Academic Manager

SIT - Te Pūkenga; Invercargill City; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) in Invercargill invites applications for the Academic Manager, a senior leadership role guiding academic quality systems, programme development, and regulatory compliance. You will sit on the Senior Management Team and shape SIT's strategic direction.

You will lead quality assurance activities, oversee accreditation, manage stakeholder engagement, and coordinate academic ceremonies, with a focus on driving excellence across SIT's learning landscape.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification at degree level or above in a relevant discipline.
• Qualification in adult education or strong knowledge of adult learning principles.
• Significant experience in a senior leadership, management, or academic administration role.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee academic quality assurance activities across the institution.
• Lead programme development, accreditation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with relevant tertiary education quality standards and regulatory requirements.
• Liaise effectively with government agencies and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to strategic planning and institutional decision-making.
• Coordinate and support SIT's academic award and graduation ceremonies.

Skills

Academic leadership

Quality assurance

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic thinking

Communication

Education

Tertiary qualification at degree level or above

Adult education knowledge

Tools

Computer literacy

Education management systems

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) is seeking applications from suitably qualified and experienced professionals for the role of Academic Manager.

This senior leadership position plays a key role in supporting SIT's academic excellence and strategic direction. As part of the Senior Management Team, the Academic Manager will provide leadership across academic quality systems, programme development, regulatory compliance, stakeholder engagement, and key academic events and functions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee academic quality assurance activities across the institution.
• Lead programme development, accreditation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with relevant tertiary education quality standards and regulatory requirements.
• Liaise effectively with government agencies and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to strategic planning and institutional decision-making.
• Coordinate and support SIT's academic award and graduation ceremonies.

To be Successful in this Role, You Will Have:

• A tertiary qualification at degree level or above in a relevant discipline, along with a qualification in adult education and/or strong knowledge of adult learning principles.
• Significant experience within the tertiary education sector, particularly in academic quality assurance.
• Demonstrated success in a senior leadership, management, or academic administration role.
• Strong organisational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong problem-solving capabilities and the ability to achieve strategic objectives.
• High levels of computer literacy and confidence working with a range of systems and technologies.
• The ability to work independently while building effective relationships across the organisation.

Desirable Experience and Knowledge

Preference will be given to candidates who can demonstrate:

• Knowledge of the New Zealand vocational education and training sector.
• Experience managing academic regulatory compliance and quality assurance frameworks.
• Strategic management experience within a tertiary education environment.
• Experience collaborating with internal and external stakeholders within complex organisations.

Why Join SIT?

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the future direction of one of New Zealand's tertiary education providers. You will work alongside a committed leadership team and play a pivotal role in maintaining and enhancing SIT's academic standards and reputation.

Applications close on 3rd of September 2026.

Applicants for this position should have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa.