General Manager Community Operations

General Manager Community Operations  | Hāpai Hapori 

• National leadership, community impact 
• Lead the Lotteries Grant Programme  
• Seeking a savvy, experienced public sector leader 

Mō mātou | About Us  

Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) serves and connects people, communities, and government to build a safe, prosperous, and respected nation. Within DIA, the Community Operations  - Hāpai Hapori Group plays a pivotal role in supporting hapū, iwi, and community organisations across Aotearoa to thrive. 

As the operational arm of the Lottery Grants Board Secretariat, this group administers approximately $235 million in funding annually. These investments foster environmental wellbeing, intergenerational connection, community capability, and resilience. The group also leads the implementation of Kia Tipu, He Tipua — a transformative programme focused on strengthening community-led development. With 16 service delivery offices from Kaitaia to Invercargill and a team of around 100 staff, Community Operations is a trusted interface between government and communities, offering resources, advice, and support to enable long-term impact. 

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role 

About The Role

This is a significant enterprise leadership opportunity reporting to the Deputy Chief Executive Partnerships and Commissions. You will steward the delivery of funding and advisory services nationwide, ensuring strategic alignment, operational excellence, and enduring community outcomes. 

• You will lead a high-performing team and oversee a geographically dispersed workforce. Your remit includes: 
• Strategic and operational leadership of the Lottery Grants Board Secretariat 
• Oversight of funding programmes totalling $235 million annually 
• Implementation of Kia Tipu, He Tipua and other community development initiatives 
• Enterprise contribution across the Partnerships and Commissions branch 

This role demands a deft balance of policy insight, operational delivery, and relational leadership — with communities at the heart of every decision. 

Ko wai koe | About you 

You are a values-driven, pragmatic leader with deep experience in the public sector. You will hit the ground running and will be able to demonstrate: 

Experience leading complex service delivery functions, ideally with geographic spread   

Proven success working with Ministers, senior officials, and governance bodies 

Sophisticated understanding of the Machinery of Government 

Strategic agility and cultural fluency, especially in bicultural and iwi contexts 

Exceptional communication, organisational, and change leadership skills 

A commitment to transparent, empowering, and community-led funding practices 

You thrive in complexity, build trust across diverse stakeholders, and lead with integrity. Above all, you are passionate about enabling communities to shape their own futures. 

• Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply 
• For a copy of the information pack please email Amy Tea at info@amytea.co.nz  
• To apply, please email your cover letter, CV and DIA application form to apply@amytea.co.nz  
• Applications close Sunday, 2 November 2025. 

You must have the right to live and work in Aotearoa New Zealand to apply for this job. 

At the Department of Internal Affairs, the work we do makes New Zealand a better place for those born here, and those new New Zealanders who have chosen to call this country home.