Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Event and Operations Manager (Engagement and Protocol) to lead the delivery of high‑profile, strategically significant events across the University’s portfolios. This role works closely with senior leaders and key stakeholders of strategic importance, particularly supporting the Office of the Vice‑Chancellor and Alumni Relations and Development (ARD).

Reporting to the Event Services Manager with embedded responsibilities to ARD, you will provide strategic leadership across a diverse portfolio of donor and alumni, protocol and flagship events, ensuring excellence in planning, delivery and stakeholder experience. You will lead and develop a high‑performing team of four, setting clear direction, fostering capability, and embedding best‑practice event management aligned to institutional priorities and processes.

This position requires strong event strategy capability, the confidence to operate at a senior level, and the ability to build trusted relationships with executive stakeholders, and partners. It is important that you are equally comfortable with strategic planning, event logistics and overseeing budgets as you are with bringing innovation and creativity to the event programme. Over the next 24 months, a key focus of this role will be contributing to an upcoming philanthropic campaign, including the delivery of large‑scale, high‑profile events in New Zealand and overseas that support advancement, reputation and philanthropic objectives.

If you are a senior events leader who thrives at the intersection of strategic relationship management, creative event design and high-stakes delivery, and you want your work to contribute to the success and impact one of world’s top 100 universities, we would love to hear from you.

This is a permanent, full-time position (37.5 hours per week). The salary range for this role is $98,000 to $110,000, negotiable depending on skills and experience.

For more detailed information, please refer to the position description linked HERE

He kōrero mōu | About you

Our ideal candidate will have 10+ years’ experience in delivering engagement and campaign style events, and 5+ years’ managerial and setting strategic event experience. University experience and/or working within a large complex organisation would be advantageous.

You will be able to oversee multiple projects and deadlines while maintaining your sense of humour and professional approach.

This role will suit someone who is passionate about team development, a confident and resilient leader, who takes a proactive approach and thrives in a busy environment. An understanding of tikanga and kawa for events would be advantageous.

E rapua ana mātou | We are seeking

• Proven track record at developing and influencing strategic relationships with key stakeholders
• Full production design capability, including AV, lighting, staging and supplier management for high-profile donor and alumni recognition events
• Strong financial acumen with proven experience managing multiple complex budgets, including forecasting, cost control, and accurate financial reporting across concurrent programmes
• Digitally capable including virtual and hybrid event delivery
• Strong Event Management software / technical skills (relevant to the role)
• Exemplary written and verbal communication and presentation skills
• Leadership skills with strong coaching and mentoring capability
• Knowledge of risk management frameworks, and Health and Safety event best practice

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university, guided by a commitment to excellence and service to our communities. With more than 6,000 academic and professional staff, we support a diverse community of over 47,000 students.

Guided by our values, we work collaboratively to advance knowledge, foster equity and inclusion, and contribute meaningfully to New Zealand’s social, cultural, and economic well-being.

We cultivate an environment that supports your growth and rewards excellence with a range of staff benefits, including:

• Competitive salary and five weeks of annual leave.
• Discounted public Transport for permanent staff
• Superannuation/KiwiSaver, matching up to 6.75%.
• Flexible working arrangements, including working from home and flexible hours.
• Leading, and inclusive parental leave provisions.
• Career development opportunities and a range of benefits, including discounted insurance, memberships, and on‑site amenities.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Please submit your application online by the closing date of Sunday, 31 May 2026. Your application should include:

• A brief Cover Letter explaining why you're interested in this role and how your skills match the requirements.
• Your updated CV.

Please note that we do not accept email applications.

For a confidential discussion, you are welcome to contact Stephanie Szmurlo Events Services Manager at [email protected]

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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