Innovation Programmes Adviser - Māori Engagement

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s pre-eminent University, with a turnover of $1.6bn, including research revenue of over $300m generated across eight diverse faculties and two research institutes. With over 9,000 staff and 50,000 students, the University of Auckland is one of New Zealand’s most significant and complex entities.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity 

Ko te pae tawhiti, whāia kia tata; ko te pae tata, whakamaua kia tīna.

As an Innovation Programmes Adviser, you’ll work alongside other members of the Innovation Programmes Team to plan, coordinate and deliver programmes and events across CIE’s wider innovation and entrepreneurship portfolio. In addition to this core role, you’ll have particular responsibility for selected Māori-focused programmes and cohorts, including their delivery, participant experience, outreach and associated relationships.

• Plan, coordinate, deliver and continuously improve assigned innovation and entrepreneurship programmes and events across CIE’s portfolio.
• Manage the practical elements of programme delivery, including participants, contributors, communications, schedules, logistics, resources and post-programme reporting.
• Create high-quality participant experiences and help participants connect and progress through CIE’s wider opportunities and pathways.
• Work with academics, facilitators, practitioners and other contributors to deliver engaging and effective programmes.
• Take particular responsibility for selected Māori-focused programmes, cohorts and activities.
• Support participant recruitment, outreach and relationship-building for these Māori-focused programmes and cohorts, as well as Māori participation across CIE’s wider portfolio of programmes and opportunities.
• Bring the cultural capability and understanding of tikanga Māori needed to deliver Māori-focused programmes effectively and appropriately, and to support Māori participants across CIE’s wider portfolio.
• Work collaboratively with other Programme Advisers and the wider CIE team to deliver a connected programme portfolio.

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

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

Mō tō mātou rōpū | About the team 

The Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) is Waipapa Taumata Rau’s platform for developing the innovators, entrepreneurs and changemakers of the future. We work across the University to help students, researchers and staff build innovation and entrepreneurial capability, turn ideas into action, develop ventures, and create social, cultural, environmental and economic impact for Aotearoa and the world.  

CIE is entering an exciting new chapter. With an ambitious new strategy, we are significantly increasing the reach and impact of innovation and entrepreneurship across the University, helping realise Waipapa Taumata Rau’s ambition to be a global powerhouse of innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship, and strengthening the University’s contribution to a more innovative and prosperous Aotearoa.  

We are building a team of people who are curious, collaborative, ambitious for impact and committed to turning ambition into action. If you want to help shape how a world-class research-led university develops innovative and entrepreneurial people, we would love to hear from you.  

He kōrero mōu | About you 

You are passionate about creating opportunities for others and have strong programme and event delivery skills. You’re highly organised, proactive and comfortable taking responsibility for programmes from planning through to delivery and review, coordinating multiple contributors and creating high-quality experiences for participants.

You will bring experience working with Māori participants, communities or cohorts, and the cultural capability to plan and deliver programmes in ways that are relevant, welcoming and grounded in tikanga Māori. You’ll be confident bringing people together, building connection within cohorts, and working with Māori contributors and partners to create programmes that support participation and progression.

• Experience planning  and delivering programmes and events in education, innovation, entrepreneurship, community development or a related field.
• Strong programme management and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple activities, contributors and priorities.
• Demonstrated experience engaging with Māori communities and an understanding of tikanga Māori and culturally responsive practice.
• Ability to engage effectively with Pacific communities and support participation and relationship-building initiatives.
• Strong relationship-building, communication and participant engagement skills.
• Experience working with facilitators, educators, practitioners, academics or community partners to deliver successful programmes.
• Initiative and sound judgement, with a practical approach to getting things done in a busy and varied environment.
• Ability to gather participant feedback and report of programme outcomes.
• A genuine interest in innovation and entrepreneurship and in making opportunities accessible and relevant to diverse participants.
• A relevant qualification and capability in te reo Māori, or a demonstrated commitment to developing proficiency.

What we offer | Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou

Guided by our values, we work collaboratively to advance knowledge, foster equity and inclusion, and contribute meaningfully to New Zealand’s social, cultural, and economic well-being.

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 ($78,000 - $90,000pa) reflecting experience 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 Sunday 11th October, 2026 to be considered. Please include your CV and a cover letter highlighting how you meet the skills and experience outlined above, what attracts you to this opportunity, and what you would bring to CIE and our work with Māori and Pacific communities. 

If you would value an informal kōrero about the role, the team or the kaupapa before applying, please contact Josh Chapman [email protected]

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