Department Administrator

University of Canterbury; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5 weeks annual leave

5 days university holidays

Superannuation contribution up to 6.75

Flexible working arrangements

Supportive working environment

Retail discounts across shopping

Living in Christchurch

UC facilities access

Job summary

University of Canterbury in Ōtautahi/Christchurch invites applications for an experienced Department Administrator in the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering. You will provide high‑quality support to the Head of Department and staff, coordinating student services, examinations, timetabling, travel and events.

A proactive, detail‑oriented administrator with at least 4 years' experience is needed to maintain smooth operations and a positive environment on campus.

Qualifications

• 4+ years’ administrative experience in a medium to large organisation (preferably within the tertiary education sector).
• Experience in financial administration including purchasing, accounts payable/receivable and financial reporting.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint) and databases/e-filing systems.
• Ability to build effective relationships with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent management of competing priorities with high accuracy and attention to detail.
• Experience organising meetings, taking minutes, and coordinating functions and events.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality support to the Head of Department, Administration Services Manager, staff and students.
• Coordinate a wide range of activities including student support, examinations, timetabling, financial administration, recruitment, travel, meetings and events.
• Help connect people, processes and priorities to ensure the department operates effectively and staff, students and visitors experience a professional service.

Skills

Administrative experience

MS Office proficiency

Relationship building

Event coordination

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Located in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand

• 5 weeks annual leave +5 days university holidays
• Generous employer contribution to superannuation (up to 6.75%)

Āu Mahi | What You Will Do

As Department Administrator, you will play a key role in keeping the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering running smoothly, providing high-quality support to the Head of Department, Administration Services Manager, staff and students.

This is a varied and engaging role, coordinating a wide range of academic and departmental activities including student support, examinations, timetabling, financial administration, recruitment, travel, meetings and events. Your work will help connect people, processes and priorities, ensuring the department operates effectively and staff, students and visitors experience a professional and responsive service.

You are a highly organised and proactive administrator who enjoys working with people, managing varied priorities and ensuring things run smoothly. A practical, solutions-focused approach and a genuine commitment to providing a positive experience for staff, students and visitors will be key to success in this role.

You will be able to demonstrate:

• 4+ years’ administrative experience in a medium to large organisation, preferably within the tertiary education sector.
• Experience in financial administration, including purchasing, accounts payable/receivable and financial reporting.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint, along with databases and electronic filing systems.
• The ability to build effective relationships and work confidently with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Effective Management of competing priorities while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Experience organising meetings, taking minutes, and coordinating functions and events.
• Initiative to resolve queries, find solutions and support the efficient delivery of day-to-day operations.
• An alignment with our organisation's values and culture, promoting a positive and inclusive work environment.

You will work alongside academics, professional staff and UC service areas, building trusted relationships across a diverse and connected community while contributing significantly to how the Department supports its people and delivers its work.

At UC, being part of our team means more than just a job. We are committed to supporting our kaimahi | staff’s career and wellbeing with benefits designed to help our kaimahi grow and feel connected, supported and valued.

• 5 weeks annual leave +5 days university holidays
• generous employer contribution to superannuation (up to 6.75%)
• flexible working arrangements
• supportive working environment
• a wide range of retail discounts across shopping, entertainment and travel
• living in revitalised Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand
• a unique working environment in a beautiful campus with access to UC facilities such as UC RecCentre and Staff Club at discounted rates plus onsite cafés and eateries, and more.

(The closing date for this position is: 2 November 2026 (midnight, NZ time)
Please note, applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may take place before the close date.

You must have Aotearoa New Zealand or Australian citizenship/permanent residency to be considered for this role.

Please note, this is an onsite position.