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 13 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

As our Te Terenga | Schools and Community Engagement Adviser, you will play a pivotal role in building meaningful, mana-enhancing relationships with secondary schools, students, and whānau.

This role is grounded in guidance, partnership, and long-term relationship‑building that supports school leavers as they explore study pathways and navigate their transition to university.

You will work across targeted secondary schools and community groups to deliver high-quality engagement activities, develop tailored outreach plans, and co-create pathways that help turn potential into possibility. Your work will ensure students and whānau have the information, support, and confidence they need to make informed decisions about their futures and move through the journey to application and enrolment.

Ngā Haepapa Matua | Key Responsibilities (not limited to):

• Combine strategy, relationship‑building, and digital innovation to grow engagement and deliver a seamless, mana‑enhancing school‑leaver experience.
• Develop and nurture strong, mana‑enhancing partnerships with secondary schools, careers advisers, teachers, community groups, whānau and internal stakeholders.
• Deliver engaging presentations, workshops, events, and outreach activities that inspire and inform students and whānau.
• Develop and execute tailored engagement plans across your allocated school and community portfolio.
• Provide accurate, relevant advice to prospective students and support them throughout the school‑leaver journey.
• Champion the use of digital outreach tools and innovative engagement approaches to extend reach and enhance the quality of engagement.
• Identify new opportunities to strengthen engagement, grow awareness, and improve services offered to schools and communities.
• Contribute to continuous improvement across the Schools and Community Engagement team, ensuring activities uphold a positive, inclusive experience for all.

He kōrero mōu | About you
You are a confident communicator and relationship‑builder who enjoys working with young people, whānau and school communities. You bring warmth, energy and professionalism to presentations and conversations and thrive in a role that requires collaboration, adaptability and cultural competence.

You will bring:

• A relevant degree or equivalent experience.
• Strong understanding of the New Zealand secondary school environment.
• Demonstrated competence and confidence in te ao Māori.
• Proven experience building and maintaining strong stakeholder relationships.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Experience using digital engagement tools and delivering online outreach.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to work effectively during peak periods.
• A full, clean New Zealand driver's licence.
• Ability to obtain and maintain full Police Vetting clearance.

Understanding of the tertiary environment and student experience is advantageous.

The salary range is $73,400 to $90,700 per annum, Band F- depending on skills and experience.

This is a full-time (37.5 hours per week) permanent position.

For more detailed information, please refer to the Position Description 

He kōrero mōu | About you

You are a confident communicator and strategic relationship-builder who thrives in a complex, people-focused environment.

You bring:

• A degree (postgraduate qualification advantageous) or equivalent experience.
• Strong understanding of the NZ secondary school system.
• Proven experience building and maintaining stakeholder relationships.
• Demonstrated competence and confidence in te ao Māori.
• Excellent presentation and engagement skills.
• Experience delivering digital engagement tools and resources.
• The ability to work collaboratively, think strategically, and execute effectively.
• Full NZ drivers licence
• Ability to successfully obtain and maintain full Police Vetting clearance

An understanding of the tertiary education environment and student experience is advantageous.

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 ranked among 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 a number of other discounts on internal and external services. 

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 October 2026 to be considered. Please include your cover letter and CV, highlighting how you can meet the skills and experience detailed above.

Please reach out to Liletina Vaka (Associate Director Schools and Community Engagement) via [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

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