Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland 

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university. With over 6000 academic and professional staff supporting more than 46,000 students, we are one of NZ’s largest employers.  

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity 

Join Our Team as a Student Support Advisor – Summer Start! 
We’re currently inviting applications for a dynamic opportunity to support the development and delivery of the Summer Start programme. This role is ideal for someone passionate about student success and keen to make a meaningful impact during the summer intake. Internal applicants are encouraged to apply, and we’re open to exploring secondment opportunities within the university. 

Summer Start is now an established part of Kōkiri Raumati | Summer Programmes, designed to welcome new students to university life. This fast paced six-week programme offers eligible school-leavers the opportunity to gain credits toward their degree, boost their academic preparation, and receive wrap-around academic and pastoral support. With a comprehensive co-curricular programme, Summer Start helps students build friendships, grow in confidence, and make a strong, positive start to their university journey. 
 
Summer Start is aimed at increasing students’ preparedness for, and success from, their tertiary study. If students are planning to study with the University of Auckland, they can get a head start on their studies by joining us for Summer Start. 

The Student Support Advisor is a key member of the Summer Start team and helps positively contribute to maintaining an environment that supports student success through wellbeing, pastoral care and learning support. 

Some key responsibilities include: 

• Support the development and implementation of student recruitment into the programme. 
• Support coordinated conversion activity across the Student Experience Centre, Academic Services, Schools and Community Engagement and Faculties. 
• Ensure effective reporting for the programme relating to recruitment, admission, and enrolment, progress to completion, record keeping. 
• Support the co-ordination of academic provision and take ownership of pastoral care in the programme. 
• Demonstrate a high level of interpersonal skills through relationship management, advocacy and negotiation either within the University or with outside organisations or key stakeholders. 
• Develop strong networks across the University to support and enhance the Summer Start student experience. 
• Ensure actions support delivery of Summer Start and at all times demonstrate excellent customer service through reliable, efficient and accurate execution of service deliverables. 

Based on 20 Symonds Street, this is on City Campus and will require you to be on site for the role.

This is a full time (37.5 hours per week), fixed term (up to 6 months) opportunity. During the six-week programme period, some evening or weekend work may be required.  

The role starts in October 2025 and ends in March 2026, with the option to negotiate an earlier release date based on individual circumstances.

This is a Band E role and the salary range for this role is $62,400 – $77,800 per annum depending on experience and qualifications. 
 
For more information on the role and accountabilities, please view the Position Description. 

Mō tō mātou rōpū | About the team 

This role reports into the Student Engagement Manager Campus Life but will work closely with and take direction from Programme Lead Summer Start.  This is a small but fast paced team that works collaboratively to deliver the Summer Start 6-week programme. 

He kōrero mōu | About you 

To be successful in this role, you will: 

• Be friendly, approachable, empathetic and patient 
• Have strong professional administrative skills and attention to detail 
• Be proactive in problem solving 
• Deliver excellent student focussed service with a professional and positive attitude 
• Demonstrate confidence to work autonomously while handling a high volume of queries, often requiring proactive outreach (such as phone calls) to ensure prompt and effective responses 
• Have experience in implementing projects and transitioning students to the University
• Have experience in recruitment and engagement with secondary schools or kura is preferred
• Have experience working with students and development and delivery of an engaging programme of events and activities 
• Have experience coordinating academic development and support 
• Have experience in relationship building in diverse communities and understanding of equity issues 
• Have experience and understanding of opportunities and responsibilities under Te Tiriti o Waitangi 
• The ability to work cooperatively. 
• Excellent communication skills. 
• An understanding of the school leavers journey. 
• The ability to build connections and networks across the University to support students  
• Enjoy working in a fun, rewarding, and fast-moving environment that supports student development 

 
Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer 

The University of Auckland is New Zealand's leading University and maintains significant computational, laboratory, and analytic facilities. Auckland is frequently rated as one of the world's most liveable cities.  

The University is committed to providing an excellent working environment through the following: 

• Kiwi Saver Contribution  
• A competitive salary with paid annual leave and sick leave 

For more information, please visit Staff Benefits. 

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply 

Applications must be submitted online by the closing date of 10th of August 2025 (NZST) to be considered. Please include your cover letter and CV highlighting how you can meet the abovementioned skills and experiences.  

Important Information: 

• The successful candidate will be required to undergo a police vetting check as part of the pre-employment process. 
• This advert may close early if a suitable candidate is identified. 

Please reach out to Cheryl Martin on [email protected] for a confidential conversation. Please note we are happy to answer your questions, but we do not accept applications by email. 

#LI-DNI

Equity

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment.  For further information on services for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQIATakatāpuiMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other personal circumstances go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz