Manager/ Director (Dental Policy)

As the trusted voice for dentists and dental specialists, NZDA has been advocating on behalf of dental professionals and members of the public since it was established in 1905. United in helping the public make informed choices about their dental care, providing services that enhance the profession and advocating for dental professionals, NZDA's role is to Represent, Support, Advance, and Inform.

An opportunity to lead the next phase:

NZDA's inaugural Director (Dental Policy), Robin Whyman, will step down at the end of this year. We thank Robin for his contribution to NZDA, including leading the development of the NZDA Roadmap Towards Better Oral Health for New Zealand and the Oral Health Report Card, and wish him well. With the General Election in November, the new political cycle is a natural point of transition. It gives the next Manager / Director the opportunity to lead the following phase of NZDA's advocacy. Robin is open to remaining available in a limited advisory capacity, should that be needed.

How you will make an impact:

NZDA is seeking an experienced senior clinician to lead its advocacy and oral health policy work. As part of the senior leadership team, you will lead the Advocacy Team and Senior Advisor, review and maintain the Roadmap, and shape NZDA's position on prevention, access to care and workforce. This is a pivotal role in NZDA's voice with government, the health sector and the public. It is a part-time (0.5 FTE) position, allowing the successful candidate to retain clinical practice if desired. You will be supported by a team of three Tikanga Advisors, a PR company, and Maven Consulting, who lead our data analysis, surveys and reporting.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING:

• Reviewing and maintaining the NZDA Roadmap Towards Better Oral Health for New Zealand
• Developing NZDA position statements on prevention, access to dental care for all, and workforce, including both private and public practice
• Leading the Advocacy Team and Senior Advisor, contributing to senior leadership, and deputising for the Chief Executive when required
• Gathering and using data to inform policy and decision-making, including the NZDA Oral Health Dashboard and annual Oral Health Report Card
• Preparing timely, researched submissions, briefing papers and articles
• Representing NZDA in meetings with politicians, public servants and key stakeholders, and acting as a spokesperson when required
• Delivering on the Association's commitment to equitable access to oral health care for all New Zealanders
• Building effective relationships with stakeholders, funders and the wider health sector to deliver better health for our nation

WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THIS ROLE:

• Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)
• Experience in both the public and private sectors
• Dental leadership experience at a national level, with a broad view of the profession
• An understanding of the New Zealand health system, the health reforms and the new health system structures
• Strong strategic, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and build relationships with a wide range of people
• A sound understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a commitment to Te Reo Māori and Tikanga Māori
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Suite and an understanding of database administration
• An alignment with the NZDA values

IT'S A BONUS IF YOU ALSO BRING:

• A postgraduate qualification in Dental Public Health or Public Health or Public Policy focused on oral health
• An understanding of the New Zealand political system
• Experience dealing with the media
• Proficiency in Microsoft Power BI
• Existing extensive networks within the dental profession, or the ability to develop these

This role is hybrid, working from NZDA's purpose-built facility in Ellerslie, Auckland, and remotely by mutual agreement. The team is collegial, and remuneration will be commensurate with experience.

Expressions of interest and requests for a full job description should be directed to:

Dr Mo Amso

Chief Executive

chiefexec@nzda.org.nz