Senior Executive Assistant | Wellington | Permanent
Ministry of Social DevelopmentJobsCloseBy Editorial Insights
MSD is seeking a Senior Executive Assistant to the Deputy Chief Executive Disability Support Services in Wellington. This full-time onsite role supports a busy DCE in a fast paced environment, acting as a trusted advisor who triages priorities, manages emails and schedules, coordinates meetings and travel, and prepares documents while safeguarding confidential information. You’ll work with the EA network and engage senior leaders, government agencies and partners, with strong written and spoken communication, superb organisation, and a calm proactive approach. Demonstrate your interest in Disability Support Services and Te Tiriti o Waitangi alignment. In your cover letter link your experience to the duties and outcomes. Apply online with your CV and tailored cover letter.
- Support a Deputy Chief Executive in a high-profile, fast-paced leadership environment
- Be a trusted advisor, managing priorities, communications, and executive operations
- Join Disability Support Services and contribute to meaningful outcomes for disabled people and whānau
Bring your exceptional organisational skills, sound judgement, and proactive approach to an important Senior Executive Assistant role where no two days are the same.
About our team | Mō te tīma
The Disability Support Services (DSS) Group is responsible for commissioning, funding, and stewarding high-quality services that support disabled people, their families, and whānau.
We’re building leadership and management capacity across our teams to deliver both change and business-as-usual effectively.
We work closely with providers, stakeholders, and communities to ensure services are fair, consistent, transparent and sustainable. With a strong focus on performance monitoring, data, and insights, we’re committed to continuous improvement and evidence-based decision-making.
It’s an exciting time to join DSS as we strengthen our systems and expand our capabilities.
We’re looking for passionate people to help us achieve our goals and make a meaningful impact.
About the role | Mō te tūnga
As the Senior Executive Assistant to the Deputy Chief Executive Disability Support Services (DSS), you will provide high‑level executive and administrative support to ensure the smooth and effective running of the DSS group.
This is a busy, trusted role supporting a busy DCE with competing priorities in a complex public sector environment.
You’ll work closely with the wider Leadership Team EA network, collaborating with other senior EAs and contributing to the Ministry’s broader outcomes while supporting a large and demanding work programme.
This is a permanent role and is based in our Wellington office.
Key responsibilities include:
- Actively manage incoming emails, triaging and responding in a timely and appropriate manner
- Provide comprehensive executive support to the Deputy Chief Executive ensuring schedules are well organised and priorities are effectively managed
- Organise and coordinate meetings, events, and travel arrangements
- Prepare, proofread, and edit high‑quality documents, reports, and correspondence
- Act as a key point of contact between the Deputy Chief Executive and internal and external stakeholders, including senior leaders, government agencies, and external partners
- Manage confidential and sensitive information with discretion and professionalism
- Support preparation for meetings, including gathering information, preparing briefings, and ensuring follow‑up actions are completed
- Proactively anticipate needs and issues, offering solutions to keep operations running smoothly
We value diversity and welcome applications from disabled people and those who have lived experience with whānau, or the disability community.
Please contact us if there is any support that we can provide to ensure the recruitment process is accessible to you.
What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga
You’re an experienced Executive Assistant who thrives in a fast‑paced executive environment and enjoys being a trusted partner to senior leaders. You‘ll also have:
- Extensive experience as an Executive Assistant who is skilled at proactively triaging and responding to emails where appropriate
- Advanced proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively at all levels
- Exceptional organisation and time‑management skills, with the ability to juggle competing priorities
- High levels of discretion, integrity, and professionalism when handling confidential information
- A proactive, solutions‑focused approach with a strong attention to detail
- A positive, can‑do attitude and a collaborative team mindset
- Confidence supporting a busy Deputy Chief Executive with a demanding and high‑profile portfolio
- strong judgement, discretion, and the confidence to work at pace while staying calm and organised.
- A strong interest in Disability Support Services and the work of the Ministry
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga
A copy of the position description can be found here. Senior Executive Assistant position description.
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $90,743.00 - $109,980.00
Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Sunday 2nd August 2026.
About us | Mō mātou
The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) is a people-centred organisation. We’re in communities across the motu, working with partners to help New Zealanders be safe, strong and independent.
We provide social policy advice to government, and assistance including income, employment and housing support to people of all ages, families, whānau and communities.
As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner, we are committed to supporting and enabling Māori, whānau, hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.
Our people are as diverse as the communities we serve. We care about the wellbeing and success of our people and provide a supportive and inclusive working environment where people can thrive and be who they are.
How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono
Before you submit your application, please take a moment to review our guidance to understand how AI can best support your application. Candidate Guidance - Responsible AI use in recruitment
To apply, click the 'Apply Now' button to upload your CV, cover letter and complete the online application form.
Note: Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process. Please highlight how your skills and experience relate to the key responsibilities listed in the position description and job advertisement.
All applications must be made online. If this is not possible or if you have any queries, please contact us at [email protected]
Internal MSD Employees – please apply through your myHR portal at work. This will ensure that your myHR employee profile is visible as internal candidate.
Joining us | Ko te hono mai
Joining MSD means being part of a whānau that celebrates the diversity each individual represents.
We show manaaki, we care about the wellbeing and success of people and want everyone to thrive and be who they are in a supportive and inclusive working environment. We work together to make a difference for communities while doing the right thing with integrity. You can find out more about our values here.
If you have any support or accessibility requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.