Deputy Warden | Tautiaki-Piki - University College

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UNIVERSITY COLLEGE
CAMPUS AND COLLEGIATE LIFE SERVICES

Otago is famous for its residential college communities supporting thousands of mostly first-year students as they begin their tertiary journey at the University of Otago. The Tautiaki-Piki of Te Kāreti o te Whare Wānaka plays a central role in sharing manaakitanga to everyone. Our main aim is to foster a strong sense of whanaungatanga as an essential foundation for learning and personal growth of Unicol tauira.

The Role / Te Mahi

The Tautiaki-Piki (Deputy Warden) is responsible to the Tautiaki (College Warden).  As a key senior member of staff, the Tautiaki-Piki has a leadership role in providing a positive collegiate experience for residents, with a focus on resident oraka (wellbeing).

We are seeking a great communicator to join our team who can support the academic ambitions and pastoral needs of our residents.

Our college provides positive student-centred support, academic programmes and an extensive range of events and activities. A safe place to set down roots, where students feel secure knowing the staff will unconditionally support them on their journey.

Skills & Experience / Kā Pūkeka me kā Wheako

You will be someone who thrives in a busy role and excels in providing pastoral care and support to students from a variety of backgrounds and cultures.

Our ideal candidate will:-
•    Be professionally and personally resilient and capable of handling (sometimes) difficult and complex situations.
•    Have experience working with young adults in a leadership capacity.
•    Be knowledgeable and have experience in pastoral care and/or community development.  
•    Have well developed organisational skills and initiative.
•    Be able to effectively coordinate the college academic and tutorial programme.
•    Deputise in the absence of the Tautiaki (College Warden).
•    Be trusted to act in a calm manner.

An understanding of, and empathy for, students commencing University is fundamental to this role. Experience in the tertiary sector would be a distinct advantage.

Candidates with knowledge and appreciation of diverse cultural needs, of Tīkaka Māori, and/or knowledge in providing positive opportunities for both Tauira Māori and Pasifika students will be especially welcome.

Further Details / Pūroko

This is a permanent, full-time role that will require regular rostered evening and weekend hours of work. The position is live-in and requires a high level of commitment, including being rostered on call.

The Deputy Warden residence is a separate 3-bedroom house/apartment situated adjacent to the North Tower with a private entry to the car park and Clyde Street. It has one bathroom, and a small office space/storage space. There is an open plan kitchen and living room and two car parks in the swipe access internal parking area.

The total remuneration package for this position includes full compensation for all accommodation costs.

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Children’s Act 2014 and the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021. Candidates who successfully make the final stages of the recruitment process will be required to undergo a police safety check.

Confidential enquiries can be made to Chris Jacobs, Acting Tautiaki/Warden of University College via the contact details below.

Application/ Tono

To submit your application (including CV and cover letter) please click the apply button below.

Applications quoting reference number 2601371 will close Sunday, 27 September 2026. 

Additional Information

Contact: Chris Jacobs     Tel: +64 21 278 5990

Position details: Job Description

Further Information: Department Website

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Location: About Dunedin

Primary Location
 NZL-SI-Dunedin
Employment Status
 Permanent 
Salary Level and Range Level 7 (Range of Appointments $80,749 to $85,649, Top of Range $100,776)
Organisation
 University College
Job Function
 Advice, Support and Welfare