National Education Officer (Community)

SPCA's Education Team is looking for a passionate, creative, and relationship-focused professional to join us as our National Education Officer (Community).

This is an exciting permanent, full-time opportunity to make a meaningful impact by inspiring children and young people across Aotearoa New Zealand to develop kindness, empathy, and respect for animals through education and community engagement.

In this diverse and rewarding role, you will build connections between SPCA Education, schools, early learning services, community organisations, libraries, and whānau, helping to expand the reach and impact of our education programmes. You will develop engaging initiatives, resources, partnerships, and communications that encourage participation in SPCA Education and support positive outcomes for both people and animals.

Whether you're facilitating learning experiences, strengthening community partnerships, supporting SPCA teams with outreach opportunities, or creating engaging content, you'll play an important role in helping shape a kinder future for animals in New Zealand.

What we can offer you

• A unique opportunity to make a genuine difference for animals and communities across Aotearoa New Zealand
• Meaningful work that combines education, community engagement, relationship-building, and animal welfare
• The opportunity to help inspire a whole generation of compassionate animal advocates
• Flexible hybrid working arrangements
• Supportive, passionate, and purpose-driven colleagues
• Onsite parking
• Great SPCA "Purrks", including a paid day off on your birthday

What we’re looking for

We're seeking an enthusiastic and motivated professional who is passionate about education, community engagement, and animal welfare. You may come from an education, youth development, community engagement, or related background and will bring a strong ability to connect with people, build partnerships, and create engaging learning experiences.

• A relevant tertiary qualification in Education, Community Education, Community Development, Youth Work, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience designing and facilitating educational programmes, workshops, presentations, or community engagement initiatives.
• Experience working with children and young people.
• Strong understanding of effective teaching, learning, and community engagement practices.
• Practical and theoretical knowledge of New Zealand primary and/or intermediate education settings.
• Experience building and maintaining positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong written communication skills and experience developing digital or promotional content.
• Experience planning, coordinating, and evaluating projects or programmes.
• Confidence using digital technologies to support learning, communication, and engagement.
• Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• The ability to work independently, take initiative, and contribute positively within a collaborative team environment.
• Understanding of child safety, inclusion, and culturally responsive practice.

• Understanding of the New Zealand Curriculum and/or Te Whāriki.
• Knowledge and experience of Te Ao Māori, tikanga Māori, mātauranga Māori, and/or Te reo Māori.
• Knowledge of animal welfare, responsible animal guardianship, or conservation.
• Experience working within the education, community, animal welfare, or conservation sectors.

About SPCA

SPCA is one of New Zealand's most recognised and respected charities, advocating for animal welfare and helping animals in need since 1872.

Every day, we work to improve the lives of animals through rescue, rehabilitation, advocacy, enforcement, and education. Our Education Team plays a vital role in helping create a more compassionate future by empowering children, young people, educators, and communities to become advocates for animal welfare.

Apply Now

If you're passionate about education, community engagement, and creating positive change for animals, we'd love to hear from you.

For more information click the apply now button and that will take you to our careers site. On our careers site you can click here for more about the impressive work we do and the impact we have and click here for the job description.

Applications for this role may be reviewed as they are received so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible!

We have a diverse, inclusive and values driven culture at SPCA. We value a diverse work environment because teams are stronger with different perspectives and experiences, so we welcome people from all walks of life to apply.

All applicants must possess the legal right to work in New Zealand, either as a New Zealand or Australian Citizen or by holding a valid working visa.

Simply click Apply and complete our simple online application process*. Please contact [email protected] if you have any additional questions.

*Only applications submitted through the official process will be considered.