Executive Assistant – Community Delivery

About Waipā District Council

Waipā District is a distinctive part of the Waikato region, recognised for its strong communities, lively towns, and rich heritage. Often described as the “Home of Champions”, the district has a close relationship with its history, culture, and natural environment.

Waipā District Council’s focus is on delivering the services, facilities, and infrastructure that support the wellbeing and growth of the communities it serves. As the district expands, so does the chance to play a meaningful role in shaping outcomes for the people who live, work, and spend time here.

About the role

This Executive Assistant position supports the Director of Community Delivery and goes beyond a standard EA function. You will act as a dependable partner to a leader responsible for a wide and varied portfolio that includes libraries, museums and heritage, parks and reserves, community facilities, compliance and regulatory services, transportation, project delivery, and service performance.

Your focus will be to keep workflow, priorities, governance activities, and information moving smoothly so the Director is well prepared, well briefed, and able to concentrate on strategic leadership and community outcomes.

The role suits someone who works ahead of issues, enjoys solving problems, and can bring order to a busy and complex environment. You will also provide leadership to two administrative team members and take part in the broader Executive Assistant network across Council.

Key responsibilities

• Work in close partnership with the Director to organise priorities, workflow, and key business activities
• Coordinate governance and reporting activities, including documentation for leadership, Council, and Committee processes
• Handle correspondence, communications, and the flow of information on behalf of the Director
• Spot potential issues, assess risks, and help ensure readiness for important decisions and stakeholder meetings
• Develop effective working relationships across the organisation and with external contacts
• Lead, coach, and support administrative team members
• Look for ways to improve processes, systems, and day-to-day working methods
• Contribute to the Executive Assistant group and support collaboration and ongoing improvement across the function

About you

You are an accomplished Executive Assistant who performs well in a fast-moving environment and enjoys being central to coordination, communication, and delivery.

You demonstrate strong judgement, initiative, and the confidence to balance competing demands while building reliable relationships at all levels of the organisation.

What you’ll bring

• Extensive experience supporting a senior leader, executive, or director
• Well-developed organisational, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• Experience managing governance, reporting, and meeting coordination processes
• The ability to work independently and use discretion when dealing with confidential information
• Experience leading, coaching, or mentoring others
• A proactive approach to solving problems and a mindset focused on continuous improvement

Experience in local government would be helpful, but it is not required.

Benefits

• Ongoing opportunities for professional development
• Health and life insurance
• Extra leave provisions
• Local staff discounts
• Flexible working arrangements where suitable

Additional information

This position is based across the Cambridge and Te Awamutu offices.

Application information

If you are looking for a role where you can contribute meaningfully, build trusted partnerships, and support leadership across a large community-focused group, this could be a strong fit.

For a confidential discussion, contact David Dugmore, P&C Business Partner, at david.dugmore@waipadc.govt.nz.

Please apply with your CV and cover letter. Applications close on Thursday, 9 July at 10:00pm.