Academic Services Manager

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 eight academic faculties and 11 service divisions creating a diverse, dynamic and complex organisational culture that demands excellence.

The Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences is a diverse faculty with more than 10,000 students studying across six schools, led by world-leading researchers, teachers, and practising health professionals.  Our Vision is to courageously lead and advance hauora across generations in Aotearoa.  As such, we are committed to lead and advance the mana of Aotearoa as a global centre of Health learning, research, and innovation. 

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity 

This position offers an excellent opportunity to provide leadership for ensuring effective faculty-based academic services to students and academic leaders across the faculty’s academic programmes (including doctoral and sub-doctoral research). It is responsible for managing faculty’s relationships with the central Student and Scholarly Services function and the School of Graduate Studies to ensure delivery of a high quality, seamless and holistic service and student experience for the University’s students. 

Success in this role will require a balance of strategic thinking and strong leadership. You will lead a team of experienced professionals, navigate a complex environment and ensure faculty priorities are delivered through strong planning, collaboration and execution. 

Key accountabilities include: 

• Leading and developing a high-performing team, building capability, accountability and a culture of continuous improvement 

• Assuming responsibility for the implementation of faculty and University strategic and annual plans as they relate to academic and student services in the faculty. 

• Ensuring accurate and appropriate advice is available to the Student and Scholarly Services function, particularly Student Hubs and central Academic Services relating to admissions, academic progress and programme completion matters relating to the faculty’s academic programmes and courses. 

• Building and maintaining strong stakeholder relationships with both central service divisions and faculty teams, to ensure effective collaboration and alignment. 

• Fostering strong working relationships with central admissions and enrolment teams to optimise admissions and enrolment outcomes, support faculty recruitment objectives, and enhance the overall student experience. 

• Playing a leading role in the planning and delivery of ongoing strategic projects and service improvements, including initiatives such as Undergraduate Health programme changes and Clinical Admissions process enhancements 

This is a fulltime (37.5 hours per week) permanent role. 

The salary range is between $98,700 - $121,900 based on experience and qualifications.  

For more detailed information, please refer to the Position Description. 

Mō tō mātou rōpū | About the team  

This role works closely with the Faculty Student Support and Engagement, Marketing and Communication, and Student Hubs teams at Grafton Campus, and the Faculty academic leadership. This role is pivotal in ensuring effective faculty-based academic services are provided to students and academic leaders across the faculty’s academic programmes. 

He kōrero mōu | About you | Our ideal candidate 

You will be a strategic and people-focussed leader with a demonstrated ability to translate organisational objectives into operational outcomes. You will have successfully led teams through change, influenced senior stakeholders, and delivered improvements in complex environments. Our ideal candidate will bring: 

• Significant experience in a management role with proven experience in operational planning and implementation within a large, complex organisation 

• Demonstrated skills and experience in team building, change management and working collaboratively 

• Extensive knowledge of trends and best practice in customer service including service design, digital delivery and self-service 

• Demonstrable understanding of Te ao Māori and experience of developing cultural competency within a team. 

• Experience and understanding of academic and student services and other university related information systems. 

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 

• 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  6 September 2026 to be considered. Please include your cover letter and your CV highlighting how you can meet the skills and experiences detailed above. 

Please reach out to Johanna Beattie via [email protected]. 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