Kairuruku Kaupapa Whakaako Pūtaiao | Science Teaching Leadership Programme Manager

The Programme links schools with local science-sector organisations by enabling 6-month placements for teachers that benefit students, school communities, and host organisations. Teachers also participate in leadership training, a series of workshops and courses, and a noho marae.  

The Programme includes an innovative kaupapa Māori stream that has been planned, designed, and led by iwi leaders and kaiako Māori teachers to enhance science teaching through mātauranga (traditional knowledge) in their local taiao (environment).

Pūtake tūranga | What you will do

In this broad and dynamic role, you will:

• Promote applications to the Programme, and manage transparent and fair processes for selection and enrolment.
• Deliver the Science Teaching Leadership Programme, ensuring continuous improvement based on feedback, evaluation, and monitoring.
• Collaborate with schools and science-sector organisations, including research institutes, businesses, local and regional councils, iwi organisations, community groups, and tertiary-sector organisations, to plan 6-month placements for teachers that enable rich professional development.
• Manage contracting, databases, event management, budgets and expenses, and communications, with support from expert colleagues at the Society.
• Work collaboratively in a dedicated, enthusiastic, and highly skilled team.
• Provide regular comprehensive reports to the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment, as funder of the Programme.

Pukēnga | Skills and experience

You will ideally have:

• Experience in project management, including contracting, database management, event coordination, and budget administration
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to reach diverse audiences. 
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain relationships with a range of stakeholders.
• Strong working knowledge of te ao and te reo Māori me ona tikanga, and cultural competence to work with diverse communities.
• An understanding of the education sector and the science and research sectors
• Knowledge and understanding of the science curriculum
• A collaborative working style and ability to thrive in a high-performing team
• A tertiary qualification in a relevant field (or equivalent experience)
• Readiness to work in alignment with the principles, spirit, and intent of Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• Experience working with kaupapa Māori initiatives

Te Mahi | Job Description

This is a full-time permanent position. The location is Wellington, although the role requires travel.

This role reports to Tumu Tūhono Hapori Whanui | Director – External Engagement and will work closely with colleagues in the External Engagement team and wider staff.

The current midpoint of the salary range is $115,200, which is reviewed and adjusted annually in line with movements of the Stats NZ Labour Cost Index. The full salary range is 85–115% of the midpoint, with starting salary up to the midpoint, depending on skills and experience. 

View full position description .

Mō Te Apārangi | About Us 

The Royal Society Te Apārangi is an independent not-for-profit organisation, incorporating New Zealand’s Academy for the sciences, technology, and the humanities, and a broad network of Fellows, Companions, Members, and Member organisations. The Society has a statutory responsibility to advance and promote science, technology, and the humanities in Aotearoa New Zealand. 

Our work advances education, promotes  public understanding, and supports scientists and researchers through grants, journal publications, international appointments, professional standards, guidelines, and other knowledge infrastructure.

We also award medals and prizes for research excellence, and provide independent expert advice to the government and the people of New Zealand on issues of public concern.  The Society’s purpose is to grow pathways of knowledge to enable science and research to be shared for the benefit of all.

Whakaurua | Apply 

Please submit a CV and covering letter (no more than 4 pages combined) to hr@royalsociety.org.nz by midday Rāmere Friday 16 Kohitātea January 2026.

You must be a New Zealand citizen or resident currently eligible to work in New Zealand.

He pātai – questions? 

We welcome enquiries from interested candidates. For more information or to arrange a confidential conversation, please contact:

Tara Satyanand
Tumu Tūhono Hapori Whanui | Director – External Engagement
tara.satyanand@royalsociety.org.nz