Job Description

The Sport NZ Group (SNZ Group) provides comprehensive system leadership through partnership and investment into sector organisations. This investment is to support the strategic outcomes of both Sport NZ (SNZ) as the guardian of play, active recreation, and sport in Aotearoa New Zealand, and High Performance Sport NZ (HPSNZ) with its focus on achieving inspiring world-class performances on the world stage.

The development of a board-led strategy, in the first instance a Statement of Strategic Direction (SSD), is a critical governance function for partner boards, making clear the results they intend to deliver in their strategic period. The quality of the SSD is important for the board’s monitoring, evaluation and reporting accountabilities. Done well, it also makes clear to external stakeholders, particularly funders, how they intend to use other’s funds to produce the desired results.

A key pillar in SNZs support for partners is the development of good practice, board-led SSDs. This is achieved by – time and advice from the Sport NZ Business Capability Governance team, Sport NZ investment in SSD facilitation, and SSD peer-review. 

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About the role

Sport NZ wishes to expand its small panel of strategic facilitators to accommodate demand from partner organisations. As an approved facilitator you will be engaged directly by the board to assist in the development and use of good practice, results-based SSDs.
The development of each SSD is an iterative process, typically taking between three to six months, and at times longer depending on scope and capacity of each board.

In undertaking this role, facilitators will need to understand and apply the concepts within the Carver Policy Governance model, and specifically the distinction between Ends and Means and how this distinction can be valuable across wider governance functions. 
You will join a well supported team, where you will have access to other Sport NZ strategy and governance providers who can collaborate on the resolution of issues and challenges and the continued evolvement of good practice.

There may be a requirement for follow on planning related support for the board and management team once the SSD has been finalised.
 
Ko koe tēnei | About you

We are seeking experienced governance professionals, with a strong background in the development of results-based strategies.
In particular, we are looking to engage Facilitators who bring:

• Cultural intelligence and intellectual curiosity.
• Board-focused strategy development experience, from a range of sectors, and importantly the not-for-profit and sport and recreation sectors.
• Extensive governance experience, particularly in the not-for-profit and sport and recreation sectors.
• An affinity for and experience in guiding boards to develop and leverage results-based strategies.
• The ability to work with boards to identify themes, pulling together seemingly disparate concepts into SSDs.
• Experience in coaching boards that leaves behind new capability and confidence.
• A willingness to work collegially with the small team of approved providers and Sport NZ teams on a ‘learn and improve together’ basis.
• Demonstrated experience operationalising outcomes into annual planning and related processes.

Importantly, and as a priority, we are seeking at least one provider with lived experience working in Te Ao Māori environments, ideally with experience incorporating Matauranga Māori into governance practices.
 
Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

For a confidential kōrero and to request the role specification, please contact Carl Church at 0211666441 - carl.church@nicherecruitment.co.nz or Awhina Kanohi at 0274849939 – Awhina.kanohi@nicherecruitment.co.nz
Applications close on 13 June 2025.