Admissions Specialist

The University Of Waikato; New Zealand; On-site; NZD 88,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The University Of Waikato seeks an Admissions Specialist to provide advanced technical expertise and specialist advice on complex admissions matters across the admissions cycle, interpreting policies, regulations and precedent.

Based at the Hillcrest Campus in New Zealand, this full-time role (37.5 hours per week) offers excellent benefits and a supportive team culture. Salary will be in the range of $87,624 to $100,214 per year, depending on experience.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in admissions or student administration, including interpreting and applying policies, regulations and procedures
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills, with the ability to assess complex cases and exercise sound judgement
• Experience providing specialist advice, training or technical guidance to colleagues
• Demonstrated ability to identify process improvements and contribute to quality assurance and compliance activities
• Strong stakeholder relationship management and communication skills
• Experience using student management systems and digital technologies, with the ability to manage competing priorities in a changing environment
• Integrity, professionalism and a student-centred approach
• Cultural awareness and a commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi

Responsibilities

• Guide accurate, evidence-based and compliant decision-making across the admissions cycle, including interpretation of regulations and precedent
• Develop and maintain admissions assessment frameworks, tiered decision pathways, and QA practices
• Provide specialist guidance on offshore programme admissions and complex portfolios
• Support policy, procedure, system and business improvements, audit and compliance activities
• Train, coach and share knowledge with staff and partners

Skills

Admissions expertise

Policy interpretation

Stakeholder management

Training and coaching

Job description

Join us as an Admissions Specialist – bring advanced admissions expertise, guide complex decisions, and strengthen quality and consistency across the student journey.

Excellent benefits and a supportive team culture

We are seeking an Admissions Specialist to provide advanced technical expertise and specialist advice on complex admissions matters. As a subject matter expert, you'll guide accurate, consistent, evidence-based and compliant decision-making across the admissions cycle, including cases that require interpretation of University regulations, policies, qualification frameworks and precedent. You'll also provide specialist giudance of offshore programme admissions, professional qualification admissions and other complex admissions portfolios.

You'll develop and maintain admissions assessment frameworks, tiered decision pathways, quality assurance practices and specialist guidance. Working with the Head of Admissions and Senior Admissions Advisors, you'll contribute to policy, procedure, system and business improvements; support audit and compliance activity; and support staff capability through training, coaching and knowledge sharing. You'll also build strong relationships across the University and with external partners and may undertake delegated Senior Admissions Advisor responsibilities during periods of leave or absence.

Salary will be in the range of $87,624 to $100,214 per year based on skills, knowledge and experience brought to the position. This role is full-time (37.5 hours a week), based on our Hillcrest Campus.

Ko wai koe? – Who are you?

• Significant experience in admissions or student administration, including interpreting and applying policies, regulations and procedures
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills, with the ability to assess complex cases and exercise sound judgement
• Experience providing specialist advice, training or technical guidance to colleagues
• Demonstrated ability to identify process improvements and contribute to quality assurance and compliance activities
• Strong stakeholder relationship management and communication skills
• Experience using student management systems and digital technologies, with the ability to manage competing priorities in a changing environment
• Integrity, professionalism and a student-centred approach
• Cultural awareness and a commitment to the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi

Research shows that some people are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every qualification. At The University of Waikato, we’re committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and genuine workplace. So, if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t perfectly match every listed qualification, we still encourage you to apply. You might be just the right person for this or another opportunity on our team.

Ko wai mātou? – Who are we?

Situated within the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) portfolio, Student Operations delivers high-quality, student-centred administrative services across the student lifecycle. It provides efficient, technology-enabled and responsive service delivery across admissions, student fees, examinations and graduation.

The Admissions Office - Oversees programme planning, Qualification and credit application assessment and enrolment support for domestic and international students, ensuring compliance with institutional and sector requirements.

We want you to be part of our success! Our University stands proudly on the world stage as a provider of future-focused, international education and an active player in global research. Our rankings reflect these strengths. Working with us means you’ll enjoy a satisfying work environment with many benefits .

The University of Waikato is distinctive for the diversity of its staff and students and encourages applicants with the relevant capabilities from all backgrounds to apply. Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in NZ in accordance with the NZ Immigration regulations which can be found here.

Ko te Tangata – For the People

The University of Waikato prides itself on the quality of its engagement with the communities that it serves, the provision of a world-class education and the national and international impact of its research. Our policies are guided by the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and equal opportunity for all.