Student Success Coach

Canterbury; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5 weeks annual leave + university days

Flexible working arrangements

Staff discounts

Onsite facilities

Job summary

University of Canterbury seeks an inspiring Success Coach to support enrichment programmes and student leadership development. The role focuses on facilitating group activities, goal setting, organisation, self-regulation, and personal reflection to help students succeed during their studies.

The successful candidate will have 5+ years in Psychological Health or psycho-education, strong empathy, and experience with Maori and Pacific communities.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years’ experience in Psychological Health or psycho-education
• Understanding Te Tiriti o Waitangi in Higher Education
• Experience in facilitating workshops and group teachings
• Experience working with Māori and Pacific peoples preferred
• Excellent written, oral and interpersonal communication with strong organisational skills

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and facilitate group activities and events focusing on goal setting, organisation, self-regulation, leadership and reflection
• Support delivery of enrichment programmes to promote student success
• Work with diverse student backgrounds to create opportunities and promote success within UC

Skills

Empathy

Pastoral care

Workshop facilitation

Group teaching

Communication

Organisational skills

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Psychology

Social work background

Job description

Located in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand

• 5 weeks annual leave +5 days university holidays
• Generous employer contribution to superannuation (up to 6.75%)

Āu Mahi | What You Will Do

We have an exciting opportunity for an inspiring Success Coach to support the delivery of our suite of enrichment programmes to support the development of students. We are keen to find someone who is empathetic and has the skills for working with young people tofacilitate their leadership development and community connection throughout their studies. The Success Coach will work within the wider Enrichment team, and together you will work with students from diverse backgrounds to create opportunities and promote success.

You will have oversight into the coordination and facilitation of group activities/events, which will include focusing on goal setting, organisation skills, self-regulation, leadership and self-reflection.

Mōu | Who You Are

The desired candidate will have at least 5 years’ experience working in the Psychological Health or Pyscho-education setting preferably in motivational coaching, as well as have:

• A sound understanding of the role of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in Higher Education
• Exhibit non-judgement and empathy for students
• Pastoral care and student service experience to help navigate students through their study goals
• Ability to build strong relationships and work across UC to build understanding and support for coaching function
• Prior experience in facilitating workshops and group teachings
• Previous experience in working with Māori and Pacific peoples is a definite advantage
• Excellent written, oral and interpersonal communication skills along with strong organisational skills
• Bachelor’s degree (level 7) in Psychology, Social work or related field
• An alignment with our organisation's values and culture, promoting a positive and inclusive work environment.

Mahi Ngātahi | Who You Will Work With

The mahi undertaken in Kia Angitu, UC’s student success programme, is designed to achieve one of UC’s key strategic objectives – to develop and provide a positive environment to support student success through a range of pedagogical, digital, and organisational approaches. Kia Angitu has been recognised in the NZ Higher Education landscape as an innovative and leading programme of work, bringing together a range of interconnected initiatives that focus on the introductory experiences of students as they transition into their first year of study at UC and beyond. This is particularly important for traditionally underserved communities including Māori, Pacific, first in whānau students, as well as those from low-decile schools and students with disabilities.

Ngā Painga o UC | Why UC

Ngā Uara | Our Values of manaakitanga, whanaungatanga and tiakitanga guide our decisions and behaviour and provide a roadmap for how we do things at UC, affirming our commitment to pastoral care and support for our ākonga and staff. They challenge and inspire us to be the best we can, and make UC a great place to work and study. For more info on Ngā Uara | Our Values visit us here .

We are committed to accessible higher education, service to the community and the encouragement of talent without barriers of distance, wealth, class, gender or ethnicity. The University explicitly aims to produce graduates and support staff who are engaged with their communities, empowered to act for good and determined to make a difference in the world.

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 18 November 2026 (midnight, NZ time)

Please note, applications will be reviewed after the close date, and interviews are likely to take place between 3 rd -9 th December.