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 over 46,000 students, we are one of NZ’s largest employers.  We have six academic faculties, two large-scale research institutes and a number of professional service divisions creating a diverse, dynamic and complex organisational culture that demands excellence.

Our lecturers and researchers are regarded as experts in their fields, frequently directing global research projects designed to better the lives of New Zealanders and the world, and in turn passing this knowledge on to our students.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

An opportunity has arisen to join our Admissions leadership team within Student Operations. We are recruiting 3x Admissions Managers, comprising of two permanent opportunities and one fixed-term/secondment opportunity (12-month term), each fulltime and with responsibility for a distinct admissions portfolio.

As an Admissions Manager, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across a large and complex admissions function, ensuring a high-quality applicant experience while supporting the University's recruitment and enrolment objectives. You will lead high-performing teams, build strong stakeholder relationships, and drive continuous improvement across admissions services.

The three portfolios are:

Postgraduate and Doctoral Portfolio

• Postgraduate taught and research admissions
• Doctoral admissions
• Oversight of international admissions

Undergraduate, Training and Quality Assurance Portfolio

• Undergraduate admissions and special cohorts including school leaver processing
• Training, quality assurance and web content
• Credit transfer oversight

Selection and Interview Portfolio

• Programmes requiring interviews, selection or ranking processes including clinical selection
• Document processing and verification activities
• Oversight of Oracle Service Cloud

Key responsibilities

• Lead and develop high-performing admissions teams to deliver excellent service outcomes.
• Implement operational strategies that support admissions, enrolment and conversion targets.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships across faculties, service divisions and external stakeholders.
• Drive service enhancements, process improvements and systems optimisation initiatives.
• Monitor performance, analyse data and provide insights to support informed decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with University regulations, policies and relevant sector requirements.

The salary range for this role is $98,700 – $121,900 depending on skills and experience.

We have a structured salary framework with three zones for those developing into the role (developing), fully effective (target) and contributing beyond what is expected of the role (upper). Placement within the salary band will consider skills, experience, and internal equity. Any offer will be made within the advertised range and guided by fairness, consistency, and our commitment to pay equity.

For more detailed information, please refer to the position description

He kōrero mōu | About you

You are a people-centred leader who brings energy, sound judgement, and a commitment to continuous improvement. You have a natural ability to bring people together, foster collaboration, and create clarity in a fast-paced environment. Comfortable working with both detail and the bigger picture, you take a proactive approach to solving problems and driving meaningful outcomes.

You will bring:

• Significant experience in a management role, leading a large operational team supporting high-volume transactional activity with critical deadlines, within a large, complex organisation.
• Demonstrable experience in the analysis of complex datasets, including reporting and providing insights.
• Demonstrable experience in developing and managing relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders and cross-functional teams to support maximum impact for your portfolio, high-quality delivery for internal teams, and a culture of collaboration.
• Confidence working with senior leaders in complex environments, beyond pure advising to a valued partnership, while managing competing priorities and projects across your collaborating partners
• A solid understanding of the tertiary admission landscape to translate the needs of your portfolio into actionable outcomes. 
• Experience developing and implementing processes, systems and services. 
• Excellent facilitation, communication and influencing skills. 
• Proven problem-solving skills and service-oriented mindset.
• Curiosity, adaptability and comfort working within evolving environments. 
• Commitment to and understanding of Te Ao Māori, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. 

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

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

• Flexible employment practices and a culture that supports work-life balance
• Career development programmes
• A competitive salary with five weeks’ annual leave
• 6.75% superannuation scheme

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 29 September and include an up-to-date CV and cover letter outlining what strengths you will bring to this role. In your covering letter, please advise if you are interested in the permanent or fixed-term/secondment position, as well as your preferred portfolio.

If you have any questions, please email Anne-Sophie Adelys via [email protected]

Please note we are happy to answer your questions, but we do not accept applications via 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