Employment Engagement Lead

• Newly created role driving national employer engagement
• Drive listings, revenue and student job growth
• Wellington-based role with ownership and purpose

About the role

Student Job Search (SJS) is Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading employment service for tertiary students. Since 1982, they’ve been a vital part of the student employment ecosystem, minimising student hardship, equipping young people with lifelong employment skills, and fostering fulfilling partnerships that ultimately grow Aotearoa and the world.

Every day, they bridge the gap between students and employers, offering a range of opportunities – from casual and temporary roles to permanent positions. Supported by their funders, members, donors, and partners, they connect employers with a talented, motivated workforce while helping students thrive.

This pivotal role focuses on creating more jobs for students.

Reporting to the Head of Partnerships and working closely with the Chief Executive and wider Jobs Team, you’ll drive proactive outreach, employer reconnection and partnership growth nationwide. You’ll turn awareness into action by increasing listings, strengthening relationships and generating sustainable revenue to support SJS’s mission.

Working as part of a small, collaborative team, you’ll take shared accountability for organisational success and help deliver seamless, joined-up outcomes across SJS.

What you’ll do

• Proactively build and maintain strong employer relationships across Aotearoa
• Reconnect with inactive employers and secure new opportunities for students
• Manage key accounts including large listing employers and industry bodies
• Drive measurable growth in listings, revenue and student placements
• Collaborate with leadership to target priority sectors and growth opportunities
• Track performance data and report on engagement and revenue outcomes
• Contribute to a values-led, culturally responsive and high-performing team

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for a commercially savvy relationship builder who enjoys opening doors and creating opportunities.

You’ll bring:

• Demonstrated success in B2B sales, business development or account management, ideally within the community or recruitment sectors
• A genuine passion for working collaboratively within a team and building positive relationships with external stakeholders
• Experience managing pipelines, meeting targets and reporting on results
• Confidence engaging with employers across diverse industries
• Strong communication skills, including presenting to groups
• A proactive, solutions-focused mindset and the drive to exceed goals
• The ability to balance commercial outcomes with social impact

Experience within a charity or youth sector would be advantageous.

Above all, you’ll be motivated by the knowledge that every new role you generate is another opportunity for a student to fund their studies and gain valuable experience.

Why join SJS?

At SJS, purpose drives everything. You’ll be part of a small, committed team working nationally to reduce student hardship and support young people into meaningful work.

You’ll have:

• The opportunity to directly grow impact through employer partnerships
• A values-led, collaborative culture
• Clear targets and the autonomy to achieve them
• A role that blends commercial drive with social purpose

This is a permanent position based in Wellington CBD.  

To find out more about SJS visit their website at https://www.sjs.co.nz/

How to apply

Apply with your CV and a cover letter, addressed to Kirsty McLaren, by Wednesday 11 March 2026.

A position description is available on our website at mclaren.co.nz or call us on 04 499 1069.

Once applications have closed, we will commence the shortlisting process, which can take up to two weeks. We will be in touch with you regarding your application during this time.

View the position description by copying this link into your browser: https://mclaren.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/SJS-PD-Head-of-Corporate-11.12.25.pdf