Associate Director - International Recruitment and Market Development

Waikato; Hamilton; Hybrid; NZD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Waikato invites applications for an experienced leader to head International Recruitment and Market Development. You will shape strategies, grow global partnerships and expand student pathways across markets.

Based at Hillcrest Campus in Hamilton, you will oversee a team in NZ and offshore, align recruitment with admissions and continue to strengthen the university’s international profile.

Qualifications

• Experience leading international recruitment and market development teams.
• Track record of delivering growth in recruitment channels and partnerships.
• Ability to use data and market intelligence to inform strategy.

Responsibilities

• Shape our global recruitment and market development strategy.
• Build international partnerships and grow global student pathways.
• Lead initiatives that strengthen Waikato’s global reputation.
• Oversee a team of recruitment professionals based in New Zealand and offshore.
• Align recruitment, admissions and conversion activities to support enrolment success.

Skills

International recruitment leadership

Market development

Strategic planning

Partnership development

Team leadership

Job description

Associate Director - International Recruitment and Market Development

and 1 more

Job Description

Lead international recruitment and market development strategies that grow global partnerships, strengthen our reach and attract future students.

• Shape our global recruitment and market development strategy
• Build international partnerships and grow global student pathways
• Lead initiatives that strengthen Waikato’s global reputation

This is an opportunity to lead an important international portfolio and play a key role in shaping our future global growth. As Associate Director, International Recruitment and Market Development, you will provide strategic leadership for international recruitment performance, market development, international marketing initiatives, agent and partner networks and pipeline growth across global markets.

Reporting to the Director, Global Recruitment and Mobility, you will lead the development and delivery of international recruitment strategies that support the University's growth, diversification and internationalisation objectives. You will oversee a team of recruitment professionals based both in New Zealand and offshore, and will have significant influence over market prioritisation, channel investment, partnership development and student pipeline performance.

Working closely with internal teams, you will help ensure a connected and effective approach across the student recruitment journey, aligning recruitment, admissions and conversion activities to support enrolment success. You will also contribute to institutional planning through market intelligence, forecasting, performance analysis and strategic advice to senior leaders.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced international education leader who wants to make a significant contribution to the future direction of a globally connected university with ambitious international goals.

This is a full-time (37.5 hours per week) position based at our Hillcrest Campus in Hamilton. For more information on the role, please see the position description .

Ko wai koe? – Who are you?

You are an experienced leader with a strong understanding of international student recruitment and the global education environment. Whether your background is in higher education, pathway programmes, international marketing, or business development, you'll bring both strategic capability and a track record of delivering results.
You are comfortable discussing long-term market opportunities, leading high-performing teams and building trusted relationships with partners and stakeholders. You will combine commercial awareness with a collaborative approach and understand the importance of balancing growth, student quality, diversification and reputation.

We're looking for someone who:

• Has substantial experience in leading successful teams in international recruitment, marketing, business or market development.
• Has successfully delivered recruitment growth and developed high-performing recruitment channels and partnerships.
• Understands the opportunities and challenges facing international education and global student mobility.
• Uses data, market intelligence and insights to inform strategy and decision-making.
• Enjoys developing people and creating a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Builds strong relationships with agents, partners, schools, institutions and internal stakeholders.
• Demonstrates cultural competence and a commitment to the University's partnership with Māori.

Ko wai mātou? – Who are we?

The International and Engagement Office leads the University's international engagement, partnership, student mobility and recruitment activities. Our team works to strengthen the University's global profile, build meaningful partnerships and connect students from around the world with a University of Waikato education.

The University of Waikato is internationally recognised for the quality of its teaching, research excellence and student experience. We are proud of our strong commitment to innovation, sustainability, diversity andcommunity engagement and of the positive impact we make locally and globally.

He aha ngā take me tono mai ai koe? – Why should you apply for this position?

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. 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 .

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.

Applications Close on September 30, 2026