Relationships and Engagement Manager

• Lead meaningful partnerships. Strengthen Treaty relationships. Help shape conservation outcomes for Aotearoa.

• Salary range between $125,600 - $162,525 depending on skills and experience.

• Permanent role, Wellington location preferred.  

Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa

Mō te tūranga | About the role

We have a new DOC Treaty Operating Model that will strengthen how we work with Treaty partners and bring greater clarity to expectations, roles, and accountability across the organisation. This makes it an exciting time to join our Iwi Strategy and Group Partnerships. 

As the Relationships and Engagement Manager, you will lead DOC's relationship and engagement function within the Iwi Strategy and Partnerships Group. This Tier 4 leadership role is responsible for strengthening partnerships with iwi, hapū and whānau, ensuring engagement approaches are strategic, coordinated, culturally grounded, and aligned with Treaty obligations.

You will lead a team of specialists, provide strategic advice to senior leaders, and oversee Treaty relationship and engagement work across DOC. The role focuses on building organisational capability, supporting effective engagement, fulfilling Treaty settlement commitments, and upholding the intent of Section 4 of the Conservation Act.

Operating across both strategic and operational levels, this role requires strong leadership, relationship management expertise, and the ability to navigate complex partnership environments with confidence and authenticity.

You will;

• Lead, coach and develop a team of Principal Advisors, Senior Advisors and Advisors creating a culture of coaching, continuous improvement and professional growth.

• Provide strategic leadership for DOC's engagement and partnership approaches with iwi, hapū and whānau.

• Build organisational capability and consistency in relationship management and engagement practice across DOC.

• Oversee engagement planning to ensure consistency, quality and culturally appropriate practices across DOC.

• Oversee the preparation and quality assurance of advice, briefings, reporting and correspondence provided to senior leaders, Ministers and governance forums.

• Establish effective systems, processes and standards to support engagement, relationship management and secretariat functions.

• Support DOC to meet its Treaty settlement commitments and uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles.

• Provide trusted advice to senior leaders on relationship opportunities, risks and Treaty implications.

• Represent DOC at high-level hui, wānanga, partnership forums and cross-agency engagements.

• Champion te ao Māori, mātauranga Māori and tikanga-aligned approaches across the organisation.

• Lead key Treaty and engagement-related programmes and initiatives.

Click here for the Role Description

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

You will be a collaborative and people-focused leader who brings significant experience working alongside Māori and building trusted relationships in complex environments.

You will bring:

• Strong knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Crown-Māori relationships and Treaty settlement frameworks.

• Deep experience working with iwi, hapū, whānau and Māori organisations.

• Proven success leading and developing high-performing teams.

• A strong understanding of te ao Māori, mātauranga Māori and tikanga Māori.

• Excellent communication, facilitation, stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills.

• Experience navigating complex or sensitive relationship environments.

• The ability to identify and manage risks while creating opportunities for enduring partnerships.

• Strong strategic thinking and the ability to influence at senior leadership levels.

• Strong written communication skills, including experience preparing and quality assuring advice for senior leaders and Ministers.

• An understanding of the public sector, conservation system or similar operating environments.

Desirable;

• Confidence or proficiency in te reo Māori me ōna tikanga.

• Experience in partnership governance, relationship management or engagement leadership roles.

• Relevant tertiary qualifications or equivalent professional experience.

He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | What’s in it for you?

DOC is committed to a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. We’re driven by our values and behaviours, and are working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive by default.

Want to know more?

Tonoa inaiānei | Apply now 

Apply online with your CV and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and motivation.  If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, let us know and we will try to accommodate.

Salary: Salary range between $125,600 - $162,525 depending on skills and experience.

Eligibility: You must hold a valid NZ work visa that covers the duration of employment.  

Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Wednesday, 19 August 2026.

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further

enquiries, please contact Aleena Antony, Senior Recruitment Advisor at [email protected].