About the role
The New Zealand Audiological Society (NZAS) is the professional body representing more than 900 audiologists and audiometrists across Aotearoa New Zealand. NZAS promotes excellence in ear, hearing and balance health care through leadership, advocacy and the setting of professional and ethical standards.
As the peak professional body for audiology, NZAS develops scopes of practice, professional standards and competency frameworks, maintains a member register, and supports continuing education and certification processes. It works with government and sector partners to advance equitable access to hearing health care.
Reporting to the Executive Council via the President, the Executive Director provides strategic and operational leadership to ensure the effectiveness, sustainability and credibility of NZAS. You will partner closely with the Board, lead a small remote team, and deliver the strategic plan while strengthening the Society’s regulatory, advocacy and member leadership role nationally.
This is a broad, influential position spanning governance support, professional standards oversight, stakeholder engagement and organisational sustainability at an important time of professional standards review and digital modernisation.
What you’ll do
- Lead development and implementation of the NZAS strategic plan
- Provide high quality governance advice, reporting and policy support to the Executive Council
- Oversee financial management, operational systems and membership services
- Lead self-regulatory functions including professional standards, scopes of practice and competency frameworks
- Represent NZAS with government, sector stakeholders and industry partners
- Strengthen communications, member engagement and public profile
- Embed NZAS’s commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi across policy and practice
- Progress key initiatives including the Certificate of Clinical Competence review and digital platform upgrades
- Strengthen NZAS’s financial sustainability, including identifying new revenue opportunities and ensuring disciplined financial stewardship
What we’re looking for
- Proven strategic leadership experience in a professional association, membership organisation or not-for-profit
- Strong experience working with governance boards and committees
- Strong financial stewardship capability, balancing member value, mission and long-term sustainability
- Experience in regulatory, credentialing or professional standards environments is desirable
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
- Demonstrated commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and culturally responsive practice
- Ability to build trusted relationships across diverse stakeholders
- Proven experience leading and developing high performing teams, including in a remote or virtual environment
- Health, allied health or relevant sector experience will be advantageous.
Why join NZAS?
This is an opportunity to shape the future of a respected national professional body and influence ear, hearing and balance health care in Aotearoa New Zealand.
You will enjoy the flexibility of a home-based role while leading meaningful strategic work with national impact.
To find out more about NZAS visit their website at https://audiology.org.nz/
How to apply
Apply via SEEK here with your CV and a cover letter, addressed to Kirsty McLaren, by Sunday 8 March 2026.
A position description is available on our website at mclaren.co.nz or call us on 04 499 1069.
Once applications have closed, we will commence the shortlisting process, which can take up to two weeks. We will be in touch with you regarding your application during this time.
View the position description by copying this link into your browser: https://mclaren.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/NZAS-PD-Executive-Director-15.2.26.pdf
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