About the Role

Stratford District Council is recruiting for a Governance Advisor & Executive Assistant to join the team.

You will be responsible for providing high-level executive support and governance advice to the Mayor, Chief Executive, Senior Management and Elected Members.

You will coordinate and manage Council meetings, preparing agendas and minutes, providing advice to Elected Members and staff ensuring compliance with legislative requirements. You will also support the Chief Executive and Mayor with professional executive assistance including diary management, correspondence and civic events.

This position is full time (40 hours per week) and will be located at the Stratford District Council, Miranda Street, Stratford.

About You

You will bring with you a strong background in local government, with a solid understanding of the democratic process and the importance of well-executed governance support. You will have experience working closely with elected members and senior leaders, and the ability to confidently provide governance advice and high-level executive support in a political environment.

You'll be someone who thrives in a varied role — equally comfortable managing committee agendas and minutes as you are supporting the Chief Executive and Mayor. Your local government experience means you're familiar with NZ Standing Orders, LGOIMA, and the machinery of council decision-making. You know how critical good process, clear communication, and attention to detail are to ensuring robust and transparent governance.

Stratford District Council is proud of our diverse and inclusive work environment, and our commitment to fostering genuine partnerships with Mana Whenua. Our preferred candidate will respect and acknowledge the importance of the Treaty of Waitangi to our mahi, and be open to the use of Te Ao Māori values and te reo Māori.

Why work with us?

Our staff will tell you the best thing about working here is the people, a great staff culture is important to us. We have a positive, energetic work environment with plenty of laughter. Our customers and our communities are at the centre of what we do, and our people are what makes it work. If you join us, you will also benefit from ongoing professional development, a flexible working policy, te reo learning assistance, regular health checks opportunities, subsidised pool visits, an active social club, and free car parking!

About us

The Stratford District sits in the heart of the Taranaki region, and is the gateway to Taranaki Maunga and the famous Forgotten World Highway. Our district is home to stunning parks and gardens, and there are countless opportunities to explore the landscape, arts and culture and local history. Working in Stratford gives you the best of both worlds; the lifestyle benefits of living in the world-renowned Taranaki region, paired with a workplace that values work-life balance. As a staff member of Stratford District Council there's a lot to be proud of and we welcome you to be part of the experience.

Visit stratford.govt.nz/jobs to submit your application. Only applications submitted via our website will be accepted.

Stratford District Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early if sufficient, suitable applications are received. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.