Deputy Chief Executive - Collections, Knowledge and Communities | Wellington - Wairarapa

• Closing date: Mar 13, 2026
• Permanent Full Time
• Wellington

Job Description

Te Papa is Aotearoa New Zealand's national museum and a proud symbol of our shared identity, history and aspirations. We are committed to excellence, relevance and impact, recognising that public investment in Te Papa reflects a shared commitment to innovation, inclusivity and national pride.

This newly shaped Executive role is a tier two position, one of four DCE roles reporting directly to Te Papa's co-leaders, our Tumu Whakarae |Chief Executive and Kaihautū.

Guided by our bicultural foundation and global outlook, we are dedicated to sharing New Zealand's unique stories with the world. Our strategic direction focuses on deepening our investment in collections, research, people, infrastructure and partnerships. Central to this is our commitment to our core museum principle of Mana Taonga: ensuring communities are actively involved in the care and interpretation of their cultural heritage.

Te Papa is undergoing organisational change, and the Deputy Chief Executive position holds a pivotal role in the newly formed Executive Leadership Team, reporting to both the Tumu Whakarae and Kaihautū.  As the Deputy Chief Executive with responsibility for the Collections, Knowledge and Communities directorate, you will provide strategic direction, oversight, and lead four direct reports with teams that are responsible for ensuring Te Papa's collections are developed, cared for, understood and shared in ways that connect people with their taonga, stories and whakapapa. You will also lead our important mahi in national sector development, supporting museums, galleries, whare taonga and iwi across Aotearoa.

This critical position is responsible for setting goals and priorities for collection development, research, care, access, and for sector engagement and support. As an Executive leader, you will ensure strong collaboration across Te Papa on exhibition and experience development, public engagement, domestic and international strategic partnerships and initiatives that enhance Te Papa's financial sustainability.

You will be accountable for:

• Working closely with the Co-Leaders and executive leadership team to provide strategic and operational leadership across Te Papa, leading cross-organisational initiatives and driving future organisational development
• Developing, shaping and driving strategy and initiatives for the Collections, Knowledge and Communities directorate that will deliver the museum's priorities and outcomes for collections, research, audience engagement and sector representation and development
• Leading the directorate to deliver its key accountabilities, ensuring cultural, financial and operational sustainability in the short, medium and long term
• Building and stewarding national and international relationships and developing Te Papa's cultural leadership in local and international contexts
• Supporting and leading work that honours Te Tiriti o Waitangi and our Mana Taonga principle
• Creating an environment that fosters growth, wellbeing, engagement and high performance

We are seeking an experienced leader who brings:

• Significant experience as a senior manager or executive, with proven strategic and delivery capability
• Deep understanding of museums and the cultural sector, with the ability to set and lead strategies that increase relevance, access and connection to collections and knowledge
• Demonstrated success in forming strategic partnerships, and representing an institution in national and international contexts
• Understanding of te ao Māori and experience working with iwi and Māori communities
• Demonstrated ability to foster community engagement that increases the relevance of cultural organisations in people's lives
• Passion and drive for leading people and teams, with a collaborative approach to achieving outcomes

We recommend you read our Statement of Intent to understand Te Papa's strategic direction, and the five priorities we are focused on.

For more details, please refer to the Deputy Chief Executive – Collections, Knowledge and Communities Position Description.

We welcome enquiries about the role. Please contact Courtney Johnston - courtney.johnston@tepapa.govt.nz

This is a full-time role (40 hours per week) based onsite at our offices at Te Papa Tongarewa Museum of New Zealand, Cable Street, Wellington.

Starting salary will be in the range of $207,711 – $285,602 per annum. Offers will be made within the range to reflect the skills and experience offered by the candidate and those required of the role.

To apply for the position, please submit an online application attaching your CV and cover letter.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand. Pre-employment checks, including criminal history and references, will be undertaken before any offer is confirmed.

Applications close: 13 March 2026

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