Events role - Graduation Lead

Otago Polytechnic; Dunedin; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 95,000; Part time

Job summary

Otago Polytechnic is seeking an Alumni and Graduation Lead to oversee end-to-end graduation planning and to drive a vibrant alumni engagement programme. The role requires coordinating logistics, budgets, communications, risk and stakeholder engagement across multiple teams to deliver memorable ceremonies and lasting graduate connections.

Hours are part-time (20 per week) with potential for increased workload around graduation.

Qualifications

• Experience coordinating or managing events from planning through to delivery.
• Strong project management and organisational skills with competing deadlines.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Familiarity with data analytics tools is advantageous.
• Degree in Events/Marketing/Business Administration or equivalent experience.
• Ability to work collaboratively across diverse teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end planning and delivery of graduation ceremonies.
• Coordinate event logistics, communications, risk management and budgeting.
• Oversee alumni engagement programme and relationship management.
• Work across the organisation to strengthen connections with graduates and alumni.
• Support occasional evening events associated with ceremonies.

Skills

Event coordination

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Budget monitoring

Relationship building

Team collaboration

Data analysis tools

Education

Events/Marketing degree

Tools

Reporting tools

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 16th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Ko wai mātou | About us as an organisation

At Te Kura Matatini ki Otago/Otago Polytechnic, we are committed to attracting, developing and retaining kaimahi (staff) who are passionate, creative, future-focused and dedicated to help set the direction for quality vocational and applied learning to meet tomorrow’s needs.

We are guided by our values and we are proud to be Rainbow Tick certified. We aspire to create a working environment that is inclusive and meets the aspirations of mana whenua ensuring equity for Māori and increasing access for all.

Mō te tūraka mahi | About the role

This is an exciting opportunity to lead two highly visible and impactful areas of Otago Polytechnic.

As our Alumni and Graduation Lead, you will oversee the end-to-end planning and delivery of our graduation ceremonies, ensuring every event celebrates learner achievement and reflects the mana and professionalism of Otago Polytechnic. You will coordinate event logistics, stakeholder engagement, communications, risk management, budgeting, and event-day operations to create memorable experiences for graduates, whānau, staff, and guests.

Alongside graduation delivery, you will lead the development and growth of our alumni engagement programme. Working collaboratively across the organisation, you will strengthen lifelong connections with alumni through relationship management, communications, engagement initiatives, database management, storytelling, and alumni-focused activities that showcase graduate success and strengthen connections between alumni and the Polytechnic.

The 20 part-time hours per week can be worked at Monday-Friday at times of the day during our opening hours (8:30am-5pm) that suit the successful applicant. Nearing to graduation the role is likely to become busy so more hours may be required and some adjustment can be made.

Ko wai koe | About you

You will be a highly organised and proactive professional who enjoys managing multiple priorities, building strong relationships, and bringing complex projects and events together successfully.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Experience coordinating or managing events from planning through to delivery.
• Strong project management and organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing deadlines and priorities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Confidence working with data, maintaining accurate records, and using business systems.
• Sound financial administration skills, including budget monitoring and invoice processing.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt quickly when circumstances change.
• A degree qualification in Events, Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• The ability to work collaboratively across a diverse range of teams and stakeholders.
• Experience in tertiary education and familiarity with reporting or data analytics tools would be advantageous.

This role is ideal for someone who combines exceptional organisational skills with creativity, relationship-building capability, and a passion for delivering outstanding experiences. Occasional evening work is required to support graduation ceremonies and events.

The successful applicant will uphold our organisation’s commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi by continuously developing and upholding your understanding of our obligations and connection with Te Tiriti as an individual and as an organisation

Through recognition, empowerment and inclusion, you will give greater acknowledgement to the unmet needs of Māori, Pasifika and disabled people and their whanau.

You will have demonstrable health and safety best practices and enjoy being part of a team who support each other. You will easily be able to build and maintain relationships and communicate well via email, phone and face-to-face.

For specific information contact Gus Geary 0800 762 786 or *********@op.ac.nz