Executive Director

Executive Director – Eating Disorders Carer Support NZ

20 hours per week | Flexible location, New Zealand | National charitable trust

About EDCS

Eating Disorders Carer Support (EDCS) is a national charitable trust dedicated to supporting families, whānau and carers of people experiencing eating disorders across Aotearoa New Zealand.

Established through the lived experiences of parents and carers, EDCS has grown from a grassroots initiative into an organisation committed to ensuring whānau have access to the knowledge, connections, resources and support they need.

We recognise the vital role carers play in recovery and believe that informed, supported and empowered whānau can make a profound difference.

Grounded in the values of whanaungatanga and manaakitanga, we are entering an important new chapter, strengthening our foundations, expanding our reach and building an organisation that can deliver meaningful, sustainable impact for years to come.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced, compassionate and commercially astute Executive Director to lead EDCS through its next stage of development and growth.

Reporting directly to the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, you will be responsible for translating our strategic vision into action, leading our people, strengthening organisational performance and developing the partnerships and funding opportunities that will secure our future.

This is a hands-on executive leadership role within a small, purpose-driven organisation. You will balance strategic thinking with practical delivery, ensuring EDCS meets its contractual commitments, operates with integrity and continues to expand its impact.

You will lead a small team comprising a Programme Lead, Programme Coordinator, Bookkeeper and a team of volunteers, working alongside a committed and experienced Board.

The Role Will Involve

• Strategic Leadership & Execution: Work with the Board to shape organisational priorities and lead implementation of the Strategic Plan, annual work programme and measurable organisational outcomes.
• Funding, Fundraising & Business Development: Identify and secure new funding opportunities, develop grant applications and funding proposals, build philanthropic and corporate partnerships, strengthen donor engagement and diversify income to support long-term sustainability.
• Financial & Operational Management: Oversee budgets, cashflow, expenditure, operational performance, organisational systems and resources, ensuring financial responsibility, efficiency and accountability.
• Health NZ Contract & Funder Accountability: Ensure contractual commitments, programme deliverables, performance measures and reporting requirements are met, maintaining strong and transparent relationships with funders.
• People & Organisational Leadership: Lead, support and develop a small team, establishing clear accountabilities, performance expectations, a collaborative culture and effective business continuity arrangements.
• Programme Quality & Impact: Provide executive oversight of programme development and delivery, ensuring services are evidence-informed, culturally responsive, accessible, appropriately safeguarded and continuously improved through feedback and evaluation.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy: Build relationships with health professionals, government agencies, community organisations, carers, donors and strategic partners. Represent EDCS nationally, strengthening awareness, credibility and influence.
• Governance, Risk & Compliance: Support the Board through accurate reporting, sound risk management, effective policies, regulatory compliance and transparent organisational performance.
• Communications & Growth: Oversee communications, digital engagement, community awareness and initiatives that increase EDCS visibility, participation and national reach.
• Community Education: Contribute to agreed educational webinars and engagement activities that strengthen connections with carers and whānau.

About You

You are an experienced leader who combines empathy and purpose with the practical skills needed to lead and grow an organisation.

You understand that sustainable community impact requires more than passion. It requires strong leadership, sound financial management, effective partnerships, accountability and the ability to turn opportunities into measurable results.

You will bring:

• Proven senior leadership or executive management experience, ideally within the charitable, community, health or social services sectors.
• Demonstrated experience in fundraising, grant applications, business development, partnerships or securing sustainable funding.
• Strong financial and operational management capability, including budgets, cashflow, reporting and resource allocation.
• Experience leading people, managing performance and developing a positive, accountable organisational culture.
• The ability to translate strategic objectives into practical plans and measurable outcomes.
• Experience managing contracts, funding obligations, programme performance and organisational risk.
• Excellent communication, relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Cultural awareness, a commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the ability to build meaningful relationships with Māori and diverse communities.
• Sound judgement, integrity, initiative and the confidence to work autonomously while maintaining a strong relationship with the Board.
• An appreciation of lived experience and genuine commitment to improving outcomes for carers, families and whānau.

Why Join EDCS?

Make a meaningful difference. Lead an organisation committed to supporting carers and strengthening families facing the challenges of eating disorders.

Shape our next chapter. Help build the systems, partnerships, funding base and organisational capability needed for sustainable national growth.

Enjoy flexibility and autonomy. A part-time executive leadership opportunity offering flexible working arrangements, with agreed availability and occasional travel.

Work alongside a committed Board. Collaborate with experienced Trustees who bring a diverse range of governance, professional and lived experience.

Create lasting impact. Strengthen the voice of carers and help ensure families and whānau throughout Aotearoa have access to meaningful support.

Ready to Lead with Purpose?

If you are an experienced leader who can combine compassion with commercial acumen, build strong relationships and turn strategic opportunities into lasting outcomes, we would love to hear from you.

Apply now and help shape the future of Eating Disorders Carer Support NZ.