Residential Life Coordinator

Massey University - Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa

Wellington

On-site

NZD 53,000 - 64,000

Full time

2 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Accommodation provided

On-call allowance

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Massey University in Wellington seeks a Residential Life Coordinator to foster vibrant, inclusive residential communities in Massey Halls. You’ll plan activities, support student wellbeing, and work with Residential Assistants to deliver engaging programs and peer connections.

The role is live-in, includes after-hours on-call duties (about one week in every three, ~17 weeks/year) with an on-call allowance, and requires a current NZ driver's licence. Salary range provided below.

Qualifications

Experience in customer service, student support or youth work.
Experience planning and coordinating events or activities.
Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
Ability to engage with diverse students and stakeholders.
Excellent organisational skills and ability to manage priorities.

Responsibilities

Plan and coordinate engaging residential events and community initiatives.
Support Residential Assistants in delivering activities.
Build relationships with residents and maintain a visible presence.
Identify residents needing support and connect with services.
Coordinate resident representation and feedback opportunities.
Support communications and social media initiatives for residents.
Assist with incidents and emergencies when required.
Collaborate with Accommodation Services team to enhance the living environment.

Skills

Student engagement

Community development

Event coordination

Pastoral care

Wellbeing

Residential education

Job description

Accommodation Services | Massey University

Commencing 18 January 2027

Are you passionate about creating vibrant communities where students feel connected, supported, and able to thrive?

We're looking for an enthusiastic and people-focused Residential Life Coordinator to join our Accommodation Services team and help create an outstanding residential experience for students living in Massey Halls.

This is a varied, hands-on role where no two days are the same. You'll play a key role in fostering a positive, safe, inclusive and engaging residential community, while supporting students as they navigate the opportunities and challenges of university and residential life.

About the Role

At the heart of this position is community.

You'll plan, coordinate and deliver our Residential Life Programme, creating activities and opportunities that reflect the interests of residents while supporting their transition to university, wellbeing, diversity, life skills and academic success.

Working closely with residents, Residential Assistants and the wider Accommodation Services team, you'll help identify emerging needs, support positive behaviour, and ensure students feel connected and supported throughout their time in Massey Halls.

Salary: $52,600 - $64,000 per annum (2026)
Accommodation: A 1.5-bedroom apartment is provided as part of the employment arrangements, with an accommodation allowance covering the rental cost. The staff member is responsible for utility usage invoiced monthly.

Key Responsibilities

Plan and coordinate engaging residential events, activities and community initiatives.
Create opportunities that encourage connection, belonging and participation.
Support and coordinate Residential Assistants in delivering community activities.
Build strong relationships with residents and maintain a visible, approachable presence within the Halls.
Identify residents who may require additional support and connect them with appropriate University services.
Support positive behaviour and assist in resolving issues within the residential community.
Coordinate resident representation and opportunities for residents to have a voice.
Support communications and social media initiatives that keep residents informed and engaged.
Assist with critical incidents and emergency situations when required.
Contribute to a collaborative Residential Life and wider Accommodation Services team.

The role operates within the requirements of the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021 and plays an important role in ensuring our residential communities are safe, inclusive and supportive.

About You

You'll genuinely enjoy working with people and understand that strong residential communities are built through relationships, engagement, creativity and consistent support.

You'll bring energy, initiative and sound judgement, along with the ability to respond appropriately when residents are experiencing challenges.

Ideally, you'll have:

Experience in customer service, student support, youth work, community development, or another people-focused environment.
Experience planning and coordinating events or activities.
Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
Confidence engaging with a diverse range of students and stakeholders.
Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
A proactive and solution-focused approach.
The ability to remain calm and make sound decisions in challenging situations.
Confidence using digital systems and social media platforms.

Experience in tertiary accommodation, youth work, social work, community development, or working with young people would be advantageous. However, we are equally interested in candidates who can demonstrate transferable skills and the right approach.

A tertiary qualification is desirable, and you must hold a current New Zealand driver's licence.

A Role Where You Can Make a Difference

Living in university accommodation can be one of the most significant and formative parts of a student's university experience. For many residents, it is their first time living away from home, building new friendships and learning to navigate life independently.

As Residential Life Coordinator, you'll have the opportunity to shape that experience by helping students build connections, develop confidence, access support when needed, and create memories that last well beyond their time in the Halls.

This is a live-in position and includes participation in the after-hours on-call roster, including responding to incidents and emergencies when required. As part of this responsibility, the Residential Life Coordinator will be on call approximately one week in every three (around 17 weeks per year) to provide support for emergency situations and Residential Assistant (RA) escalations outside normal working hours. An on-call allowance is provided.

If you're passionate about working with students, building communities and creating a residential experience where people feel they belong, we'd love to hear from you.

A safety check in accordance with the Vulnerable Children Act 2014 and the Vulnerable Children (Requirements for Safety Checks of Children's Workers) Regulations 2015 is required. Part of this process includes a requirement to pass the police vetting part of the safety check.

Why Massey?

At Massey University, we are committed to providing a world-class student experience and an inclusive, supportive environment for our staff and students alike.

Staff benefits include:

Up to 6.75% employer contribution to the UniSaver Superannuation Scheme.
Five university holidays in addition to your annual leave.
Subsidised Southern Cross Healthcare plan for you and your family.
Special staff rates available for Massey University accommodation.
Staff purchasing benefits and discounts at numerous commercial and retail businesses across New Zealand.
Comprehensive professional development and training opportunities.

Please apply online through the Massey University Jobs Portal prior to the closing date Wednesday 18 November 2026, 11.00pm.

Desired Skills and Experience