Executive Director

• Visible, hands-on leader driving operational delivery, outcomes and impact
• National peak body advancing health equity, innovation & excellence
• Part-time, 30 hours over 4 days.  Work remotely anywhere in NZ.

About the role

Reporting to the co-presidents and the NZSTA board, the executive director is responsible for the effective leadership, day-to-day operational management, and strategic advancement of the New Zealand Speech-language Therapists’ Association (NZSTA).  The role has a strong focus on promoting professional standards, advancing health equity and inclusion, improving health outcomes for all people across Aotearoa NZ, and strengthening member value.

This is a broad, influential position spanning governance support, professional standards oversight, members' services, stakeholder engagement and organisational sustainability.

What you’ll do

• Lead the implementation of the NZSTA’s strategic plan
• Support the Board and AGM, strategic planning, compliance, reporting and policy
• Lead day-to-day operations, including financial oversight, organisational performance, risk, systems, digital infrastructure, and continuous improvement
• Support NZSTA’s self-regulatory function, including professional standards, ethics, complaints, credentialling, and scope of practice
• Oversee the delivery of continuing professional development events for members
• Support relevant operational committees (e.g. Ethical Standards & Complaints, Professional Standards)
• Provide leadership on issues management and advocacy efforts
• Strengthen communications, member engagement and public profile
• Represent NZSTA at relevant meetings and forums
• Build and maintain relationships with government agencies, allied health partners, funders and sector stakeholders
• Identify and pursue business development opportunities and partnerships to enhance NZSTA’s reach and sustainability
• Embed NZSTA’s commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi across policy and practice

You will partner closely with the Board, lead a small remote team, and deliver the strategic plan while strengthening the NZSTA’s regulatory requirements, practical considerations, advocacy, organisational priorities, and member leadership role nationally.

You’re a strategic, action-oriented leader who thrives on challenges.  You’ll be able to turn vision into clear operational delivery.  You excel at monitoring environmental and sector trends, spotting risks and opportunities, and ensuring policies are fit for purpose.  You thrive on supporting your team in delivering meaningful impact, with your work directly contributing to NZSTA’s mission to improve health equity across Aotearoa NZ.

What we’re looking for

• Proven strategic leadership within a professional association, membership organisation, regulatory environment, or not-for-profit organisation
• Strong experience working with governance boards and committees, and an understanding of good governance best practices
• Strong financial stewardship capability, balancing member value, mission and long-term sustainability
• Experience in regulatory, credentialing or professional standards environments is desirable
• Ability to translate vision into operational delivery, actionable plans, and impact
• Proven experience leading and developing high-performing teams, including in a remote or virtual environment
• Ability to build trusted relationships across diverse stakeholders
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• A genuine commitment to advancing health equity and inclusion, improving health outcomes and protecting public safety for all
• Experience in the health, disability, or education sectors would also be highly advantageous
• Demonstrated understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, bicultural practices, and culturally responsive practice.

Why join NZSTA?

The New Zealand Speech-language Therapists’ Association (NZSTA) is the national professional membership body supporting speech-language therapists across health, education, disability, and justice settings in Aotearoa New Zealand.  Its vision is to empower voices and enhance lives through leadership, standards, and trusted professional practice, and its mission is to advance the profession while promoting equity, innovation, and excellence in communication and swallowing for all people in Aotearoa.  

This is a permanent part-time position (30 hours per week), working remotely from home anywhere in New Zealand.  Hours are worked across four days per week, ideally Monday to Thursday.  Preferred locations include Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, or other main regional centres in NZ.

NZSTA offers a competitive salary, five weeks’ leave, flexible working arrangements, a monthly allowance to support home office and mileage expenses, professional development opportunities, and national travel to attend events and conferences.        

How to apply          

Attention your CV and a cover letter to Ngan Nguyen by Sunday, 14 June 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/NZSTA-PD-Executive-Director-May-2026.pdf