Director of Academic Operations

University of Waikato; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 112,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Hamilton, New Zealand, seeks a Director of Academic Operations to provide operational leadership and support the Division of Education's goals. This full-time role includes strategic planning, team leadership, and ensuring alignment with university objectives. The ideal candidate will have strong operational management skills and a commitment to fostering an inclusive environment. Salary ranges from $112,801 to $124,038 per year.

Benefits

Additional university leave

Competitive superannuation

Career opportunities

Qualifications

• Strong background in business administration and operational management.
• Experienced leader with a commitment to student achievement and wellbeing.
• Highly organized and financially astute.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational, planning, and strategic leadership for the Division of Education.
• Lead a team of professional staff, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Oversee accreditation and operational systems ensuring alignment with strategic direction.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Operational management

Financial planning

Collaboration

Communication

Job description

Overview

• Additional university leave
• Competitive superannuation
• Career opportunities

About the role

As Director of Academic Operations, you’ll play a pivotal role in ensuring the Division of Education runs smoothly and strategically. Working closely with the Pro Vice-Chancellor, you’ll provide operational, planning, and strategic leadership that supports the Division’s teaching, research, and student success goals.

You’ll lead a team of professional staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, equity, and continuous improvement. From driving academic planning and student services to overseeing accreditation and operational systems, your leadership will help ensure the Division delivers an outstanding experience for both staff and students.

You’ll also play a key role in business and financial planning, policy development, and the coordination of divisional operations - ensuring alignment with the University’s strategic direction.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a forward-thinking leader who combines strategic insight with operational expertise and a genuine commitment to supporting student achievement and wellbeing.

Salary will be in the range of $112,801 to $124,038 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.

For more information on the role please see the position description. For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Claire McLachlan, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Education, [e-mail]. All applications must be submitted through the online portal, emailed applications will not be accepted.

Who are you? – Ko wai koe?

You’re an experienced and strategic leader with a strong background in business administration and operational management. Highly organised and financially astute, you excel at planning, problem-solving, and leading high-performing teams.

A skilled communicator and collaborator, you build strong relationships across complex organisations and work effectively with diverse groups. You combine analytical thinking with a proactive, solutions-focused approach and bring a genuine commitment to student success, equity, and continuous improvement.

Your professionalism, adaptability, and sound judgement enable you to thrive in a dynamic academic environment — where you’ll play a key role in shaping operational excellence and supporting the University’s strategic goals.

Don’t meet every single requirement?

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.

Who are we? – Ko wai mātou?

The Division of Education constitutes Te Kura Toi Tangata School of Education, Wilf Malcom Institute of Educational Research, Te Whai Toi Tangata Institute of Professional Learning and Poutama Pounamu. It boasts a richness of research led teaching and professional learning in education in areas including initial teacher education, education and society, counsellor education, disability and inclusion, human development, social work, educational leadership, and teaching English to speakers of other languages.

Why apply? – He aha ngā take me tono mai ai koe?

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

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.

E herea ana te Whare Wānanga ki te kaupapa kia whakoratohia te mea angitū ōrite ki ngā tāngata katoa.

Applications close

Applications Close on Friday 7th November 2025

Requisition number: 1003004