This role is both strategic and hands-on. You’ll be trusted to:

• Evolve curriculum

• Use data to support continuous improvement

• Work with partners to design custom courses

• Integrate mātauranga Māori and inclusive practices into our courses

• Ensure our programmes meet the needs of diverse participants—from young people to corporate groups.

At the same time, you’ll contribute to developing our instructors as educators, strengthening their ability to facilitate meaningful learning in powerful, place-based contexts. 

Based in Anakiwa, at the top of the South Island, you’ll be part of a passionate community committed to transforming lives through challenge, connection, and reflection. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Education and Curriculum 

• Lead the design, development, and ongoing review of curriculum and course structures across all programmes. 

• Ensure curriculum is grounded in best practice, current research, and the OBNZ educational philosophy. 

• Oversee the development of new programmes in collaboration with internal teams and external stakeholders. 

• Partner with client organisations to co-design bespoke programmes, including briefing, curriculum design, and reporting. 

• Maintain and develop high-quality educational resources, including facilitation guides, frameworks, and instructor support materials. 

• Ensure clear, accurate programme information is available to support enrolments, marketing, and external communications. 

 Educational Quality and Practice 

• In collaboration with the Training Manager, set and uphold standards for instructional practice, ensuring consistency and depth of learning across all programmes.  

• Provide in-field observation, feedback, and coaching to support instructor development and programme quality. 

• Ensure curriculum design translates into strong facilitation, reflection, and experiential learning in practice. 

• Contribute to defining and embedding what “excellent instruction” looks like at Outward Bound New Zealand. 

Course Evaluation and Continuous Improvement 

• Lead the design and implementation of programme evaluation systems, including surveys, tools, and reporting frameworks. 

• Produce regular reporting (monthly and annual) that translates data into clear, actionable insights. 

• Refine and improve evaluation tools such as PEQ, instructor feedback, and course component reviews.  

• Use evidence and feedback to drive a culture of continuous improvement.  

Programming and Coordination 

• Design and manage the programme schedule, ensuring the scaffolding of activities supports the alignment with educational intent and organisational priorities.  

• Work in close partnership with Operations to balance educational quality, staff capacity, and delivery constraints. 

Leadership and People Development 

• Serve as a member of the Anakiwa Management Team, including participation in on-call and crisis management rotations. 

• Live on-site in Anakiwa and contribute as a role model within the residential school community. 

• Act as designated manager for a cohort of instructors and support staff. 

• Collaborate with the Training Manager on recruitment, induction, and ongoing professional development.  

• Ensure alignment between curriculum design and instructor development pathways. 

Strategy, Safety, and External Engagement 

• Contribute to the strategic development of education and programming at Outward Bound New Zealand. 

• Ensure curriculum and programme design align with organisational risk management and safety frameworks.  

• Embed te ao Māori, bicultural practice, and inclusive approaches across all programme design and delivery.  

• Represent the organisation as an educational ambassador with partners, clients, and stakeholders. 

• Identify opportunities to evolve and innovate programme offerings in response to changing needs.  

Other Responsibilities 

• Undertake additional projects or responsibilities as assigned by the School Director 

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

•  Demonstrated 5+ years of experience in experiential education/outdoor education. 

• Deep understanding of Outward Bound’s kaupapa and educational philosophy and/or experience in a similar organisation and a strong desire to learn. 

• Strong understanding of learning design and facilitation, with the ability to translate theory into practical, high-quality programme delivery. 

• Experience designing, reviewing, and evolving curriculum and design to meet the needs of diverse learners. 

• Passion for working with people and building relationships. 

• Proven ability to develop and support educators/instructors, building capability and consistency across a team. 

• Confidence working at both a strategic and operational level—from big-picture vision through to day-to-day delivery realities. 

• Understanding of, or commitment to embedding, te ao Māori and culturally responsive practice in programme design and delivery. 

• Ability to evaluate programme impact, using feedback and data to inform continuous improvement. 

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively as a leader across instructional and management teams. 

• High level of organisation and self-management, with the ability to juggle multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.  

• Experience working in risk-managed environments, ideally within the outdoor or adventure education sector. 

• Ability and desire to thrive in a small, rural, values-driven community and workplace. 

• Digital capability including the ability to navigate and utilise Microsoft Suite and our CRM.  

• Experience in project coordination and change management (preferred). 

APPLICATION PROCESS & TIMELINES

Applications close: 26 April 2026

For more information: email Katharine Overend - koverend@outwardbound.co.nz

To apply: Please send your CV and cover letter to: Katharine Overend koverend@outwardbound.co.nz

Interview dates - Tentatively between 30 April – 08 May 2026

Start date - 01 June would be the ideal start date or by negotiation for the right candidate