THE OPPORTUNITY
Stepping Stone Trust (SST) is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest and most respected mental health NGOs, with more than 250 staff and an annual budget of around $20M. For over 30 years, SST has journeyed alongside people experiencing mental health and wellbeing challenges, providing 22 service lines across Canterbury and Otago. These range from residential and community support, respite and peer-led services, through to school engagement and integrated models of care with hospitals and primary health.
SST has entered a period of maturity, with a strong infrastructure base — including a new Christchurch headquarters, a growing Dunedin operation, and a group structure that supports service delivery, property management, and workforce training. Building on this, the organisation’s strategic priorities for 2024–25 are clear: consolidating leadership and structures following rapid growth, enhancing service quality and equity, and carefully exploring new opportunities in preventative services, cultural strengthening with Māori and Pasifika, and geographical expansion where significant unmet needs exist.
THE ROLE
The Chief Executive will provide strategic leadership across the organisation, guiding a broad service portfolio while ensuring SST remains financially sustainable and true to its mission. Reporting to the Board, the CEO will lead a capable and committed senior leadership team, oversee operations, and build enduring partnerships with Health NZ, Whaikaha, ACC, MSD, Oranga Tamariki, education providers, and other community organisations.
The role carries significant external influence. The CEO will be SST’s voice in government forums and sector networks, advocating for equitable funding, shaping mental health policy and practice, and developing innovative partnerships. At the same time, the CEO will protect against mission drift, ensuring new opportunities remain aligned with SST’s purpose, values, and faith-based foundations.
THE CANDIDATE
The Board is seeking a seasoned leader with senior executive experience in health, mental health, or social services. You will bring a proven record in organisational development, strategic growth, and building resilient teams. You will be skilled in financial oversight and contract management, with the credibility to influence at national and regional levels.
Equally important are your values. You will be relational, compassionate, and resilient, able to inspire trust across staff, communities, and stakeholders. Your Christian faith will be evident in the way you lead with integrity and humility, and in your commitment to Tiriti o Waitangi and to building culturally responsive services.
This is a rare leadership opportunity: to consolidate the growth of a dynamic and values-driven organisation, and to shape the future of mental health services in Aotearoa New Zealand.
We invite you to discuss this exceptional leadership opportunity with:
David Price from the HardyGroup
M. +64 (0)21 0239 2211 | E. dprice@hardygroupintl.com
OR
Paul Ingle from the HardyGroup
M. +61 (0)402 796 125 | E. pingle@hardygroupintl.com
HOW TO APPLY
The closing date for applications is Sunday, 16th November, 2025. The reference number to include in your application is H25_5258.
Ready to make people your organisation’s greatest asset?