Kairuruku Umanga | Business Coordinator

Pūtake tūranga | What you will do

In this broad and dynamic role, you will:

• Provide personal administrative support to the Tumu Whakahaere | Chief Operating Officer and the Tumu Tūhonohono | Director of External Engagement.

• Support advisory and governance processes, including through agenda preparation, collation of meeting papers, travel bookings, preparation of minutes, and other logistical support. 

• Provide team administration and business coordination support, including responsibility for meetings, travel, action lists, team documents and routine correspondence.

• Monitor team workflows and follow up on outstanding information or actions, as required.

• Respond to routine requests and refer matters requiring specialist or management attention.

• Administer contracts, process invoices and support financial reconciliation processes.

• Maintain accurate, accessible and appropriately secured digital records.

• Contribute to ongoing improvement of administrative systems, processes, and templates.

• Contribute to hosting events, and provide courteous, culturally appropriate service to visitors.

• Provide business coordination cover and project support across the organisation, as required.

Ngā pukēnga me te wheako | What you will bring

Essential skills and experience:

• At least 5 years' experience in personal administration and team administration roles.

• You will have demonstrated expertise in diary management, travel and events coordination, secretariat support, financial and contract administration, records and information management, and monitoring, managing and reporting on business workflows.  

• Qualifications and/or proven expertise in MS Office suite, Sharepoint, mail-merge and project management tools. 

• Experience working with and reporting to senior leaders.

• A commitment to work in alignment with the principles, spirit, and intent of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. 

• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgement in escalating any issues when necessary.

• A collaborative working style and ability to engage positively with stakeholders at all levels and contribute to a positive team culture. 

Desirable skills and experience:

• A relevant qualification in business management, administration, financial management, or other relevant diploma or degree.

• Demonstrated experience working with Mailchimp and Canva, or other graphical design tools.

• Experience in using Artificial Intelligence-based tools appropriately and ethically to support efficient business processes.

• Proficiency in te reo Māori me ōna tikanga.

Te Mahi | Job Description

This is a full-time permanent position based in Thorndon, Wellington. The role is primarily office-based but the Society supports flexible working arrangements.  

Reporting to the Tumu Whakahaere | Chief Operating Officer, the Business Coordinator will provide personal administrative support to both the Chief Operating Officer and the Director of External Engagement.  The role will also provide administrative support to the Academy and Operations team, and the External Engagement team, respectively

The current midpoint of the salary range is $68,700 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 Society advances and promotes science, technology and the humanities.  Our goal is to grow pathways of knowledge so that science and research can be shared for the benefit of all New Zealanders. 

Our functions include promoting public understanding of and trust in science and research; celebrating and funding excellence in science and research; delivering tailored programmes to support science teachers, rangatahi and early career researchers; and providing expert advice to government and communities to inform decision-making.

Whakaurua | Apply 

Please submit a CV and covering letter (no more than 4 pages combined) to hr@royalsociety.org.nz by midday Friday 7 August 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 with the Chief Operating Officer, please contact hr@royalsociety.org.nz.