Executive Director

• Lead a respected national professional membership organisation
• Build and maintain influential relationships across government and industry
• Flexible, remote working from anywhere in New Zealand

About the role

The Arbitrators' and Mediators' Institute of New Zealand (AMINZ) is the leading professional membership organisation for dispute resolution in Aotearoa New Zealand. Its diverse membership includes arbitrators, mediators, adjudicators, conciliators, facilitators, collaborative practitioners, investigators and expert witnesses working across areas including rural, family, construction, commercial, trusts, governance and international dispute resolution.

AMINZ supports and promotes excellence in dispute resolution through professional standards and credentialling, education and professional development, networking and events, advocacy and industry engagement. It also has an important statutory role in making dispute resolution appointments and works closely with government, the profession, industry and other organisations to strengthen dispute resolution capability across New Zealand.

AMINZ is in a strong position. Over the past three years it has strengthened its systems and processes, introduced new programmes, built valuable external relationships and maintained a highly engaged membership. The next Executive Director will build on these foundations, ensuring AMINZ continues to deliver outstanding value for its members while strengthening its relevance, reach, revenue and influence.

What you’ll do

This is a broad, hands-on leadership role. You'll work closely with the Council to translate strategy into organisational priorities, lead and support the team, oversee financial and operational performance, and build trusted relationships with members, sponsors, government, industry and other key stakeholders. You'll also oversee AMINZ's education and professional development offering, identify opportunities to grow partnerships and sustainable revenue, and help ensure AMINZ remains a credible and constructive voice on dispute resolution in Aotearoa.

The role is full-time and works remotely, with flexibility to be based anywhere in New Zealand. Regular national travel will be required, particularly if based outside of Auckland.

What we’re looking for

AMINZ is looking for an experienced leader who understands the dynamics of a professional membership or similarly stakeholder-led organisation and knows how to create value for a diverse and engaged community. You'll be an accomplished relationship builder who is equally comfortable engaging with members, leading a small team and representing AMINZ with senior stakeholders across government, the profession and industry.

Knowledge of the legal or dispute resolution sector would be highly regarded but isn't essential. More important is your ability to quickly understand a complex professional environment and credibly represent the interests of AMINZ and its members.

You will also bring:

• Senior leadership experience, ideally within a professional membership, education or similarly stakeholder-led organisation
• Strong stakeholder and relationship management skills, with the confidence to engage and influence at all levels
• Sound commercial and financial acumen, including experience managing budgets and identifying revenue, sponsorship or partnership opportunities
• Proven people leadership skills and the ability to lead, support and develop a high-performing remote team
• Experience working effectively with a Board or governing body, with a collaborative and 'no surprises' approach
• Strategic thinking combined with the willingness to be hands-on in a small organisation
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to represent an organisation credibly and confidently
• Political awareness and an understanding of government structures and processes
• Strong judgement, resilience and the ability to prioritise and manage multiple projects and competing demands

Why join AMINZ?

This is an opportunity to lead a well-regarded national organisation from a strong foundation and help shape the next stage of its development. You'll inherit an experienced and well-functioning team, an engaged membership and strong relationships across the dispute resolution community.

With a broad remit, national influence and genuine flexibility in how and where you work, the role offers considerable scope to build on what has already been achieved while strengthening AMINZ's value to its members and its contribution to dispute resolution across Aotearoa.

How to apply

Send your CV and a cover letter to Nikki Walshaw by Sunday 13th September 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/AMINZ-PD-Executive-Director-18.8.26.pdf