Adult & Community Education (ACE) Team Leader

Adult & Community Education (ACE) Team Leader WestREAP – Hokitika / Greymouth (servicing Grey & Westland districts) FTE by negotiation Lead adult learning that actually changes lives – right here on the Coast. WestREAP is the Rural Education Activities Programme for the West Coast, delivering lifelong learning from Karamea to Haast. We work alongside communities, schools, whānau and adults to create opportunities that are practical, local and life changing. From driver licences and digital skills to confidence, connection and community. We’re looking for a relational, community-minded ACE Team Leader to lead our Adult & Community Education (ACE) portfolio across the Grey and Westland districts. If you love people, know how to make things happen, and want to see real impact in rural communities, this could be your next step. About the role The ACE Team Leader provides strategic and day-to-day leadership of WestREAP’s ACE programmes and is a key member of our Leadership Team. In this role you will:

• Shape the overall mix of ACE courses across the Coast. From foundation skills and employability to life skills, wellbeing and community interest programmes.
• Build strong relationships with communities, iwi, agencies, employers and partners so what we offer is relevant, accessible and genuinely useful.
• Support and develop ACE staff and tutors, recruiting, inducting and coaching them to deliver high-quality, adult-centred learning.
• Keep an eye on the numbers and outcomes. Learner hours, budgets, course viability and impact.
• Make sure ACE delivery meets TEC and REAP Aotearoa contract requirements, including reporting, data quality and compliance.
• Contribute actively to WestREAP’s wider strategy, culture and leadership as part of a small, collaborative leadership team. The role is based in Hokitika/Greymouth with travel across the region as needed. Hours (0.8–1.0 FTE) and are negotiable for the right person. About you You don’t need to tick every single box, but you will bring a strong mix of:
• A genuine love of people and communities. You build trust easily, listen well and enjoy being out and about
• Experience coordinating programmes or projects, planning, scheduling, juggling venues, tutors and participants
• Some experience leading or coordinating others (paid staff, tutors, facilitators or volunteers)
• Confidence with basic budgets, data and reporting. Not an accountant, but comfortable using information to make good decisions
• Strong organisational skills. Able to manage multiple courses, deadlines and stakeholders without dropping the ball
• Respect for Te Tiriti o Waitangi and comfort working in bicultural and multicultural environments Most importantly, you are:
• Warm, approachable and values-driven
• A collaborative team player, not a lone ranger
• Positive, pragmatic and solutions-focused. If you’re reading this and thinking “that sounds like me… mostly”, we’d still really encourage you to get in touch. We’re interested in the right person, not a perfect checklist. Why WestREAP? At WestREAP you’ll find:
• A genuinely meaningful leadership role where you can see the impact of your work in your own community
• A small, supportive leadership team that values openness, humour and straight talking
• Flexibility – work hours by negotiation and a mix of office, community and course-visit time
• Variety – no two days are the same, from planning and contracts to being out in communities, visiting courses and backing tutors
• Ongoing professional development and the chance to help shape what ACE looks like on the West Coast over the next few years If you care about real people, real learning and real outcomes, you’ll fit right in. How to apply / kōrero If this sounds like you or might be you we’d love to hear from you. You’re warmly encouraged to reach out for a conversation first if you’d like to learn more about the role, the team, or how the hours could work for you. For a copy of the Position Description, please contact: Holly Thorpe – Operations Manager operations@westreap.org.nz For a confidential chat about the position, please contact: Rik Soderlund – Chief Executive ceo@westreap.org.nz

Applications for this role need to be in by 12 January 2026