Executive Assistant

Executive Assistant Needed: A Unique Chance to Work with Science Leaders in beautiful Nelson!

This isn’t just any EA role.

It’s your chance to work alongside two visionary leaders at Cawthron Institute, New Zealand’s largest independent science organisation, and play a key support role in helping to shape the ideas and decisions that impact Aotearoa and beyond.

The role:

As Executive Assistant to our Chief Science Officer and another member of our Senior Leadership Team, you’ll be right in the action. You will step into a pivotal role that elevates your career by giving you direct exposure to senior leadership and strategic decision-making.

You’ll expertly manage diaries, craft meeting notes that influence key outcomes, and organise engagements; all while expanding your networks across Government, iwi, and industry, positioning you as the bedrock that supports world-class science and innovation through the work that you will be doing.

Imagine a role where your organisation, foresight, and communication skills don’t just keep things ticking, they help drive world-class science, forge powerful partnerships, and support leadership to deliver world-class science. Now stop imagining, because you’ve already found it!

Why this role is for you:

• You’re calm under pressure, expertly anticipating needs, able to manage conflicting priorities, and able to ensure deadlines are met.
• You love working behind the scenes to support visionary leaders, enabling them to focus on strategic decisions that impact the science sector both in New Zealand and science internationally.
• You’re passionate about building strong, collaborative relationships across diverse teams, government, iwi, and industry, becoming a key enabler in Cawthron’s success.
• You’re seeking a workplace where every person’s input is recognised and appreciated.

What you'll bring:

• Extensive experience as a successful Executive Assistant (or Personal Assistant), ideally supporting senior leadership in a large, complex organisation.
• A professional qualification in business administration
• Demonstrable ability to manage demanding workloads independently and with initiative.
• Exceptional attention to detail, a systematic approach, and the ability to adapt quickly as priorities shift.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, comfortable liaising with a wide range of stakeholders at all levels, with proven ability to capture nuanced meeting minutes that shape decision-making.
• Experience with diary management, agenda preparation, fronting correspondence on behalf of senior leaders and coordination of events and projects.
• A solid understanding of scientific organisations, or a keen willingness to get up to speed with how the science sector operates.
• Well versed in the Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint and Docusign.
• An openness to learn and apply Tikanga Māori principles and Te Reo Māori within your work, reflecting Cawthron’s commitment to partnership with Māori.
• Proven discretion, confidentiality, and sound judgement, with a commitment to workplace wellbeing and safety.

Why Cawthron?

Because here at Cawthron, your work matters. You’ll join a purpose-driven, collaborative team delivering science and innovation that benefits New Zealand’s oceans, rivers, lakes, communities, and industries. Based in beautiful Nelson, you’ll enjoy a lifestyle with work life balance, all while growing your skills within an influential organisation.

Ready to apply?

Please include a Cover Letter in your application showing why you think you are the best fit for the role and also answer the following questions within it:

• How many years’ experience you have as an Executive Assistant or in a similar role?
• What tools and systems are you proficient in (e.g., Microsoft Office, SharePoint, Docusign)?

We are excited to learn about how you could bring your skills and experience to support our leadership in driving world-class science.

A Cover Letter must be included for your application to be considered.

If you have any questions pertaining to the role, please email our Recruitment Team at [email protected].

At Cawthron we are committed to upholding equitable and inclusive practices - if there are accommodations that we can provide throughout the recruitment process to assist you to put your best foot forward or feel more comfortable, please let us know.

Click here to review the Role Description: Executive Assistant RD Aug2025.pdf (available via our careers page)

Applications close on Wednesday 3rd of September at 4:00pm sharp so don't delay if you want to be considered for this impactful role!