Senior Manager, Pacific Student Success (Office of Pacific Advancement) - Current AUT Employees Only

Updated: 11 months ago
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: 25 Apr 2023

  • Join New Zealand's university of opportunity
  • Leads projects which make significant impact and contribution to Pacific peoples
  • Full-time, permanent role based at either AUT's City or South Campus

AUT has a deep and genuine collective commitment to Pacific peoples. AUT's Office of Pacific Advancement (OPA) is grounded in this commitment, and elevates the wellbeing and success of Pacific communities at AUT and beyond. Our programmes and initiatives span the student and staff experience; academic research development, impact and engagement; advocacy, and community-based collaborations and partnerships. AUT has the largest cohort of Pacific university students in New Zealand, and they are supported from entry through to research degrees. We maintain and facilitate initiatives of importance to Pacific communities in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands through education, research, professional training, academic opportunities and partnerships.

Some key examples of OPA's work include our UniPrep programme ; which partners with high schools, predominantly in South Auckland, to empower and support student transitions to university (more than 75% of Uniprep participants are Pacific peoples). OPA also empowers Pacific students to take an active role in their success through extracurricular programmes such as the Oceanian Leadership Network (OLN), comprising 150 current students from different faculties, schools and campuses across AUT.

Become OPA's Senior Manager for Pacific Student Success

This is a fast moving, forward looking and evolving role where you'll co-design, develop, implement and manage strategic projects which make significant impact and contribution to Pacific peoples, all supported by your pedagogical experience and knowledge and personal commitment to social justice and positive change. You'll advise and engage academic, professional and external stakeholders as you collaborate, partner and network across our faculties and directorates. Through this work you will establish and oversee systems, processes and initiatives under the auspices of the Office of Pacific Advancement to advance Pacific equity objectives under the AUT Strategic Plan and report on, share and encourage good practice in relation to student success.

As a key member of OPA's leadership group you will work closely with, and report to, our awesome Pro-Vice Chancellor Pacific Associate Professor Jacoba Matapo . You'll have many direct engagements with students through our many different initiatives and must enjoy supporting youth and their aspirations. You will lead 8 highly committed and passionate staff who report into the role. At peak times of the year, up to around 150 casual and fixed-term staff will also report to you.

This role truly does have so much variety!

You'll need to possess a genuine service-leadership mindset, supported by effective organisational skills and a strong ability to develop and lead effective teams grounded by an approach to work that is cultural, relational and people-centred, and which embraces manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, kaitiakitanga. Equally as critical is an authentic, collegial and positive leadership style which values diversity, working inclusively and embodies trustworthiness, confidence and kindness. You'll be a highly collaborative and influencing future-focused leader who listens and is passionate about the advancement of Pacific peoples; whilst enabling ideas, innovation and encouraging proactivity to make things happen.

Please see the detailed position description for extensive information on key job accountabilities. 

AUT is a fantastic place to work and has excellent staff benefits which among others includes free study opportunities, a personal fund for your continued professional development, free membership to AUT gyms and generous leave allowances!

Applications and Key Selection Criteria

Along with your CV, please ensure to submit a cover letter which explains a) why this particular role (and AUT) is of interest, and also b) how your experience aligns with the key experience and attributes we're seeking below:

  • At least ten years' experience, either in youth and community development or an education setting supporting student success (previous experience working in a tertiary educational setting would be advantageous).
  • Existing extensive relationships within Pacific communities, and knowledge of Pacific values and ways of knowing and being.
  • Demonstrated experience establishing innovative and successful student-centred programmes/initiatives to support learning and an understanding of factors affecting student transition, retention and success.
  • Experience in establishing effective and enduring engagement strategies and initiatives with student support services.
  • Sound relationship management experience and the ability to develop and maintain positive, collaborative, mutually beneficial professional relationships at multiple levels.
  • Experience successfully managing staff and leading teams through an authentic, inclusive, consultative approach which coaches and develops others.
  • Applicants must also have a relevant tertiary degree, preferably at postgraduate level.
  • Further Information:

    • Start Date - As soon as possible (to be agreed with the successful candidate).
    • Term -The successful candidate will secure a permanent, full-time appointment. A competitive remuneration package will be agreed, commensurate with skills and experience.
    • Referees - Applicants should also provide names, contact details and clarification of relationship for at least two potential referees. Referees will not be contacted without the prior consent of the applicant.
    • Enquiries - Please contact Mike Wood, AUT Executive Recruitment Partner - [email protected]
    • A Police Vetting Check will be undertaken as part of the pre-employment checks required, for the preferred candidate.

    Closing date for applications: Tuesday, 18 April at 11:55pm.

    Reference: 85361



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