Lead a movement. Champion young people. Help shape the future of Aotearoa.
At Zeal, we believe every young person deserves the chance to discover who they are, where they belong, and what they’re capable of becoming.
What started as a single youth centre in Wellington has grown into a thriving network of five locations across Aotearoa, supporting thousands of rangatahi to connect, create, learn, lead, and thrive every year. From music and creative arts to leadership, wellbeing, employment pathways, events and community connection, we’ve spent more than two decades building spaces where young people can flourish.
But we’re just getting started.
We’re looking for an exceptional Chief Executive Officer to lead Zeal into its next chapter of growth, impact and innovation.
This is not your average CEO role. We aren’t just running programmes. We’re creating opportunities, we’re building belonging, we’re backing young people to discover purpose, develop confidence, find their voice and influence the future.
At Zeal, young people sit at the centre of everything we do. Every decision. Every programme. Every partnership. Every opportunity. If you’re someone who genuinely believes in the potential of young people and gets excited by building organisations that create transformational impact, we’d love to talk with you.
About Zeal
Zeal exists to create transformative spaces and experiences that are accessible to all young people in Aotearoa. Our vision is simple but ambitious:
All young people in Aotearoa living full lives of meaning and purpose.
Today, Zeal is recognised as one of New Zealand’s leading youth development organisations, bringing together creativity, connection, wellbeing, leadership and opportunity in ways that genuinely change lives.
We’re values-led, youth-centred and driven by care, compassion and impact.
Our kaupapa is grounded in:
- Aroha
- Whanaungatanga
- Manaakitanga
- Rangatiratanga
- Ngākau Mahaki
We're Looking For Someone Who
- Is deeply passionate about young people and their potential.
- Can inspire people around a bold vision.
- Has experience leading complex organisations through growth and change.
- Understands how to build strong cultures and high-performing teams.
- Can develop meaningful partnerships across government, philanthropy, business and community sectors.
- Has a strong track record in fundraising, revenue growth or securing strategic investment.
- Brings commercial acumen alongside a genuine heart for social impact.
- Thinks creatively, acts courageously and leads authentically.
- Understands Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to embedding its principles in organisational leadership and practice.
The Opportunity
As CEO, you’ll be responsible for leading Zeal nationally, inspiring our people, growing our impact, strengthening our sustainability and ensuring young people remain at the heart of every strategic decision.
You’ll work alongside an engaged Board, an outstanding leadership team, passionate staff and an incredible network of partners, funders and supporters.
We’re on a mission to expand our reach, develop new partnerships, increase funding, strengthen our centres, enhance our programmes and find bold new ways to serve rangatahi. Your leadership will play a critical role in helping Zeal fulfil its mission.
Why Zeal?
Because you’ll get to lead an organisation that’s helping shape the future of Aotearoa.
You’ll work with incredible people.
You’ll see the direct impact of your leadership in the lives of young people.
You’ll join a team that believes work should be meaningful, values-driven, innovative, courageous and fun.
Most importantly, you’ll help create a future where every young person feels seen, valued, safe, empowered and has an equitable opportunity to thrive.
Our Vision
All young people in Aotearoa living full lives of meaning and purpose
Our Mission
To make transformative spaces and experiences accessible to ALL young people in Aotearoa
Our Impact
All rangatahi in Aotearoa feel seen, valued, safe, empowered and have an equitable shot to thrive
Join Us
If you’re excited by the idea of leading one of Aotearoa’s most dynamic youth organisations and helping write the next chapter of the Zeal story, we’d love to hear from you.
Come help build a future where every young person can live a full life of meaning and purpose.
Apply for this role
This is a permanent full-time position.
Applications close at midnight 11th September 2026.
If you have any questions please contact our team at jobs@zeal.org.nz
