Head of Engagement, Insights and Education

• Grow REA’s profile and influence.
• Lead a capable and highly engaged team.
• Wellington preferred.

The Real Estate Authority – Te Mana Papawhenua (REA) is the independent government agency that regulates the New Zealand real estate profession. REA’s purpose is to promote and protect the interests of consumers in real estate transactions and promote public confidence in the performance of real estate agency work. REA plays a critical role in increasing professionalism across the sector while helping consumers make informed property decisions.
 
REA is a high performing respected conduct regulator with a critical role in the real estate sector. They license real estate agents, oversee the code of conduct, continuing professional development and the complaints and discipline process. REA is also the organisation behind Settled.govt.nz, an award-winning consumer website that provides independent guidance and practical information to help New Zealanders confidently navigate the home buying and selling journey.
 
REA is seeking an inspirational leader to lead its Engagement, Insights and Education team. Reporting to the Chief Executive and a member of the senior leadership team, this role has strategic oversight of REA’s communications, engagement, insights and education functions.
 
A key priority will be sustaining an effective education programme and increasing awareness, reach and impact of both REA and settled.govt.nz. You’ll lead the development of innovative communications, engagement and marketing initiatives that connect with consumers, licensees and stakeholders, supporting high standards of conduct in the real estate profession and enabling more New Zealanders to have confidence and access trusted information when making important property decisions.
 
This is a role for a leader who enjoys operating at both the strategic and operational level. You’ll provide organisational leadership, shape direction and influence key decisions, while also maintaining a strong connection to delivery and supporting your team to achieve results.
 
Leading a busy, talented and highly engaged team, you’ll encourage a culture of collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement while ensuring the function continues to evolve and deliver value across the organisation.
 
What you will do

In this role you will:

• Provide strategic leadership of REA’s engagement, media, communications, insights and education work
• Develop and lead a high-performing team that drives outstanding outcomes
• Provide strategic advice to the Board, Chief Executive and senior leadership team
• Increase awareness, reach and impact of REA and Settled across New Zealand
• Identify innovative and effective ways to connect with consumers, licensees and stakeholders
• Utilise research, data and insights to support licensees to meet high standards, to identify drivers of risk and prevent consumer harm
• Lead REA’s continuing professional development and education services for the real estate sector 
• Enable delivery of guidance and information for consumers and licensees across digital and non-digital channels and networks including rea.govt.nz and settled.govt.nz.

 
What you will bring

To be successful in this role, you will be:

• An experience senior leader in communications, engagement, marketing, education or a related field
• An influential and strategic thinker, with the confidence to help shape and lead REA’s engagement, communication, insights and education services 
• A proven problem solver with critical thinking skills and the ability to utilise data and research insights to support the delivery of harm prevention initiatives and activities
• Someone with proven judgement, a strong risk radar and an understanding of regulated environments
• Experienced at building trusted relationships with senior leaders and sector stakeholders
• Someone who strives to understand and serve the needs of people across New Zealand’s diverse communities
• An inspiring people leader, who can develop high-performing teams, help them think innovatively and focus their efforts on the work that matters.

Experience in education, behaviour change or learning environments would be an advantage but is not essential.
 
 
Benefits
 
The REA team is welcoming, super friendly, collaborative and committed to making a difference for New Zealand.  There are a range of benefits that emphasise the importance that REA places on team wellbeing. You can expect rewarding and complex work in an exciting sector that is critical to New Zealand. 
 
Please note applications will be reviewed on receipt and suitable candidates may be progressed before the closing date.

Please let us know if you have any specific access needs to enable you to participate in our recruitment process.

APPLICATIONS CLOSE: Tuesday 13 October 2026
APPLY:  www.jacksonstone.co.nz
REFERENCE:  BH-11811

FURTHER ENQUIRIES: Nikki Franklin on 027 287 9390