Associate Director Transnational Education

Unitec; Auckland; On-site; NZD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Manukau Institute of Technology and Unitec are seeking an Associate Director, Transnational Education to lead international partnerships and strategic growth across a growing global portfolio. You will shape strategy, drive innovative programme delivery, and negotiate high-value collaborations with international institutions, government agencies, and industry partners.

A strategic, commercially astute leader with proven partnership experience and commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and inclusive

Qualifications

• Leadership in international or transnational education settings (<140 chars)
• Proven track record growing international partnerships (<140 chars)
• Strong commercial, strategic, and stakeholder management skills (<140 chars)
• Experience leading people, projects and organisational change (<140 chars)
• Knowledge of NZQA requirements and quality assurance (<140 chars)
• Commercial acumen with financial analysis (<140 chars)
• Experience with offshore programmes or international delivery (<140 chars)
• Ability to work across diverse cultural contexts (<140 chars)
• Second language skills are an advantage (<140 chars)

Responsibilities

• Lead development and growth of strategic international partnerships.
• Drive innovative programme delivery across borders.
• Lead a high-performing team and manage complex change.
• Shape strategy and influence organisational direction.
• Negotiate high-value collaborations with partner institutions.
• Collaborate with government agencies, industry stakeholders and senior leaders.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic partnerships

Stakeholder management

People leadership

Negotiation

Communication

Diversity & inclusion

Te reo Māori awareness

Cross-cultural

Commercial acumen

Job description

Associate Director Transnational Education

Whakairohia he toki, tāraia te anamata | Learning with purpose, creating our futures

A new era in vocational education is unfolding in Tāmaki Makaurau. Manukau Institute of Technology and Unitec, two trusted institutions with over 50 years of service, are coming together to create a unified, future-focused learning environment. This transformation is about more than education; it’s about building an inclusive system that reflects the aspirations of our diverse communities, industries, and Māori across the region.

Te āheinga: The opportunity

Ready to take your international education leadership career to the next level? This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced transnational education leader to shape strategy, influence organisational direction, and expand their impact across a growing global portfolio. As Associate Director, Transnational Education, you will lead the development and growth of strategic international partnerships and drive innovative programme delivery.

This role offers the chance to work at the forefront of global education, collaborating with international institutions, government agencies, industry stakeholders, and senior leaders to create sustainable partnerships and meaningful learning opportunities across borders. You'll have the autonomy to lead complex initiatives, negotiate high-value collaborations, and influence decisions that shape the future of transnational education.

More than a leadership role, this is a career-defining opportunity to broaden your international profile, strengthen your leadership capability, and build a legacy of impact through strategic growth, innovation, and educational excellence. Leading a high-performing team, you will foster a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and learner success while delivering outcomes that matter locally and globally.

If you're a strategic, commercially astute leader who thrives on building global partnerships and delivering transformational outcomes, we invite you to apply. Join us and help shape the future of international education while advancing your own leadership journey.

Please refer to the Position Description for further information about the role.

You’ll bring

• Leadership experience in international education, transnational education, or strategic partnerships.
• Proven success developing and growing international partnerships.
• Strong commercial, strategic, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience leading people, projects, and organisational change.
• Significant experience in transnational education, international partnerships, or tertiary education leadership.
• Strong understanding of transnational education models, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance, including NZQA requirements.
• Commercial acumen, including business case development and financial analysis.
• Experience leading complex projects and influencing diverse stakeholders.
• Exceptional relationship-building, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated people leadership with the ability to build high-performing teams.
• An understanding or desire to learn te reo Māori, tikanga Māori, and the values and practices of kaupapa Māori
• Evidence of active engagement in building diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplaces/environments
• Experience with offshore programmes, pathway partnerships, or international programme delivery.
• Knowledge of tertiary education quality assurance and regulatory frameworks.
• Established international education sector networks.
• Proficiency in a second language and experience working across diverse cultural contexts would be an advantage.

Why you’ll love working with us

Manukau Institute of Technology and Unitec is committed to learning with purpose and creating futures for our learners and communities. We value strong governance, collaboration, and wellbeing, and we are committed to honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

To be eligible for this role, applicants must have the legal right to work in Aotearoa New Zealand (such as New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency).

Applications close on 23 rd of November 2026 at 11:55pm.

We believe diverse perspectives strengthen our organisation and enrich the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, identities, and career paths. We recognise that skills and experience can be gained in many ways, and we're committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

If you're excited about this opportunity but don't meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. If you would like any further information, please contact Paola Gonzales, People and Culture at [e-mail].

Manukau Institute of Technology and Unitec are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and celebrate diversity and are committed to building a supportive and inclusive environment for all.