School Administrator

University of Canterbury; Christchurch, Auckland; On-site; NZD 68,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5 weeks annual leave

Employer superannuation up to 6.75%

Flexible working arrangements

Supportive working environment

Discounts across shopping, travel and

UC facilities access on campus

Job summary

University of Canterbury invites applications for a School Administrator in the Te Kura Toi | Aotahi School of Māori and Indigenous Studies in Ōtautahi/Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand. The role focuses on administrative excellence, supporting the Head of School, kaimahi and tauira, and coordinating meetings, events and travel.

You will bring initiative, strong organization, and a collaborative mindset to maintain smooth operations and welcoming service. UC offers generous leave and benefits.

Qualifications

• 4+ years’ experience in office administration and/or professional support within a medium to large organisation, preferably tertiary sector.
• Experience building relationships with diverse people and communities.
• Strong digital capability; comfortable navigating multiple systems/databases.
• Experience coordinating meetings, events or wānanga.
• Ability to manage competing demands with accuracy and confidentiality.
• Work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.
• Cultural awareness and ability to work respectfully with Māori/Indigenous communities.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate academic and school administration and provide high-quality support to the Head of School.
• Support meetings, events and wānanga, and assist with travel and purchasing.
• Maintain key systems and records; ensure timely, accurate information.
• Be the welcoming first point of contact for tauira, kaimahi, manuhiri and the wider community.
• Build and maintain warm, respectful relationships across the University and with external stakeholders.

Skills

Office administration

Relationship-building

Digital capability

Meeting coordination

Prioritization

Independent work

Te Reo Māori

Job description

Te Kura Toi | Aotahi School of Māori and Indigenous Studies

Located in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand

• 5 weeks annual leave +5 days university holidays
• Generous employer contribution to superannuation (up to 6.75%)
• Salary $67,843 - $75,000 p.a, based on skills and experience

Āu Mahi | What You Will Do

As School Administrator, you will play a key role in keeping Aotahi School of Māori and Indigenous Studies running smoothly, providing high-quality administrative and organisational support to the Head of School, kaimahi and tauira.

This is a varied and people-focused role where you will coordinate academic and school administration, support meetings, events and wānanga, manage purchasing and travel, maintain key systems and records, and be a welcoming first point of contact for tauira, kaimahi, manuhiri and the wider community. You will bring initiative and strong organisation to keep things moving, anticipate deadlines and ensure a seamless and responsive service.

You are an efficient, organised and proactive administrator who enjoys working with people and making things happen. You will be confident managing competing priorities, solving problems, learning new systems and building warm, respectful relationships with a diverse range of people.

You will also be able to demonstrate experience in:

• 4+ years’ experience in office administration and/or professional support within a medium to large organisation, preferably within the tertiary sector.
• Building effective relationships and working confidently with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong digital capability, with confidence learning and navigating multiple systems and databases.
• Coordinating meetings, events, wānanga or other community-facing activities.
• Managing competing demands while maintaining accuracy, confidentiality and attention to detail.
• Working independently while contributing positively to a collaborative team environment.
• Cultural awareness and the ability to work respectfully and appropriately with Māori and Indigenous communities, with a working knowledge of Te Reo Māori me ōna tikanga highly desirable.
• An alignment with our organisation's values and culture, promoting a positive and inclusive work environment.

In this role, you will work closely with the Head of School and the Aotahi team, supporting kaimahi and tauira while building effective relationships across the University and with manuhiri, community organisations and other external stakeholders.

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: 29 September 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.