Chief Executive
Job reference : 4062834
Job Type : Full-time
Pay : Annually $170000 - $190000
Location : Dunedin, Otago
Posted on : 11-08-2026
Visionary and influential leader who can see the bigger picture, inspire people behind a shared purpose, and elevate ADL's profile and impact
For more than 30 years, ADL has been walking alongside rangatahi and whānau, helping young people navigate challenges, build resilience, and create their own pathways to wellbeing. Working across Otago, Southland, South Canterbury and Central Otago, ADL delivers innovative, evidence-informed mental health, wellbeing, and alcohol and other drug services that make a meaningful difference in communities throughout the lower South Island. ADL's approach is grounded in connection, culture, adventure, and the belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive.
We are now seeking an exceptional Chief Executive to lead the next chapter of our journey.
We are looking for a visionary and influential leader who can see the bigger picture, inspire people behind a shared purpose, and elevate ADL's profile and impact across New Zealand. Someone who understands how to tell a compelling story, build powerful partnerships, secure opportunities, and position an organisation as a recognised leader within the social sector.
You may already have successfully led a for-purpose, health, wellbeing, youth, or social services organisation. More importantly, you'll bring a track record of growing influence, navigating change, building sustainable organisations, and creating lasting impact for communities.
The Opportunity
Reporting to the Board, the Chief Executive will provide strategic, cultural and operational leadership across ADL.
As ADL's senior leader and kaitiaki, you will:
ADL is an organisation with a strong foundation, a clear purpose, and an unwavering commitment to young people and their whānau. The next Chief Executive will have the opportunity to build on that legacy while shaping what comes next. This is a chance to lead an organisation that is already making a profound difference and take it even further.
If you know this role matches your skillset and you are looking for a change hit APPLY NOW!
To find out more or have a confidential chat you can contact Daniel Harmes on 0221046814
Applicants must have a valid work visa, permanent residency or NZ citizenship to be considered.
Platinum Recruitment is proud to be a member of Te Uru Tāngata Centre for Workplace Inclusion and believes in equal opportunities for all. We actively promote diversity and inclusion in all our recruitment processes.
We are now seeking an exceptional Chief Executive to lead the next chapter of our journey.
We are looking for a visionary and influential leader who can see the bigger picture, inspire people behind a shared purpose, and elevate ADL's profile and impact across New Zealand. Someone who understands how to tell a compelling story, build powerful partnerships, secure opportunities, and position an organisation as a recognised leader within the social sector.
You may already have successfully led a for-purpose, health, wellbeing, youth, or social services organisation. More importantly, you'll bring a track record of growing influence, navigating change, building sustainable organisations, and creating lasting impact for communities.
The Opportunity
Reporting to the Board, the Chief Executive will provide strategic, cultural and operational leadership across ADL.
As ADL's senior leader and kaitiaki, you will:
- Lead the implementation of ADL's long-term vision and strategy
- Build on ADL's strong reputation and expand its influence regionally and nationally
- Champion innovation, new opportunities, partnerships and service development
- Strengthen relationships with iwi, funders, government agencies, community partners and stakeholders
- Foster a high-performing, values-driven and inclusive culture
- Ensure financial sustainability and responsible stewardship of resources
- Support the Executive Leadership Team to thrive and grow
- Drive excellence across organisational performance, quality and service delivery
- Champion He Ara Ki Te Pae Ora and strengthen capability in te ao Māori and tikanga across the organisation
- Be the public face and voice of ADL, advocating for rangatahi, whānau and community wellbeing
- Proven experience in a Chief Executive, General Manager, Executive Director or comparable senior leadership role
- Success leading growth, transformation and organisational development
- Experience within the social sector, health, wellbeing, education, community or for-purpose environment
- Strong governance experience and confidence working closely with Boards
- Demonstrated financial leadership and commercial capability
- Experience securing funding, partnerships, contracts and strategic opportunities
- Exceptional stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills
- A commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and improving outcomes for Māori
- The ability to think strategically while maintaining focus on delivery and results
- Outstanding communication, storytelling and advocacy skills
ADL is an organisation with a strong foundation, a clear purpose, and an unwavering commitment to young people and their whānau. The next Chief Executive will have the opportunity to build on that legacy while shaping what comes next. This is a chance to lead an organisation that is already making a profound difference and take it even further.
If you know this role matches your skillset and you are looking for a change hit APPLY NOW!
To find out more or have a confidential chat you can contact Daniel Harmes on 0221046814
Applicants must have a valid work visa, permanent residency or NZ citizenship to be considered.
Platinum Recruitment is proud to be a member of Te Uru Tāngata Centre for Workplace Inclusion and believes in equal opportunities for all. We actively promote diversity and inclusion in all our recruitment processes.