Chief Executive (CE) Title of Position: Chief Executive (CE), Rural Women New Zealand Inc(RWNZ) / Ngā Wāhine Taiwhenua o Aotearoa
Reports To: The Board of Rural Women New Zealand Inc.
Location: Level 10, 175 Victoria Street, Wellington 6011
Role: Flexible work options may be available to the right candidate.
Date: September 2025
Introduction Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ), founded in 1925, is a charitable organisation committed to supporting rural women, families, and communities across Aotearoa New Zealand. Led by a member-elected Board, RWNZ’s core values include service, charitable initiatives, advocacy, and fostering robust rural networks. The organisation’s activities are focused on empowering volunteers, leaders, and advocates to achieve the vision of connected and thriving rural communities. In the centenary year, RWNZ is dedicated to honouring its legacy whilst embracing future opportunities. The organisation is poised for growth, modernisation, enhanced visibility, and renewed internal culture. RWNZ seeks an experienced Chief Executive, with exceptional courage and a collaborative leadership approach, to guide the organisation through a period of transformation and growth.
Vision, Mission, Values and Strategic Goals • Vision: Rural communities are connected and thriving. • Mission / Whakatahanga: We are the first choice for rural women for connection and support. • Values / Nga Uarau:
o We are welcoming and open to all rural women. o We are community spirited, focusing on the well-being of families and communities. o We are collaborative, seeking to work with others. o We are adaptable and relevant, meeting the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s rural women.
RWNZ’s strategic goals are centred on supporting women and communities in rural New Zealand. The organisation aims to strengthen rural communities by influencing positive change, delivering charitable activities, advancing social and economic wellbeing, fostering sustainable environments, supporting leadership development, and cultivating an inclusive and diverse membership. RWNZ also celebrates its rich culture and heritage gained over its 100 years of service.
Purpose of the Role / Kaupapa The Chief Executive provides visionary leadership and strategic direction, positioning RWNZ as the leading authority and trusted partner for rural women and communities. This role focuses on expanding influence, nurturing partnerships, and driving organisational growth, ensuring consistency with the organisation’s mission and values.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership • Develop and implement the organisation’s strategic plan in collaboration with the Board. • Ensure all activities align with the vision, mission, values, and long-term goals of RWNZ. • Ensure all activities remain consistent with the organisations charitable purpose and duty to
members, with a focus on measurable community impact and balancing long-term mission sustainability with short-term operational pressures.
• Lead organisational growth by identifying opportunities for innovation and expansion.
Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy • Act as a primary spokesperson, alongside the National President, advocating for rural women and
communities locally, nationally, and internationally. • Build and maintain relationships with members, government, policymakers, business leaders,
funders, and community organisations. • Represent RWNZ at high-level forums, events, and conferences.
Public Profile and Brand Leadership • Champion RWNZ’s public image to establish it as the go-to resource for rural women and community
support. • Collaborate with the Communications and Advocacy Team to enhance visibility and promote key
initiatives.
Financial Sustainability and Growth • Lead efforts to secure funding through partnerships, sponsorships, and grants, ensuring financial
stability and sustainability. • Develop alternative income streams to reduce reliance on the Investment fund. • Oversee budgeting, resource allocation, and risk management with the Operations & Finance Team. • Ensure efficient, effective, and compliant management of all resources. • Leverage digital tools and data to boost organisational effectiveness.
Organisational Leadership • Promote a culture of respect, collaboration, innovation, and excellence across all teams and
members. • Build and mentor a high-performing team to achieve organisational goals. • Support the Board in clearly defining the roles of governance versus management, and provide
thorough, high-quality information to enable well-informed decisions on governance. • Provide regular updates and strategic insights to the Board for transparency and alignment. • Uphold the highest standards of integrity, ethics, and compliance with all legal and regulatory
requirements.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing • Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, policies, and standards. • Identify and report risks and hazards, contributing to a safe and healthy environment. • Promote wellbeing initiatives and foster a respectful, inclusive workplace culture.
Membership Engagement • Foster an inclusive and vibrant membership culture, supporting branches and groups. • Develop programmes and services that meet members’ and future member's needs.
Key Relationships • Board of Directors: with the Board, providing advice, reporting, and support for effective
governance. • Staff Team: Lead and empower a multidisciplinary staff, encouraging respect, learning, and
achievement. • Membership: Engage with members throughout New Zealand, ensuring their voices shape
organisational priorities. • External Stakeholders: Collaborate with government agencies, iwi, charitable foundations, NGOs,
industry representatives, and the media.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Performance in the role of Chief Executive will be assessed against the following KPIs:
• Achievement of strategic and operational objectives. • Effective management of finances, resources, and risks. • Growth and retention of members and stakeholders. • Delivery of impactful programmes and advocacy outcomes. • Enhancement of RWNZ’s reputation and influence within the rural sector and wider community. • Compliance with legal, regulatory, and reporting obligations. • Positive feedback from the Board, staff, members, and partners.
Person Specification: Skills, Knowledge and Experience • Proven leadership at Chief Executive level, with a focus on organisational growth and innovation. • Outstanding communication, negotiation, and advocacy skills to engage diverse stakeholders. • Expertise in strategic planning and decision-making. • Strong digital acumen. • Ability to secure funding and form partnerships to advance organisational priorities. • Extensive experience in team leadership and fostering a positive, collaborative organisational culture. • Familiarity with policy advocacy and stakeholder engagement on national and international stages. • Knowledge of rural community issues and challenges is highly desirable. • Experience in a member-based organisation is beneficial, but not essential.
Qualifications • A relevant qualification in business management, or a related field. • Equivalent work experience demonstrating the required skills and competencies will also be
considered.