National Manager, Practice and Advocacy

Full-Time Children, Youth and Family Services Community Development Community Services Management Social Services Show the salary

Job Description

  • Significant leadership experience, mana, and sector credibility
  • Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and advocacy skills
  • A passion for continuous improvement and innovation

This is an exciting new opportunity for a leader with significant social work experience and credibility to use their leadership, expertise, and advocacy to drive positive change for children and families across Aotearoa who need us the most – across social and community work, early learning, care services and a professional helpline.
  
About Us

At Barnardos, we’ve been shaping brighter futures for tamariki and whānau in Aotearoa for over 60 years. Through our mahi across social services, early learning, and advocacy, we are there every step of the way in the childhood journey—and beyond.

Our people are at the heart of everything we do. We’re a passionate and committed team working together to make a real, lasting difference in the lives of thousands of tamariki, rangatahi, whānau, and communities every year.

Our Vision / Moemoeā

An Aotearoa where every child shines bright.

Our Mission / Kaupapa

Every day we work to make a lasting difference to the lives of tamariki and whānau in need, so they thrive

Our Guiding Principles

  • Kotahitanga – Unity
  • Ata Whakarongo – Hear with Intent
  • Māiatanga – Realise Potential
  • Kaikōkiritanga – Progress with Purpose
  • Mahi tōtika – Do the Right Things Well


Our Four Pou

At Barnardos, we uphold the strength and values of the Four Pou, which guide our strategy and ensure we remain committed to our vision:

  • Keeping tamariki and whānau at the heart: We’re here to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families, ensuring their needs and aspirations guide our work.
  • Living our tangata whenua / tangata Tiriti commitment: We honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi in everything we do, ensuring that all our relationships and practices reflect this commitment.
  • Speaking out: We speak up for what is right, advocating for tamariki, whānau, and the communities we serve.
  • Standing strong: We remain steadfast in our values, taking bold action to create a brighter future for all.

What we are looking for

An experienced  leader with a background in social work practice.

An addition to our Executive Leadership Team who brings a collaborative work style and a strategic skillset.

A people leader with passion and expertise to lead and provide a respected voice in the advocacy space.


Purpose of the Role
As the National Manager Practice and Advocacy, you will play a critical leadership role in ensuring that Barnardos remains at the forefront of ‘best practice’ in the delivery of our services and innovation. You will also guide our organisation in driving system-level advocacy ensuring Barnardos has a strong, respected voice in key forums.

In this role, you will also lead the improvement and innovation of our service delivery, driving quality outcomes and ensuring that our work remains sustainable and relevant. You’ll oversee both internal projects and external advocacy, ensuring that tamariki and whānau are at the heart of everything we do.

As a senior leader and member of the Executive Leadership Team you will inspire and guide your direct team to collaboratively achieve Barnardos’ strategy and goals.   You will role model an approach of Kotahitanga every day.    

Key Responsibilities:

  • Strategic Leadership: Lead our practice and advocacy efforts, ensuring Barnardos’ services align with our guiding principles and strategic plan.
  • Advocacy: Advocate for tamariki and whānau at the highest levels, ensuring our policy engagement and partnerships reflect the lived realities of our communities.
  • Quality Improvement: Lead innovation projects and continuously improve service delivery, ensuring the sustainability and effectiveness of our work.
  • People Leadership: Mentor your team, fostering a culture of excellence, teamwork, and professional growth.
  • Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Ngā Pou e Whā: Champion Barnardos’ commitment to Te Tiriti and our Māori strategy in all areas of practice.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with government agencies, iwi, community organisations, and other partners.

What You’ll Bring:

  • Significant leadership, experience, mana and sector credibility in social work, or related fields.
  • Ideally you have maintained your Social Work Registration
  • A deep understanding of and experience working in ways that reflect a commitment to Tangata Titriti, Tangata Whenua.
  • Exceptional communication, relationship-building and advocacy skills, with the ability to influence change at both the system and service levels.
  • A passion for continuous improvement and innovative approaches that ensure our services meet the needs of tamariki and whānau.
  • Strong knowledge of the social, political, and legislative landscape affecting children and families in Aotearoa.
  • Can do attitude, positive, innovative, committed to Kotahitanga.

 Why Barnardos Aotearoa?

At Barnardos, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of tamariki, rangatahi, whānau and communities across Aotearoa. You’ll join a passionate team committed to staying relevant, working with and for Māori, and creating lasting, positive change in the communities we serve.

This is more than a job—it’s an opportunity to be part of a movement and shape the future for children in Aotearoa.

We will commence interviews as applications are received.
We will progress applications as we receive them, so if you feel you are the right person for the role, apply today!

Organisation

Barnardos Aotearoa

Job Summary

To complement a united Executive Leadership Team, Barnardos is looking for a chief in social work and advocacy.

Salary

$105,000 - $130,000

How to apply

A copy of the position description can be found through copying the URL link below.  For any other questions you can email recruitment@barnardos.org.nz 

https://cf-prod-back.barnardos.org.nz/assets/PD-Current-/National-Manager-Practice-and-Advocacy-PD.pdf

To apply please use the job specific link https://adr.to/x2pggai 

Sector

Not for Profit

Cause (Sustainable Development Goals)

Quality Education, Reduced Inequalities, Other