Hato Hone St John is seeking a Community Engagement Manager to lead a regional team across Franklin and Hauraki Coromandel, acting as the primary liaison between Area Committees, communities and stakeholders. You will lead sustainable health focused community development, support evolving volunteer committees, and translate priorities into locally relevant plans with budgeting. The role requires experience in community development, volunteer management, and stakeholder relations within a matrix structure, plus travel and an NZ driver license. Apply by Sunday 5 July. Tips: tailor your CV to show local leadership and measurable outcomes, highlight collaboration with diverse groups and cultural responsiveness, and contact Sara Symons for a confidential chat if unsure.

Company Description

Ko wai mātou - About us:

Hato Hone St John has been serving New Zealanders since 1885. Today, we have nearly 12,000 kaimahi working across Aotearoa to enhance the health and wellbeing of our communities. From responding to 111 calls to supporting people to stay healthy through health education, access and monitoring, we make a life-changing difference every day.

Job Description

He aha te tūranga – About the role

The Hato Hone St John Community Engagement team acts as the vital link between Hato Hone St John, our local Area Committees (made up of volunteers), and the communities they serve.

As Community Engagement Manager for the Franklin and Hauraki Coromandel regions, you will be the key relationship lead, championing the Hato Hone St John vision: ko te mana ora orite – enhanced health and wellbeing for all.

Leading a team of three, you will work in close partnership with Area Committees, community groups, and organisational stakeholders to deliver high-quality, sustainable, health-focused community development initiatives that respond to local needs and align with organisational priorities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Acting as the primary interface between Hato Hone St John, Area Committees (volunteers), and the communities they serve.
• Leading and supporting the ongoing transition of Area Committees as they evolve toward delivering sustainable, high-impact local health initiatives and projects.
• Building collaborative approaches to local leadership, strengthening community capability and enabling effective partnerships.
• Developing and maintaining proactive, trusted relationships with key stakeholders that reflect and promote Hato Hone St John’s values and purpose.
• Contributing to the development and delivery of Community Health strategies, including annual impact planning, budgeting, and forecasting.

This is a full-time, permanent position that can be based in either Franklin or Hauraki Coromandel. As the role involves regular engagement with communities, stakeholders, and Area Committees across the region, frequent travel is required, including occasional overnight stays. A full, New Zealand driver licence is required.

Qualifications

Ko wai koe - About you:

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Experience in community development and engagement, with a strong focus on building community capability, strengths, and capacity for the benefit of volunteers and their communities.
• A clear understanding of the value volunteering brings in strengthening community resilience and wellbeing.
• Experience working effectively with volunteers and volunteer-led groups, ideally within a complex or community-based environment.
• Experience in people and resource management, with the ability to operate confidently within a matrix structure involving both paid staff and volunteers.
• Strong interpersonal, relationship-building, and stakeholder management skills, with experience working across communities and within the community development, health, or social services sectors.
• The ability to think strategically, see the bigger picture, and translate organisational priorities into practical, locally relevant plans in collaboration with diverse groups.

Additional Information

Me pēhea te tuku tono - How to apply

Click “I’m interested” before applications close on Sunday 5 July.

For further information please contact Sara on 0800 STJOHN ext 8783 or [email protected] for a confidential discussion.

At Hato Hone St John, we embrace diversity, welcoming everyone to bring their authentic selves to work. We value unique perspectives, fostering inclusivity to better serve our communities, and we’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone belongs.

E pōhiritia nei e mātou, te whānau o Hato Hone St John, ngā rerekētanga o ia tāngata ki te haramai.  E āwhinatia e mātou I ngā whakaaro rerekē, kia mahi pai I roto I ngā hāpori katoa.  Ko tā mātou nei haepapa, kia hanga tētahi āhuru mōwai mā tatou, kia mahi haumaru ai.

If you need accommodations for accessibility, please reach out to the recruiter listed for equitable participation in our recruitment process.

Research shows that women and people from under-represented groups are less likely to apply for roles when their experience doesn’t match the job description perfectly. If you’re excited and think you have what it takes, we want to hear from you! Even if your experience doesn’t align 100%. Please apply or contact the recruitment advisor listed on the advertisement for a kōrero.