Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

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. 

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

Join a newly established portfolio management team to help shape the future of the Waipapa Taumata Rau | University of Auckland’s leading research centres.

Working alongside the Directors of the University's Research Centres, you will help translate strategic ambition into well-governed, high-performing programmes of work. As an experienced programme or project leader, you will provide expert portfolio management, drive strategic planning and implementation, strengthen governance and reporting, and enable the successful delivery of complex research initiatives with significant institutional and external impact.

As Research Portfolio Lead, you will be responsible for:

• Overseeing the administrative and financial management of University Research Centres, and maintain oversight of performance, risk and opportunities.
• Working with Directors to develop the URC Forward Plans, and to implement these.
• Ensuring budgets are compliant and monitored throughout contract lifecycle, and provide forecasting to support decision making.
• Working closely with the Directors and Academic Leads to coordinate the preparation, consolidation and submission of reports, briefings and governance papers.
• Identification of risks and work with URC Directors on mitigation planning.
• Liaising with internal stakeholders to ensure seamless delivery
• Embedding cultural safety and protocols within interactions with Māori and Pacific stakeholders

For more information, please view the position description.

We have two fixed-term opportunities available until 31 December 2028: one full-time (37.5 hours per week, 1.0 FTE) and one part-time (18.75 hours per week, 0.5 FTE).

Salary: Band G – $87,000 to $107,500 per annum depending on skills, experience and qualifications.

Location: Depending on the successful candidate's area of expertise and the portfolio they will support, this role may be based at either the University of Auckland's City Campus or Grafton Campus. The successful candidate will also be expected to spend regular time with the Research & Innovation Office (RIO) team at the Newmarket Campus to support collaboration and programme delivery.

He kōrero mōu | About you

• Experienced in managing complex projects, ideally within a university, research or public sector environment
• Exceptional project management proficiency, ability to identify and manage risks as they arise
• Ability to synthesise information in the development and review of high-level documentation and produce effective reports.
• Working knowledge of research management systems and processes within a University or similar research-intensive organisation.
• Good teamwork abilities, particularly in a multicultural and multi-disciplinary context.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.

Mō tō mātou rōpū | About the team

Reporting to the Senior Manager – Research Services Improvement, you will be part of a team providing process improvement and post-award support to strategic initiatives at the University.

What we offer | Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou

We offer you more than just a job. We offer you the opportunity to be part of a dynamic, world-class educational institution.

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.
• Superannuation/KiwiSaver matching up to 6.75%
• Leading and inclusive parental leave options.
• Ongoing professional development opportunities and access to a range of discounted on campus services and amenitites.
• Hear more about our partnership with Māori, our Te Ao Māori principles, our impact, our staff, and life in Auckland on our career’s website.

For further information please visit our staff benefits page.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications must be submitted online by the closing date of Tuesday 22nd of September 2026 (NZST) to be considered.

• Please include your cover letter and CV highlighting how you can meet the above-mentioned skills and experiences and indicate whether you are applying for the full-time position, the part-time position, or would like to be considered for both opportunities.

Please reach out to Carmella Lee (Hiring Manager) at [email protected] for a confidential conversation. Please note we are happy to answer your questions, but we do not accept applications by email.

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