Chief of Staff
Wellington City Council
Kia mahi ngātahi mō Pōneke mō tōna āpōpō - Working together for Wellington's future
Working in local government involves a complex environment with multiple stakeholders, competing interests and funding challenges, but also so much opportunity to contribute in a positive way to the wellbeing of our communities we serve and our environment.
Wellington City Council is navigating some tough challenges to improve rates affordability and our operational delivery, and needs focused, motivated leadership to help achieve this. Due to the internal appointment of the previous incumbent, we're looking for a new Chief of Staff to support our Chief Executive (CE) Matt Prosser, ensuring the effective running of the CE's office.
Matt brings credible international experience, commitment to service and a desire to revitalise Wellington, underpinned by decades of leading in local government. Matt is a humanistic leader who is knowledgeable, interested in facts and data. He possesses an inquisitive open-minded style, is trusting and authentic.
Āu ake mahi - What you'll do:
This position is pivotal to managing key relationships with the Mayor's Office, Elected Members, Pouiwi and our Executive Leadership Team. To this end, it requires an astute individual who can integrate seamlessly into a dynamic fast-paced political environment, who brings the capability to work with our CE and ELT to take collective responsibility for the organisation's performance culture.
Accountabilities are varied and encompass:
- Providing strategic, timely and politically astute advice on matters related to the operational management of the Council and to work effectively with the Elected Members to drive key strategic outcomes for the city
- Strategic communications and public relations
- Team management/leadership
- Stakeholder engagement
- Financial Engagement
You will demonstrate experience providing strategic support to executive leadership within a large, multi-disciplinary organisation in local or central government and possess credibility managing cross sectional relationships.
As a strategic people leader, you will be authentic and collaborative, with the ability to connect into our 'one team approach'. You will embrace working together as a cohesive, united team with a shared vision, focusing on strategic priorities as set out in the CE's KPI's.
Your natural leadership style will embrace facilitating a way of working that builds a constructive, collaborative environment with high service orientation and you will relish, providing clear, inspiring management that reflects the Council’s vision and values, fostering a high performing culture. You will champion our values embedding a way of working that empowers your team to thrive.
Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you
This role presents a standout opportunity, and the dual challenge of being at the forefront of revitalisation of our dynamic city as we shape the future of Pōneke, at the same time as the council grapples with delivering rates affordability and value for money in all that it does.
Working for the Council offers you a range of benefits including 5 weeks' annual leave, flexible working options, health and wellbeing support, Council staff discounts and a range of learning and development programmes and opportunities.
View our Employee Value Proposition Video to see what our employees say about working at WCC.
Diversity:
We want your application to enable you to portray the real you. Skills are gained across many areas of our life, not just formal employment. If you can demonstrate the skills listed in the advert through whānau life, community or mahi aroha (volunteering) we encourage you to apply and share your story with us in your cover letter.
We welcome applications from all people and like our workforce to reflect the diverse communities we serve.
Accessibility Support:
We want to make sure any accessibility requirements you may have, are well supported so the selection process is equitable for everyone. Please let us know if there are any adjustments or support, we can offer to make our process more accessible to you by emailing: recruitment@wcc.govt.nz
Applications close Monday, 8 December 2025.
All applications must be submitted online - we will not accept emailed applications.
All applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand
If you have questions, please contact kim.halliday@wcc.govt.nz
