Evolve Youth Service is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading
youth-centred health and social support organisations. As a
Youth One Stop Shop, Evolve provides integrated health,
wellbeing and social services to taiohi aged 10-24 years. Guided
by a youth development approach and a strong commitment to
Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Evolve works alongside young people/taiohi,
whānau and communities to create positive and lasting change.
About the Role
Reporting to the Te Whanganui-a-Tara Youth Development Trust Board,
the Tumu Whakarae | Chief Executive will provide strategic, operational
and cultural leadership across the organisation. Working closely with a
committed and highly engaged Board, leadership team, staff and
stakeholders, you will drive organisational performance, sustainability
and impact while ensuring Evolve remains responsive to the changing
needs of taiohi.
This is an opportunity for an experienced and values-driven leader to
shape the future direction of a respected organisation and make a
meaningful difference in the lives of young people / taiohi.
Key Responsibilities
• Lead the development and delivery of Evolve’s strategic
direction and annual business plans.
• Ensure safe, effective and taiohi service delivery across all
programmes.
• Champion taiohi participation and advocate for improved
outcomes for taiohi.
• Foster an inclusive, high-performing culture that reflects
Evolve’s values and commitment to equity.
• Build a strong and productive partnership with the Board,
providing high-quality advice, reporting and governance
support.
• Drive financial sustainability, funding strategy and
organisational growth,
• Maintain strong risk management, compliance, and quality
assurance frameworks.
• Build trusted relationships with iwi, government agencies,
funders, community partners and sector leaders.
About You
You will be an accomplished executive leader with the ability to inspire
people, navigate complexity and deliver results in a values-based
environment. You will exhibit compassion and empathy for the taiohi of
Aotearoa, driven to make a positive impact on the lives and wellbeing of
those across the Wellington region.
You will bring:
• Proven senior executive and organisational leadership experience.
• Experience working effectively with a governing Board.
• Strong financial, commercial and organisational management
capability.
• Demonstrated success leading and developing high-performing
teams.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and relationship
management skills.
• A genuine commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and advancing
equitable outcomes.
• Experience within health, youth development, mental health,
social services or related sectors.
• Resilience, sound judgement and the ability to lead through
change.
Why Join Evolve?
• Lead an organisation with a strong reputation and significant
community impact.
• Work alongside passionate kaimahi, taiohi, and community
partners.
• Influence positive outcomes for taiohi across Wellington.
• Join a values-led organisation committed to youth voice,
inclusion, and innovation.
• Exciting opportunity for personal and professional growth
How to Apply
This recruitment is being managed by our partners at SWR Group on
behalf of Evolve Wellington Youth Service. To apply for this role, please
send your CV and covering letter to tony@swr.nz / graeme@swr.nz or
suzannah@swr.nz quoting reference no. 4061782.
Alternatively, to find out more contact Tony Walsh on 029 271 1101.
Should you wish to apply directly via our website, please do so via this
link https://swr.nz/jobs/.
Apply Now
Applications close: 5.00pm, Friday, 2nd October 2026.
However, we will be shortlisting applications as they
come in and will interview as soon as possible to
secure the right person.