Tuihono UC | UC Online Kaitohutohu Ākonga | Learner Advisor

University of Canterbury; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4 weeks annual leave

University holidays

Superannuation up to 6.75%

Flexible working

Supportive environment

Discounts across shopping, travel, and

Travel discounts

Campus facilities access

Job summary

University of Canterbury (UC) is seeking a Learner Advisor for UC Online to provide holistic pastoral support, case management and practical academic guidance to online learners. You will build strong relationships, identify learners at risk and coordinate referrals to help enrolment, programme planning and study challenges.

You will work with the Online Programme Manager, support teams and facilitators to deliver culturally responsive advice and proactive support for priority learners including

Qualifications

• 3–4 years’ relevant experience in learner advising, student support or a similar role preferably in a tertiary environment.
• Demonstrated experience supporting priority groups and responding to diverse academic, social and cultural needs.
• Strong capability in academic advice, including programme planning, enrolment, course changes, withdrawals and related processes.
• Culturally responsive practice and an understanding of Māori and Pacific learner needs; competency in te reo Māori is an advantage.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to provide clear, accurate and timely advice.
• Highly organised, able to manage multiple learner cases, competing priorities and deadlines with sound follow-through.
• Proven ability to build effective relationships and collaborate with facilitators, university services and external agencies.
• Working knowledge of privacy and confidentiality requirements, university policies and digital tools including Microsoft Office, student systems and Zoom.
• An alignment with our organisation's values and culture, promoting a positive and inclusive work environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide holistic pastoral support, case management and practical academic guidance for UC Online learners.
• Build strong relationships, identify learners at risk, coordinate referrals, and help with enrolment, programme planning and study-related challenges.
• Deliver culturally responsive advice and proactive support for priority learners, including Māori and Pacific students.
• Collaborate with the UC Online Programme Manager, online learners experience team and course facilitators to provide coordinated support.

Skills

Communication

Relationship building

Case management

Multicultural capability

Tools

Microsoft Office

Zoom

Student systems

Job description

Located in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand

• Fixed term position until 23December 2027
• Between 30-37.5 hours per week (0.8-1 FTE)
• Generous employer contribution to superannuation (up to 6.75%)
• One evening shift each week, working until approximately 7:00–7:30 pm.

Āu Mahi | What You Will Do

As a Learner Advisor, you will be a trusted first point of contact for UC Online ākonga, providing holistic pastoral support, case management and practical academic guidance. You will build strong relationships, identify learners at risk, coordinate referrals, and help ākonga navigate enrolment, programme planning and study-related challenges so they can thrive and succeed.

Working collaboratively with facilitators, student services and the wider Learner Experience team, you will deliver culturally responsive advice, learner events and proactive support for Māori, Pacific and other priority learners.

You will bring 3–4 years’ relevant experience in learner advising, student support or a similar role preferably in a tertiary environment. You will also bring:

• Demonstrated experience supporting priority groups and responding to diverse academic, social and cultural needs.
• Strong capability in academic advice, including programme planning, enrolment, course changes, withdrawals and related processes.
• Culturally responsive practice and an understanding of Māori and Pacific learner needs; competency in te reo Māori is an advantage.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to provide clear, accurate and timely advice.
• Highly organised, able to manage multiple learner cases, competing priorities and deadlines with sound follow-through.
• Proven ability to build effective relationships and collaborate with facilitators, university services and external agencies.
• Working knowledge of privacy and confidentiality requirements, university policies and digital tools including Microsoft Office, student systems and Zoom.
• An alignment with our organisation's values and culture, promoting a positive and inclusive work environment.

Mahi Ngātahi | Who You Will Work With

You will work closely with the UC Online Programme Manager, Online Learner Experience Lead and course facilitators, as well as colleagues across enrolment, student services, faculties and specialist support teams. Together, you will provide coordinated, culturally responsive support that helps UC Online ākonga enrol, engage, progress and succeed.

Ngā Painga o UC | Why UC

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.

• 4 weeks annual leave +5 days university holidays
• generous employer contribution to superannuation (up to 6.75%)
• flexible working arrangement
• supportive working environment
• a wide range of retail discounts across shopping, entertainment and travel
• 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: 24 November 2026 (midnight, NZ time)

You must have Aotearoa New Zealand or Australian citizenship/permanent residency or hold a valid NZ work visa to be considered for this role.

This is an onsite position.