Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is New Zealand's leading university and one of the country's most respected institutions for teaching, research, and innovation. With over 40,000 students and a strong reputation both nationally and internationally, we are committed to creating transformative impacts through education, research, and meaningful engagement with our communities. 

Within the Schools & Community Engagement Office, our team works alongside schools, whānau, educators, communities, and key partners to inspire future learners and support successful pathways into tertiary education. Guided by the principles of manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, and kaitiakitanga, we build meaningful connections that empower students to achieve their aspirations.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced relationship-builder and strategic engagement professional to join our team as Wellington / Lower North Island Schools & Community Engagement Manager.

Based in Wellington, this highly visible role is responsible for leading the University's engagement strategy across the Wellington and Lower North Island region. You will develop and strengthen relationships with secondary schools, principals, teachers, careers advisers, community leaders, government agencies, and key stakeholders to grow the University of Auckland's presence and support successful pathways for future students. 

Working as part of the Schools & Community Engagement Leadership Team, you'll contribute to regional market strategy, lead engagement initiatives, identify opportunities for growth, and champion innovative approaches that enhance the University's reputation and market share within this strategically important region. 

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and implementing the Wellington and Lower North Island engagement strategy.
• Building strong relationships with secondary schools, principals, senior leaders, teachers, careers advisers, and community stakeholders. 
• Identifying opportunities to grow student engagement and strengthen recruitment outcomes across the region. )
• Partnering with faculties and service divisions to ensure a coordinated and impactful engagement approach.
• Leading market-focused initiatives, presentations, events, and outreach activities. 
• Monitoring market trends, competitor activity, and regional performance data to inform strategic decisions. 
• Managing regional engagement activities and associated budgets while driving continuous improvement.
• Building productive relationships with Māori, Pacific, community, and government stakeholders including TEC, NZQA, and the Ministry of Education.

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

The salary range for this role is $98,700 - $121,900 (Band H) depending on experience and qualifications.

For more detailed information, please refer to the position description. 

 He kōrero mōu | About you

You are a confident and highly relationship-focused professional who enjoys working at both a strategic and operational level. You thrive on building trusted partnerships, identifying opportunities for growth, and developing initiatives that create meaningful outcomes for students, schools, and communities.

You bring a strong understanding of stakeholder engagement and know how to influence, collaborate, and connect with a diverse range of audiences. Comfortable navigating complex environments, you can balance strategic planning with hands-on delivery while maintaining a strong focus on results.

You'll also bring:

• Exceptional relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills.
• The ability to engage diverse audiences, with an authentic and personable style that resonates strongly with young people.
• Experience developing and implementing regional or market-focused strategies.
• The ability to analyse data and market insights to inform decision-making.
• Strong commercial acumen and a continuous improvement mindset.
• Confidence engaging with senior leaders and representing an organisation externally.
• A genuine commitment to equity, inclusion, and student success. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or relevant tertiary qualification.
• Significant experience working within a school leaver, education, engagement, recruitment, or stakeholder-focused environment.
• Strong understanding of the New Zealand secondary school system, including NCEA.
• Experience developing and maintaining senior-level stakeholder relationships.
• Demonstrated strategic planning, project delivery, and leadership capability within a complex organisation.
• Strong presentation, communication, and influencing skills.
• Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and understanding of Te Ao Māori.
• Experience working with diverse communities and stakeholder groups.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

• Five weeks annual leave.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Access to professional development opportunities.
• A collaborative and values-driven culture.
• The opportunity to make a meaningful impact on future students and their whānau.
• A role that combines strategy, relationship-building, travel, and community engagement. 

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

If you're passionate about education, community engagement and supporting students to realise their potential, we'd love to hear from you.

Applications should be submitted online, before the closing date of Monday 30 November 2026. and include an up-to-date CV and cover letter outlining what strengths you will bring to this role.

Please note that we do not accept email applications.

If you have any questions, please contact Liletina Vaka via [email protected]

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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