Community Law South Auckland (CLSA) is a well-established community law centre providing free legal advice, assistance, representation, mediation and legal education to eligible people across South Auckland, Otahuhu and Franklin. With offices in Otara and Papakura, plus outreach services in Pukekohe and a Māori Land Advisory Clinic, the organisation plays a critical role in improving access to justice for communities that may otherwise struggle to obtain legal support.
CLSA is the largest community law centre by population served and is financially stable, with core Ministry of Justice funding secured through June 2028 and is financially robust. Its long-serving, highly experienced team reflects the communities it serves, with strong Pacific and Māori representation and a deeply embedded commitment to culturally responsive service.
About the Role
Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the General Manager has overall responsibility for the operational leadership of CLSA and for ensuring the organisation continues to deliver high-quality, accessible and culturally responsive services.
This is a people-centered leadership role rather than a traditional corporate GM position. The successful person will work closely with a highly experienced team of lawyers and support staff, maintain strong community and sector relationships, oversee financial and contractual performance, and help the Board shape the organisation's next strategic chapter.
Early priorities will include building trust with staff and communities, supporting succession planning across a senior workforce, contributing to the next strategic review, and preparing the organisation for future changes in service delivery, technology and AI.
Duties
- Lead day-to-day operations across CLSA’s Otara and Papakura offices, maintaining an inclusive, culturally safe workplace focused on staff wellbeing and retention.
- Support the Board with strategic advice, reporting, risk management and implementation of the Strategic Plan.
- Oversee budgets, financial performance, audit, resources and organisational risk, ensuring funding and contractual obligations are met.
- Monitor service delivery, community impact and contractual performance while protecting service quality and equitable access to justice.
- Build trusted relationships across Community Law Centres Aotearoa, government, justice, iwi, hapū, Māori and Pacific organisations, and community providers.
- Lead succession planning and capability development across the team.
- Guide practical adoption of technology, data and AI, while remaining visible, accessible and willing to step in operationally when needed.
- Proven senior leadership experience in a community, social service, public sector, legal, justice or not-for-profit environment.
- Strong understanding of frontline service delivery to people experiencing disadvantage, complexity or significant life challenges.
- High emotional intelligence, maturity and judgement, with demonstrated cultural competence and the ability to build trust across diverse groups, including Māori and Pacific communities.
- Strong people leadership capability, including staff wellbeing, coaching, development, retention and navigating change.
- Sound financial literacy, budget oversight, risk management and governance reporting experience, including working with Boards, funders, government agencies and external stakeholders.
- Calm, practical and hands-on leadership style, with confidence managing conflict and challenging situations constructively.
- Relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent professional experience. Legal qualifications are not required but exposure to government contracting, community law or the justice sector would be advantageous.
CLSA has a close-knit, experienced and highly committed team. The culture is professional while informal, collegial and service-focused, with strong respect for cultural identity, relationships and mutual support. Given the often demanding nature of the work, empathy, humour and resilience are important.
The successful GM will be a grounded, emotionally mature leader who builds trust, listens well and values diverse cultures and life experiences. A highly corporate or hierarchical style will not suit; this role calls for someone accessible, practical and willing to roll up their sleeves when needed.
Benefits
- Lead a financially stable organisation with a clear social purpose and tangible impact on access to justice, with core government funding secured through June 2028.
- Work with a highly experienced, committed and culturally diverse team with a strong record of retention.
- Help shape the next strategic phase, including succession, service development, technology and responsible use of AI, while building influence across the community law, justice, government and social service sectors.
If you are motivated by meaningful community impact and believe your leadership style fits this distinctive environment, we would welcome your application. Please click the “APPLY” button to submit your CV and cover letter.
For a confidential discussion, contact Kirsten Edwards on +64 9 915 9140 or Iain MacGibbon on +64 9 915 9144.
