Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading University. With over 6,000 academic and professional staff supporting over 46,000 students, we are one of NZ’s largest employers.  We have six academic faculties and 11 service divisions creating a diverse, dynamic and complex organisational culture that demands excellence.

The University of Auckland creates globally transformative impacts through our distinctive strengths in world-leading research, scholarship, teaching, and collaborative partnerships, inspired by our unique position in Aotearoa New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific. 

Our mission and values place a strong emphasis on our student body and scholarly community, and we work with both the community and enterprise to advance the well-being of the people of Auckland and New Zealand, with a clear commitment to sustainability.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

This is a people-centered role with a strong focus on building trusted relationships. You’ll be someone staff can approach when they’re looking for guidance, connection, or a pathway forward. You’ll listen carefully, understand their needs, provide appropriate information and support, and confidently connect them with specialist services when matters sit outside your role.

You’ll combine empathy and sound judgment with strong organisation, clear communication, and the ability to turn ideas into action. Working closely with staff networks and internal partners, you’ll help build strong network cultures, support effective ways of working, and deliver meaningful initiatives that strengthen our staff community.

You’ll also play an important role in building organisational capability by helping staff and managers develop their understanding and confidence in inclusive workplace practices. Through your work, you’ll support managers and staff communities in creating and maintaining workplaces where people feel respected, supported, connected, and included.

Nga Pūkenga Motuhake | Important Skills

• Acting as a trusted first point of contact for staff seeking information, guidance or support relating to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
• Support staff with sensitivity and sound judgement, understanding individual needs, maintaining confidentiality and professional boundaries, and appropriately referring people to specialist services and support.
• Work alongside staff networks and diverse communities, helping strengthen connection, participation and sustainable network cultures while supporting networks to achieve their goals.
• Build organisational capability by developing and sharing accessible guidance and resources on inclusive workplace practices
• Facilitate workshops, information sessions and group discussions that are engaging, inclusive and practical to support meaningful learning.
• Coordinate initiatives, budgets, timelines and competing priorities, ensuring commitments are delivered effectively and within agreed timeframes.
• Build strong partnerships across the University, working collaboratively with staff, managers, networks and specialist services to strengthen inclusive practice and the overall staff experience.

This is a part-time (18.75 hours per week), permanent position.

The salary range is $78,601 to $90,700 per annum, depending on skills and experience, and will be pro-rated.

For more detailed information, please refer to the Position Description 

He kōrero mōu | About you

You’ll bring high emotional intelligence, empathy, and sound judgment, combined with confidence, clarity, and a strong focus on delivery. You’ll be comfortable supporting people through sensitive or complex conversations while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries, recognising the limits of your role, and knowing when to seek advice or connect people with specialist support.

You will bring:

• A tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline such as communications, education, human rights, social work or community development, or an equivalent
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, through your contribution to inclusive practices and equitable outcomes for diverse communities.
• Minimum two years' experience working with diverse or underrepresented communities, ideally in a community, tertiary, organisational or service environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills, with the ability to establish trust and build relationships across diverse groups.
• Experience supporting or working alongside communities and networks, with an understanding of the importance of connection, belonging and community-led approaches.
• The ability to identify issues, analyse information and develop practical, inclusive solutions to complex or ambiguous situations.
• Strong facilitation skills, with the ability to deliver workshops, training and group discussions that encourage participation and support practical learning.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage budgets, timelines, competing priorities and stakeholder expectations.
• A high level of confidentiality, discretion and professional integrity.
• The confidence to know when to listen, when to provide guidance, when to challenge constructively and when to connect someone with specialist support

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 itself is frequently rated as one of the world’s most liveable cities. 

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

• Flexible employment practices (including working from home, flexible hours)
• Up to 6.75% company superannuation scheme
• A competitive salary with five weeks’ annual leave

In addition, we also offer career development programmes, discounted car parking, a generous parental leave allowance, childcare, and several other discounts on internal and external services. 

For more information, please visit Staff Benefits.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications should be submitted online, before the closing date of 20th September 2026, and include an up-to-date CV and cover letter outlining what strengths you will bring to this role. If you have any questions about this role, please get in touch with Sarah Krieg (Equity Comms & Marketing Adv) via [email protected] for a confidential discussion. Please note we are happy to answer your questions, but we do not accept applications by email.

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