Jess Hare
Wellington
Summary
Accomplished strategic leader with 18 years of experience leading cross-regional initiatives, contributing to executive-level decision-making, and engaging directly with governance bodies, elected officials, and inter-agency leadership. Operates at the system level, providing advice and insight to both operational leaders and governing bodies on strategy, capability, and organisational risk. Known for turning strategy into delivery and building resilient, high-performing teams aligned with organisational purpose.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Business and Development Manager (Tier 3 Leadership Team)
Wellington Region Emergency Management Office (WREMO)
02.2018 - Current
- Member of the Executive Leadership Team, leading the development of sector and organisation-wide strategy, planning, and capability development.
- Lead design and execution of long-term planning for emergency management capability across nine councils.
- Regularly present to the CDEM Group Joint Committee (elected officials) on organisational performance, capability investment, and risk posture.
- Partner with Chief Executives and senior officials on cross-council initiatives and national emergency readiness.
- Guide continuous improvement across planning, resourcing, and people leadership portfolios.
- Lead mentoring and staff development frameworks to foster high performance and professional growth.
- Manage budgets aligned with strategic priorities, ensuring efficiency and sustainability.
Senior Emergency Management Advisor
Wellington Region Emergency Management Advisor (WREMO)
07.2012 - 02.2018
- Delivered emergency planning and capability projects across local government partners.
- Provided expert risk and hazard advice to councils and civil defence groups.
- Built cross-agency collaboration mechanisms to support integrated emergency response.
- Trained internal and partner staff to improve regional readiness and alignment.
Emergency Management Advisor
Greater Wellington Regional Council
04.2007 - 07.2012
- Developed risk assessments and hazard mitigation strategies using geospatial and scientific data.
- Supported operational coordination and planning for emergency response and public communication.
- Led training sessions and readiness workshops across regional teams.
Education
Bachelor of Science with Honours - Physical Geography
Victoria University of Wellington
Skills
Strategic & Operational Leadership
Relationship Management
Team Empowerment
Organisational Culture & Change
Governance Engagement & Reporting
Crisis Management
Cross-functional Collaboration
Budget & Resource Optimisation
Problem Solving
Risk Management
Integrated Response Planning & Multi- Agency Coordination
Timeline
Business and Development Manager (Tier 3 Leadership Team)
Wellington Region Emergency Management Office (WREMO)
02.2018 - Current
Senior Emergency Management Advisor
Wellington Region Emergency Management Advisor (WREMO)
07.2012 - 02.2018
Emergency Management Advisor
Greater Wellington Regional Council
04.2007 - 07.2012
Bachelor of Science with Honours - Physical Geography
Victoria University of Wellington
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