Chief Executive

• Well-established national charity and for-purpose brand
• Visible, inspiring leader delivering strategic clarity and hands-on impact
• Make a difference and create meaningful outcomes for tamariki and rangatahi

About LETNZ and Role

Life Education Trust New Zealand (LETNZ) is a not-for-profit charitable trust and New Zealand’s largest health education provider, supporting the health and wellbeing of young people for over 35 years, and empowering tamariki and rangatahi to make positive life choices.

LETNZ operates through 32 regional trusts nationwide, engaging over 300 volunteers and employing 45 educators. Using a fleet of mobile classrooms, the Trusts deliver the Healthy Harold programme to more than 1,200 primary schools, along with programmes in secondary schools and teacher development. Each year, more than 250,000 students participate. LETNZ’s vision is that all tamariki, rangatahi, and their communities have access to the life education they deserve.       

We are seeking a strong, visible, transformative, and inspiring Chief Executive who can provide strategic clarity while driving hands-on delivery. The successful candidate will bring exceptional leadership, strong commercial acumen, and the ability to lead programmes and teams effectively through change and growth.  

Working closely with the Board, you will shape and deliver LETNZ’s strategic direction and oversee national operations, programmes, and performance. As an ambassador for the organisation, you’ll strengthen relationships with key funders and supporters, regional trusts, schools and sector partners, while safeguarding LETNZ’s reputation, credibility, and long-term sustainability.

In partnership with the Board, the Chief Executive will lead the modernisation and refinement of LETNZ’s delivery model, enhance organisational capability, and drive diversification and sustainability of funding streams. This role will transform the organisation, strengthening its impact and taking it to new heights in fulfilling its mission.    

If you are a strategic, action-oriented changemaker who thrives on challenges, enjoys driving innovation, and is passionate about improving life education to support tamariki and rangatahi to access meaningful pathways to health and wellbeing, this is the role for you.

What we’re looking for:

• Proven Chief Executive (or equivalent) experience, including strategic planning, financial management and human resources management
• Experience of working with Boards
• Strategic thinker with a track record of turning vision into action and impact
• Effective people leadership skills, with the ability to maintain a highly engaged workforce and inspire, motivate, and enable high-performing teams
• Strong business and financial acumen; experience managing budgets, contracts and risk
• A connector and collaborator with a track record of success in building and maintaining exceptional relationships across Board, trusts, funders, sector and community stakeholders
• Experience leading an organisation through transformation and change; inspire and take people on a journey
• Knowledge of funding environments, government systems, and sector dynamics
• Confident communicator with media and public engagement experience
• Understanding the challenges and nuances of the not-for-profit and volunteer sectors
• Collaborative, adaptable, and solutions-focused, with a continuous improvement mindset
• Genuine passion in education, youth development, health and wellbeing, and/or making a difference in the lives of tamariki and rangatahi
• Demonstrated understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Why join LETNZ?    

This is a rewarding leadership role that is strategic, visible, and hands-on, offering the opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting impact on children and the education system.        

You’ll lead a passionate and dedicated team, united by a vision to support tamariki and rangatahi through meaningful, purpose-driven programmes that create real pathways to health and wellbeing. With the support of a proactive Board, you will lead the expansion of LETNZ’s brand and influence, strengthen stakeholder relationships, enhance our operating model and revenue streams, drive innovation and lasting impact, and build a stronger network across the regional trusts, key funders, and sector partners.       

You thrive on supporting your team to deliver meaningful outcomes, with your work advancing LETNZ’s mission of helping young people understand how the choices they make today impact their future health and wellbeing.       

This permanent full-time position is based at LETNZ’s national office on Featherston St, Wellington Central.            

How to apply

Attention your CV and a cover letter to Ngan Nguyen by Sunday 12 April 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/LETNZ-PD-Chief-Executive-Officer-March-2026.pdf