Head of Community Services

Head of Community Services

Bishop Auckland Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead community services, oversee programmes, and coach a dedicated team for impactful change.
  • Company: Whānau Āwhina Plunket supports families and children across Aotearoa for a better start in life.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible work hours, wellbeing schemes, retail discounts, and fitness memberships.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in communities while working with passionate people in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Strategic mindset, senior-level experience in community or health sectors, and strong leadership skills required.
  • Other info: Applications close on 4th June 2025; apply early as positions may fill quickly.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

At Whānau Āwhina Plunket, we have the privilege to support families and help children in Aotearoa to get the best possible start in life. We’re seeking a Head of Community Services to join our team in Wellington, Auckland or Christchurch on a permanent, full-time basis. Regular travel around the motu will be a key part of building connections in this role.

The opportunity

Here’s your chance to create lasting impact across Aotearoa by leading a well-established, dedicated team committed to making a lasting impact in our communities. You’ll be responsible for overseeing Whānau Āwhina Plunket’s community-based programmes, ensuring they are high quality, sustainable, and grounded in the needs of the diverse communities we serve. Your mahi will span strategy, leadership, oversight of services we deliver and performance. That includes coaching a team of leaders, overseeing nationally funded projects, and ensuring alignment with broader organisational priorities. You’ll be a key member of our Service Delivery leadership team, contributing to an integrated approach across functions and contracts. Your influence will also help others to see the true value of community services — internally, by supporting teams to recognise the impact and potential of this mahi, and externally, by building relationships with funders and stakeholders who can help grow and sustain it.

About you

Known for your strategic mindset and calm, confident leadership, you bring business development experience at a senior level, preferably with experience in the Community, NGO, or Health sectors. You’ve built high-performing teams, delivered on plans, and worked closely with diverse communities to drive meaningful, measurable change. People often describe your leadership style as clear, collaborative and values-driven. You can lead through complexity, bring diverse voices to the table, and coach others to step into their full potential. With skills in financial and operational management, you’re confident developing plans, managing budgets, and ensuring services are delivering both impact and value. You’re also someone who can influence and connect — building trust with internal teams, external partners, and funders alike. Whether advocating for whānau-led solutions, promoting the benefits of our community programmes, or securing support for new initiatives, you bring others along with you through clarity, purpose and respect.

What we offer

If you’re seeking to work for an organisation that values improving society, join us at Whānau Āwhina Plunket. In line with our values, we believe in caring for our people, to support your wellbeing and ongoing professional growth. The ability to schedule your mahi in a way that will support work and life balance. Various wellbeing schemes such as an annual Wellbeing day, retail discounts and discounted childcare, Fitness Passport - discounted membership options at local fitness facilities.

How to apply

To view the position description or to apply for this role please refer to the relevant platform. For further information, please contact us. Applications close 4th June 2025. Please note, we will be considering applications as they are received and if we find a suitable candidate, we may close this advert early. Whānau Āwhina Plunket is committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of pēpi, tamariki and their whānau/family. We have committed to adopting a pro-equity approach where we give life to the Treaty principles of tino rangatiratanga, partnership, active protection, equity and options in our mahi/work to ensure healthy tamariki, confident whānau and connected communities. This journey is creating exciting career opportunities - If you would like to contribute to the important mahi we do, nau mai, haere mai.

Head of Community Services employer: Whānau Āwhina Plunket

Whānau Āwhina Plunket is an exceptional employer dedicated to improving the lives of families and children across Aotearoa. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, we offer flexible work arrangements, various wellbeing initiatives, and opportunities for professional growth within a collaborative and values-driven culture. Join us in making a meaningful impact while enjoying the benefits of working in vibrant locations like Wellington, Auckland, or Christchurch.
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Contact Detail:

Whānau Āwhina Plunket Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Community Services

Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the community services sector. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet people who work at Whānau Āwhina Plunket or similar organisations. Building these connections can give you insights into the company culture and the specific challenges they face.

Tip Number 2

Research Whānau Āwhina Plunket's current community programmes and initiatives. Understanding their mission and the impact of their work will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals during any interviews or discussions.

Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how it aligns with their values. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led teams through complex situations, as this role requires a calm and collaborative approach.

Tip Number 4

Familiarise yourself with the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and how they relate to community services in Aotearoa. Being able to speak knowledgeably about these principles will demonstrate your commitment to equity and community engagement.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Community Services

Strategic Leadership
Business Development
Team Building
Community Engagement
Financial Management
Operational Oversight
Project Management
Stakeholder Relationship Management
Coaching and Mentoring
Advocacy Skills
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Values-Driven Leadership
Adaptability to Change

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, take time to thoroughly understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Head of Community Services role. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with their needs.

Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your strategic mindset, leadership skills, and experience in community services or related sectors. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to lead teams and drive meaningful change.

Showcase Your Values: Whānau Āwhina Plunket values a collaborative and values-driven approach. Make sure to convey your commitment to these principles in your application, illustrating how you can contribute to their mission.

Proofread and Personalise: Before submitting your application, proofread for any errors and ensure it is personalised. Address the hiring manager by name if possible, and tailor your language to reflect the organisation's culture and values.

How to prepare for a job interview at Whānau Āwhina Plunket

Showcase Your Leadership Style

As a candidate for the Head of Community Services, it's crucial to articulate your leadership style. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've built high-performing teams and led through complexity, emphasising your collaborative and values-driven approach.

Demonstrate Strategic Thinking

Highlight your strategic mindset by discussing past experiences where you've developed and implemented successful community programmes. Be ready to explain how you align these initiatives with broader organisational priorities and the impact they had on the communities served.

Emphasise Relationship Building

This role requires strong connections with internal teams, external partners, and funders. Prepare to discuss how you've built trust and influenced stakeholders in previous roles, showcasing your ability to advocate for whānau-led solutions and secure support for new initiatives.

Prepare for Financial Discussions

Given the importance of financial and operational management in this position, be ready to discuss your experience with budget management and resource allocation. Provide examples of how you've ensured services deliver both impact and value while managing costs effectively.

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