Service Manager

Job Description

Organisation: Newtown Budgeting & Advocacy Service (NBAS)

Reports To: Board Chair

Location: Newtown, Wellington

Hours: Part time (28 hours)

Direct Reports: 5 employees, up to 12 volunteers

Salary Range: $75,000 – $95,000 (pro-rata, depending on experience)

About NBAS

NBAS provides free, accessible budgeting and financial mentoring services to individuals and whānau facing financial hardship across Wellington. Governed by a voluntary committee, we work within Ministry of Social Development (MSD) guidelines to build community financial capability—one person at a time.

Role Overview

A hands-on leadership role bridging operations, funding, and strategy. The Service Manager manages day-to-day service delivery, leads staff and volunteers, drives funding sustainability, and serves as the Board's primary operational partner.

Key Responsibilities

1. People Leadership and Operational Management

  • Team Management: Lead, coach, and support paid staff and volunteers, overseeing recruitment, onboarding, performance, and wellbeing.

  • Volunteer Oversight: Recruit, train, and coordinate volunteer administration staff in line with contemporary practice and training standards.

  • Service Delivery and Quality: Maintain client-centred standards, privacy compliance, and BFC service delivery; provide direct mentoring or community education as needed.

  • Online Presence: Ensure that content on NBAS's social media platforms is both relevant and current.

2. Financial Management and Funding

  • Budget Oversight: Partner with the Board to build, monitor, and report on the annual budget and maintain daily financial controls.

  • Funding Strategy: Diversify revenue, write and submit grant applications, build strong relationships with funders (MSD, WCC, community trusts), and ensure timely funder reporting.

3. Strategy and Governance Support

  • Strategic Execution: Translate strategic plans into annual operational deliverables; track and report progress to the Board.

  • Board Engagement: Attend Board meetings, deliver comprehensive monthly operational/financial reports, and assist with risk management and policy review.

  • Impact Tracking: Maintain outcome measurement frameworks to demonstrate community impact and inform service improvements.

4. Relationships and Sector Engagement

  • Community Partnerships: Act as the face of NBAS; build strong relationships with local social services, community networks, and sector partners.

  • Sector Awareness: Monitor legislative and policy changes affecting clients, ensuring relevant insights inform team practice.

5. Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Equity

  • Bicultural Commitment: Actively embed Te Tiriti principles across all NBAS operations and service delivery.

  • Equitable Access: Ensure services are culturally safe, accessible, and responsive to Māori whānau, Pacific, and Culturally and Liguistically Diverse (CALD) communities.

Person Specification

Essential

  • Proven experience in team leadership, coaching, and volunteer coordination.

  • Operational management, budgeting, and financial reporting skills.

  • Track record in grant writing, funder reporting, and relationship management.

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills tailored to diverse audiences.

  • Active commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and equitable community service.

Desirable

  • Experience in the NZ NFP, community, or social services sector.

  • Current Budget Adviser / Financial Mentor qualification (or willingness to obtain).

  • Knowledge of MSD guidelines and Building Financial Capability (BFC) frameworks.

  • Experience working alongside a voluntary governance board.

  • Te reo Māori or relevant community language skills.

Our Values

Everything we do at NBAS is grounded in these core values:

  • Manaakitanga: We treat every person who comes through our door with dignity, care, and respect.

  • Integrity: We act honestly and professionally in everything we do.

  • Accessibility: We remove barriers so that our services reach the people who need them most.

  • Collaboration: We work together—as a team, with our community, and with our partners.

  • Sustainability: We steward our resources carefully so NBAS can continue to serve our community for years to come.

How to Apply

To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter (maximum two pages) explaining why this role is the right fit for you and what you will bring to NBAS. Applicants must be permanent residents or New Zealand citizens.

NBAS is an equal opportunity employer. We actively welcome applications from Māori, Pacific peoples, and candidates from diverse backgrounds, and are committed to a fair and inclusive recruitment process.

Newtown Budgeting & Advocacy Service | Position Description | June 2026

Organisation

Newtown Budgeting and Advocacy Service

Job Summary

Manage our team of dedicated Financial Mentors and make a difference in the lives of Kiwis struggling financially.

Salary

$75,000 - $95,000 pro rata

How to apply

Send  your cover letter and CV to chair@newtownbudget.org.nz

Sector

Not for Profit

Cause (Sustainable Development Goals)

Other