Associate Director, Student Learning

Waikato; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 145,000 - 166,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Additional university leave

Competitive superannuation

Flexible working

Onsite parking

Discounted gym membership

Job summary

The University of Waikato seeks a strategic, inclusive leader to head Student Learning across the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) portfolio, guiding learning support, careers and employability, and accessibility to help students thrive. This full-time role is based at our Hillcrest Campus in Hamilton.

Reporting to the Director of Academic Services, you will lead managers and professional teams delivering high-quality, technology-enabled services and contribute to evolving the academic

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s qualification with substantial leadership experience or an equivalent combination of qualifications and experience.
• Postgraduate qualification in education, management or leadership is advantageous.
• Understanding of the NZ tertiary environment is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across the Student Learning portfolio.
• Lead managers and professional teams delivering accessible, student‑centred services.
• Shape a more connected and responsive portfolio aligned with University priorities.
• Support staff and learning experiences to enable student success.

Skills

Leadership experience

Strategic planning

Communication

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Postgraduate qualification in education/management/leadership

Job description

Lead student learning, accessibility, and careers and employability services that help students participate, progress and thrive.

Continuing, full-time role based at our Hillcrest Campus

• Additional university leave and competitive superannuation
• Flexible working, onsite parking and discounted gym membership

This is an exciting time for the University, and for the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) portfolio, as it builds a more connected experience for students from admission through to graduation. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) is responsible for teaching and learning, curriculum oversight, academic governance and quality assurance, student administration and enrolment, and the pastoral care and support of students.

As the portfolio undergoes transformational change to better support student success, strengthen the student experience, and ensure services and leadership are aligned to the University’s future direction, this newly established role has been created.

You will provide strategic and operational leadership across the Student Learning portfolio, making sure services are student-centred, accessible, connected and aligned with University priorities for learning, participation and success. Reporting to the Director of Academic Services, you will lead managers and professional teams delivering high-quality, technology-enabled and inclusive services across student learning, careers and employability, and accessibility, so that together they strengthen the student experience. The role will contribute to shaping a more connected and responsive portfolio that enables students to thrive, supports staff to deliver high-quality services and learning experiences, and helps ensure the University continues to meet the evolving needs and expectations of its students.

While the purpose of the role is clear, there is genuine scope for the successful candidate to help shape how it evolves in practice. This is an opportunity to bring your expertise, influence direction, and make the role your own while contributing to the future of the University’s academic portfolio and the success of its students.

Salary will be in the range of $144,854 to $165,777 per year based on skills, knowledge and experience brought to the position. This is a full-time role (37.5 hours a week), based on our Hillcrest Campus.

Ko wai koe? – Who are you?

You are an inclusive, consultative leader with substantial experience in a complex organisation, able to set strategic direction while delivering connected, student‑centred services day to day. You bring sound pedagogical understanding, a commitment to accessibility and equity, and the judgement to lead service improvement and change. You hold a relevant bachelor’s qualification with substantial leadership experience, or an equivalent combination of qualifications and experience.

You will bring:

a demonstrated understanding of pedagogical principles, student learning and development, and inclusive educational practice in a tertiary or similarly complex environment

demonstrated leadership experience in a complex organisation, including leading managers or professional teams across diverse service functions

proven ability to provide strategic and operational leadership across student-facing or learning support services and to lead service improvement or organisational change

demonstrated capability in people leadership, developing team capability through coaching and feedback, and creating a positive, inclusive culture

a strong understanding of service design, accessibility, student capability development, and the use of data and insight to improve outcomes, alongside sound budget and resource management

excellent communication, relationship management and influencing skills, with the ability to advise senior leaders and represent the University in internal and external forums

a demonstrated understanding of and commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and mātauranga Māori, and the ability to apply this in leadership, decision‑making and service delivery.

A postgraduate qualification in education, management or leadership, experience in student learning support, accessibility, or careers and employability, and an understanding of the New Zealand tertiary environment would each be an advantage.

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 Learning plays a critical role in enabling student success through accessible, high-quality learning support, capability development and engagement services.

The portfolio brings together student learning services, careers and employability, and accessibility, helping students develop academic confidence and core capabilities, explore and prepare for future pathways, and access equitable support and reasonable adjustments. Together this work strengthens learning, participation, progression and successful transition to further study or work.

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. 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

TheUniversityofWaikato 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 Sunday August 23, 2026