Doctoral Candidate Advisor

Auckland; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 73,000 - 91,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Five weeks’ annual leave

Professional development opportunities

Wellbeing initiatives

Employer superannuation contribution

Job summary

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland is seeking a Doctoral Candidate Adviser to join Student Operations within Te Kahu Tauira | SaSS. You will provide expert guidance on doctoral policies, support candidates and supervisors, and influence senior academics across a university-wide doctoral programme.

You will lead workshops, manage complex cases, and contribute to ongoing improvements in doctoral policies and systems, ensuring high-quality student experiences and wellbeing.

Qualifications

• A tertiary qualification is required.
• At least five years' professional experience in the tertiary education sector.
• Strong understanding of doctoral education and postgraduate research environments.
• Ability to interpret and apply complex regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Proven experience managing complex cases involving multiple stakeholders.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to advise and influence senior academics and key stakeholders.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities in a regulated environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert guidance on doctoral policies, regulations, and processes for candidates, supervisors and academic leaders.
• Resolve complex candidature matters and make programme decisions for the University-wide doctoral programme.
• Develop and contribute to doctoral policies, procedures and systems.
• Lead workshops and training for faculty professional staff involved in doctoral candidate management.
• Facilitate case management for complex situations and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Stakeholder management

Discretion and confidentiality

Organisational skills

Problem solving

Education

Postgraduate research degree

Tools

Student management systems

Job description

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading University. With over 6,000 academic and professional staff supporting more than 46,000 students, we are one of New Zealand’s largest employers.

Job Description

We are seeking a Doctoral Candidate Adviser to join Student Operations within Te Kahu Tauira | Student and Scholarly Services (SaSS).

This is a specialist advisory role supporting doctoral candidates, supervisors, academic heads, Associate Deans (Postgraduate Research), and other key stakeholders across the University. As a subject matter expert in doctoral policies, regulations, and processes, you will provide expert guidance on complex candidature matters and highly individualised doctoral scenarios.

You will play a critical role in ensuring doctoral candidates receive the support and advice they need to successfully navigate their candidature journey. Working with a wide range of stakeholders, you will provide expert interpretation of doctoral regulations, resolve complex candidate issues, make programme decisions for the University-wide doctoral programme, and contribute to the ongoing development of doctoral policies, procedures, and systems.

In addition, you will provide leadership and support to faculty professional staff involved in doctoral candidate management, deliver workshops and training, facilitate case management for complex situations, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance the doctoral candidate experience across the University.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys solving complex problems, building trusted relationships, and making a meaningful contribution to postgraduate research success.

Salary Range: $73,400 - $90,700 NZD per annum depending on experience and qualifications.

This is a full-time, 37.5 hours per week role on a permanent contract.

Te Kahu Tauira | Student and Scholarly Services (SaSS) brings together student experience, wellbeing, academic services, library and learning services, and student operations to deliver integrated, student-centred services that support learner success, engagement, and belonging across the University.

The Doctoral Services team provides specialist support and advice throughout the doctoral candidate lifecycle. Working closely with faculties, large-scale research institutes, supervisors, and academic leaders, the team ensures effective administration, governance, and support for doctoral programmes across the University.

You will be an experienced adviser with exceptional judgement, relationship-building skills, and the ability to confidently navigate complex and sensitive situations.

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• A tertiary qualification.
• At least five years' professional experience within the tertiary education sector.
• A strong understanding of doctoral education and postgraduate research environments.
• The ability to interpret and apply complex regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Proven experience managing complex cases involving multiple stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Sound judgement, discretion, and a commitment to maintaining confidentiality.
• Experience reviewing and improving processes and procedures.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to advise and influence senior academics and key stakeholders.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities in a highly regulated and complex environment.

A postgraduate research degree and experience working with student management systems would be advantageous.

The University of Auckland is committed to providing an excellent working environment that supports both professional growth and personal wellbeing.

We offer:

• Flexible employment practices where appropriate.
• Up to 6.75% employer superannuation contribution.
• Five weeks’ annual leave.
• Ongoing professional development and leadership opportunities.
• Access to a wide range of staff benefits and wellbeing initiatives.
• A collaborative and supportive team culture.
• The opportunity to make a meaningful impact on student wellbeing and success at New Zealand’s leading university.

Additional Information

Equity

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment. For further information on services for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQIATakatāpu iMVPFAFF+ , people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other personal circumstances go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz