Director Operations
- Newly created senior leadership role reporting to the Chief Executive
- Build the organisational capability behind Aotearoa's community law movement
- Lead finance, systems and operations for a national organisation
About the role
Community Law Centres Aotearoa (CLCA) represents, supports and advocates for 24 community law centres (CLCs) nationwide – a collective movement providing life-changing legal help to those who need it most. Together, they ensure thousands of people each year can access justice, have their voices heard, and receive support that makes a tangible difference.
As CLCA continues to grow and evolve, this newly created Director Operations role has been established to strengthen the organisation's internal capability and support the delivery of its strategic priorities.
Reporting to the Chief Executive and as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you'll provide leadership across finance, business operations, information management, people operations, organisational performance and continuous improvement. You'll ensure CLCA has the systems, processes and infrastructure needed to support the community law movement now and into the future.
This is a rare opportunity to help shape a national organisation at an exciting stage of its development. You'll work in close partnership with the Chief Executive, helping shape the organisational capability that enables greater sector leadership, advocacy and impact.
This role is based at the CLCA office in Wellington.
What you’ll do
- Lead and develop a small team responsible for finance, data, systems and organisational support
- Provide strategic leadership across CLCA's operational functions, ensuring strong organisational capability and performance
- Lead financial planning, budgeting, reporting and financial governance
- Strengthen business systems, information management, technology and data capability
- Lead organisational planning, operational improvement and risk management initiatives
- Oversee people operations, including employment processes, payroll, health and safety and organisational capability
- Manage procurement, supplier relationships and business support services
- Contribute as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, helping shape CLCA's future direction
What we’re looking for
You'll be an experienced senior leader who enjoys building strong organisations behind the scenes. You're someone who can see how all the moving parts fit together and enjoys creating systems, processes and structures that enable others to succeed.
You'll also bring:
- Significant senior leadership experience across operational, corporate services or business management functions
- Strong financial management experience, including budgeting, reporting and financial governance
- Experience leading organisational improvement and embedding effective systems and processes
- Experience working closely with Chief Executives, Boards and senior leaders
- Strong people leadership skills, with a collaborative and enabling approach
- An understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a commitment to working in ways that uphold its principles
- A genuine affinity with the values and kaupapa of community service, kaupapa Māori, iwi, membership or not-for-profit organisations
Experience within the not-for-profit, membership or charitable sector will be an advantage, as will Chartered Accountant (CA) status, although neither is essential.
Why join CLCA?
This newly created role offers the opportunity to shape how a nationally significant organisation operates.
You'll help build the systems, capability and organisational resilience that support 24 CLCs across Aotearoa to deliver better outcomes for the communities they serve. Your work will enable the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team to focus on sector leadership, national advocacy and improving access to justice across Aotearoa.
How to apply
Send your CV and a cover letter to Kirsty McLaren by Sunday 9 August 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.
Apply