Relationship Lead - Community Partnerships

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Relationship Lead - Community Partnerships at the Department of Internal Affairs focuses on creating meaningful partnerships with community organisations, advocacy groups and service providers to help Survivors access the Survivor Experiences Service in a safe, supported way. You’ll prioritise Māori, Pacific Peoples, Disabled and Deaf communities, work across sectors to remove barriers, and partner with internal teams to smooth transitions into records, private sessions and redress services. This full-time onsite fixed-term role in Wellington pays NZ$109,697 to NZ$121,885 and runs to June 2028. To apply, use the online portal, review the PD PDF, and tailor your submission to show durable partnerships, trauma-informed practice and strong cross‑sector collaboration. Applications close 5pm 31 August 2026; you must have the right to live and work in New Zealand. For questions, email Stephen Turnock.

About Us | Mō mātou    

The Survivor Experiences Service provides a safe, supportive and confidential space for Survivors of abuse in care to share their experiences as part of their healing journey. The Service also supports Survivors to access and understand their care records, helping to fill gaps in personal histories and provide greater understanding of past experiences.

Hosted by Te Tari Taiwhenua (Department of Internal Affairs) and overseen by an independent board, the Service brings together Survivors experiences to deepen understanding of abuse in care and inform efforts to prevent future harm. Survivors may also be connected with other support services, ensuring they receive the assistance they need throughout their journey.

The role | Te tūnga   

This role is about creating meaningful partnerships that make it easier for Survivors to access the Survivor Experiences Service. Working with community organisations, advocacy groups and service providers, you'll build trusted pathways that help Survivors engage with the Service in a way that feels safe, supported and responsive to their needs.

You'll develop strong relationships with organisations supporting Māori, Pacific Peoples, Disabled and Deaf Survivors, working collaboratively to improve access and reduce barriers. You'll also work closely with internal teams to ensure Survivors experience smooth transitions into records, private sessions and redress services. As the Service continues to evolve, you'll help shape effective community partnership approaches that deliver better outcomes for Survivors across Aotearoa.

This opportunity is Fixed Term to June 2028.

What you bring | Nōu te rourou 

• Experience building and maintaining successful partnerships across community, NGO or government sectors
• Strong relationship management and influencing skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across diverse stakeholders
• An understanding of the needs of Māori, Pacific Peoples, Disabled and Deaf communities, and a commitment to culturally responsive and accessible practice
• Experience working in complex environments, using sound judgement to solve problems and improve outcomes
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build trust and engage confidently with a wide range of people
• A genuine commitment to supporting Survivors through a trauma-informed, respectful and Survivor-centred approach

For you | Mōu 

At the Department of Internal Affairs, we are committed to offering a collaborative and innovative culture where your perspective and ideas will be welcomed. We want our people to thrive within a culture of best practice, while being able to set and achieve goals and being encouraged to challenge the status quo.  

To learn more about the diverse, important mahi we do at the Department and see why we're a great place to work check out our website https://www.dia.govt.nz/ 

Benefits - About Internal Affairs - Careers with us - Benefits - dia.govt.nz 

The appointing range for this role is $109,697 – $121,885

To review the full job description, please click here. 

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono 

We are unable to accept applications via email. Please click the apply button to submit your application. 

We're committed to ensuring our application process is accessible to everyone. Please let us know if there is any support, we can provide to ensure the process is accessible to you.  

Applications for this role close 5pm, Monday 31 August 2026 Please also note that you must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand to be considered for this role. 

If you have any questions, please email Stephen Turnock - [email protected]