Associate Director Resilience

Auckland University of Technology; Auckland; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is seeking an experienced leader to take on the role of Associate Director, Resilience, a senior position in the Estates Division, focused on embedding a culture of resilience across AUT.

You will drive AUT’s resilience, emergency management and business continuity programs, design systems and training to empower staff to act decisively in times of disruption, and strengthen external partnerships with agencies.

Qualifications

• Strategic mindset with senior-level influencing ability.
• Strong expertise in emergency management, business continuity, and resilience.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement across academic, operational, external audiences.
• Proactive, collaborative approach to building capability in a complex organisation.

Responsibilities

• Champion resilience as an organisational priority, embedding a whole-university approach.
• Design and implement systems that build preparedness into the culture, from policy through to everyday practice.
• Lead and deliver training programs that empower staff with the capability and confidence to act decisively in times of crisis.
• Strengthen external partnerships with key agencies, including Auckland Emergency Management and NEMA, ensuring AUT is aligned with best practice and national standards.

Skills

Leadership

Emergency management

Business continuity

Organisational resilience

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic thinking

Job description

Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is a young university with a strong focus on research-led teaching and an innovative, student-centric academic environment. Our mission is to produce great graduates who enter the workforce able to...

• Lead AUT’s university-wide resilience, emergency management and business continuity programme
• Embed embedding a strong culture of preparedness and resilience
• Full time, permanent position based on AUT’s city campus

Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is New Zealand's newest university and one of its most distinctive. Centred on students and grounded in knowledge that works, AUT is 5-star rated by QS, with more than 27,000 students and 4,000 staff based primarily across three Auckland campuses. It's a place of real opportunity, where the values of Pono, Tika and Aroha shape how talented, progressive people work together – and you'll feel that in the culture, in the collaboration and in the difference the work makes for students, communities and the world.

Our community is stronger because of the role Te Tiriti plays in how we operate, and because Māori and Pacific knowledge, leadership and contribution are central to who we are. We embrace diversity in all its forms and are proud to welcome people of all ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, religious and political beliefs, socio-economic situations and accessibility needs.

AUT consists of three distinct campuses as well as minor sub-entities. Its estate is made up of 60+ buildings valued at some $1.5 billion and covers some 30Ha of land. Within that profile is two halls of residence with 500+ residents. This role is within the Estates Division that is tasked with the protection and enhancement of that environment.

We're looking for an experienced leader to take on the role of Associate Director, Resilience - a position central to the university's emergency management and business continuity program. This role is responsible for driving a culture of resilience and building a culture that enables our people, systems, and services to adapt and thrive in the face of disruption. We are seeking an experienced, strategic, and forward-thinking professional to lead this transformation. This is a senior leadership role focused on embedding a culture of resilience across AUT - beginning with strategic engagement at governance level and cascading down.

This role is responsible leading AUT’s business continuity and emergency management functions, ensuring we are prepared to manage risk, respond effectively to disruption, and recover quickly.

In this role, you will:

• Champion resilience as an organisational priority, embedding a whole-university approach that aligns with our strategic goals.
• Design and implement systems that build preparedness into the culture, from policy through to everyday practice.
• Lead and deliver training programs that empower staff with the capability and confidence to act decisively in times of crisis.
• Strengthen external partnerships with key agencies, including Auckland Emergency Management and NEMA, ensuring AUT is aligned with best practice and national standards.

At AUT you’ll be part of a values-led university with a strong, caring culture, flexible working, generous annual leave and support to thrive in your role and career. We provide the tools, trust, recognition frameworks and cultural capability development programmes to help you make a meaningful contribution. Learn more about our competitive benefits tailored to all staff .

About you | Ko wai koe

As a professional staff member at AUT, you’ll help our university thrive by improving services, supporting students and staff and driving practical improvements across our campuses. We’re looking for people with energy, curiosity and openness to new ideas who bring a collaborative, adaptable approach and contribute to a positive workplace culture.

You’ll also bring cultural humility and respect for Te Tiriti o Waitangi , Indigenous peoples and diverse communities. Experience supporting Indigenous, equity or inclusion-focused initiatives is highly valued.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A strategic mindset and strong leadership presence, with a track record of influencing at a senior level.
• Strong expertise in emergency management, business continuity, and organisational resilience.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills – able to connect across academic, operational, and external audiences.
• A proactive and collaborative approach to building capability and confidence across a complex organisation.

• Start Date: to be agreed with the successful applicant
• For further information: Contact Caroline Cranston, AUT Recruitment Consultant [e-mail]

Job Reference | Tohutoro Mahi: 96666

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