Executive Director (Part Time)

Are you a dynamic leader with a passion for business development, stakeholder engagement, and risk management? Do you thrive in a collaborative environment where you can make a meaningful impact on an organisation’s growth and reputation? Robert Walters is proud to be partnering with RiskNZ to seek an experienced Executive Director (Part Time) to lead the professional association into its next phase of sustainable growth.

About RiskNZ:
RiskNZ is New Zealand’s leading professional association for risk management practitioners, representing over 1,100 members across industries, government, and academia. Since 2000, they’ve been dedicated to improving the knowledge and practice of risk management through thought leadership, networking opportunities, and industry collaboration.

The Role:
As the Executive Director, you will be the face of RiskNZ, responsible for driving strategic initiatives, managing day-to-day operations, and fostering relationships with members, sponsors, and stakeholders. Reporting directly to the Risk NZ Board, you’ll play a pivotal role in delivering RiskNZ’s Business Plan while ensuring long-term value for members.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Collaborate with the Management Board to develop organisational strategy and the annual work plan, while delivering on strategic initiatives. Lead sustainable growth efforts while consolidating existing achievements.
• Operational Leadership: Coordinate and oversee the annual rhythm of meetings, including the AGM, in collaboration with the Secretary. Manage and lead daily operations across HR, financial management (e.g., Xero), marketing, social media, communications, information systems, and statutory reporting. Supervise the Administration Officer while managing a portfolio of working groups and projects to deliver key engagement initiatives such as workshops, seminars, and the RiskNZ conference.
• Member Engagement: Support and grow the membership base by delivering value-driven initiatives tailored to their needs in today’s climate.
• Business Development & Strategic Relationships: Identify, secure and sustain mutually beneficial sponsorship opportunities and strategic relationships with key partners (e.g., software platforms, educational bodies, thought leaders) to grow and enhance the position, reputation, influence and size of RiskNZ.
• Brand Building: Represent RiskNZ as a knowledgeable spokesperson at events, conferences, and media engagements. Enhance the organisation’s reputation as a thought leader in risk management.

What We’re Looking For:
To succeed in this role, you’ll need:

• A background in risk management or familiarity with the field.
• Proven experience in sales-based business development.
• Character, presence and strong interpersonal skills to engage effectively with members, sponsors and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously while maintaining accountability to a board of directors.
• Strategic thinking combined with hands-on operational expertise.
• A commitment to slow yet sustainable growth – this is not a stop-gap role but an opportunity for long-term impact.

Why Join Us?
This is your chance to lead a respected organisation that plays a vital role in shaping New Zealand’s risk management landscape, and to work closely with a passionate board of directors who are committed to learning and growing together.

Qualifications & Experience:

• At least five year's experience in a senior leadership or general management role.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement, marketing, communications, change management, and social profit fundraising is highly desirable.
• Relevant tertiary qualification within a related field.

What We Offer:

• Flexible part-time hours (3-4 days per week).
• The opportunity to build your personal brand as a leader in risk management.
• A collaborative environment focused on innovation and sustainable growth.

How to Apply:
If you’re ready to take on this exciting leadership challenge and help shape the future of risk management in New Zealand, we’d love to hear from you! Please apply via the link below or reach out to Penny Eglinton: penny.eglinton@robertwalters.co.nz or Willy McBride: willy.mcbride@robertwalters.co.nz for a confidential discussion or if you have any questions.

Robert Walters endeavours to review all applications in a maximum of five working days. If you have not received correspondence in this timeframe please do not hesitate to contact Willy McBride on +6493747331.