Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research

• Join New Zealand's university of opportunity
• Lead AUT's growth in expansive and impactful research excellence
• Play a critical role within the Vice-Chancellor's executive team

Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is dynamic and vibrant with a hugely diverse body of students, staff and partners. As one of the world's top 50 young universities and New Zealand's newest, AUT is the university of opportunity where all students with talent and potential have the chance to succeed. We are a socially driven university with equity and excellence central to our purpose and actions, and we offer a stimulating teaching and research environment with strong connections to government, business and industry.  AUT has over 29,000 students and around 4,000 staff across our three teaching campuses and is located in New Zealand's largest city, Auckland­ - consistently ranked as one of the world's most liveable cities.

Become our new Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research - and deliver research that matters

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research (DVC-R) is AUT's chief research officer. This is a significant opportunity to embrace the extensive scope of potential AUT research yet to be developed and extend our research culture centered on meaningful outcomes for the communities we serve. You will be the University's research champion, and lead our pursuit of outstanding research across the institution whilst bringing our research community together and recognising their diverse needs, particularly in Māori and Pacific research. You will ensure continuous improvement and success of the University's core research facilities, industry research partnerships, global research partnerships, research ethics and integrity, and provide leadership of research analytics.

Key focus areas will include:

• Lead, shape and drive the strategy and development of AUT's research and enterprise.
• Champion and advocate for impactful, quality research.
• Improve the equity and diversity of AUT's research portfolio. Lead in ways that enhance our commitment to Te Tiriti and uplift Māori communities and researchers. Support the continued development of our Pacific research and researchers.
• Improve AUT's external income performance.
• Strategic Leadership of AUT's future PBRF performance.

The DVC-R is a critical person in embodying and delivering our values, mission and strategy-led leadership approach. As part of a new university leadership group, you will work closely with our newly appointed Vice-Chancellor, recently appointed Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic; as well as the Deans and Pro Vice-Chancellors of the five university faculties, and our Pro Vice-Chancellor Māori Advancement and Assistant Vice-Chancellor Pacific Advancement. You will also have three direct reports who provide strategic leadership to the key portfolios of AUT's Graduate Research School, University Research Office and AUTEC (AUT's Ethics Committee). Their teams of approximately 30 FTW staff (combined) also indirectly report to the DVC-R.

Please review the role's detailed candidate handbook (which includes a position description) for more extensive information. This is available as part of the relevant advertisement on AUT's Careers site.

Applications and Key Selection Criteria

You will be recognised as a highly collaborative and influencing future-focused leader who listens; whilst enabling innovation and encouraging proactivity to embrace AUT's research energy and ideas and make things happen. Visionary and aspirational, you will embody trustworthiness, confidence and kindness. You'll value diversity and work inclusively. A resolute, robust and positive attitude is essential.

We welcome applications from ambitious senior research leaders, from both within and outside the university sector. We request applicants submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae (including full publication record) and a statement addressing the following key selection criteria:

1. Extensive senior academic, or other relevant, research leadership experience. This should include leading interdisciplinary teams of researchers and creating research opportunities for others (including new and emerging researchers). Please highlight relevant success developing and sustaining growth.
2. A strong record of research.
3. An acute understanding of domestic and international research funding environments, and deep familiarity with research standing indicators, metrics, rankings, and markers of esteem, and research infrastructure needs across the multiple disciplines represented at a research university. Please briefly highlight your success in these areas.
4. Leadership in successfully communicating research and its importance and impact in our world today, to a variety of diverse audiences.
5. Extensive experience establishing and maintaining effective relationships with external bodies and the wider community.
6. A strong understanding of Te Tiriti, its impact on Aotearoa's research ecosystem, and an understanding of Mātauranga Māori and Kaupapa Māori research.
7. Significant experience leading key strategic changes demonstrating an excellent understanding of operational, cultural and environmental change management.
8. Outstanding resilience, interpersonal, negotiation and diplomacy skills, combined with a collaborative, inclusive, coaching and consultative approach to leadership.
9. The ability to champion, lead, inspire and embody the research mission of AUT.

Further Information:

• Start date - As soon as possible (to be agreed with the successful candidate)
• Term - The successful candidate will secure a 5-year term, renewable by mutual agreement. A competitive remuneration package will be agreed, commensurate with skills and experience.
• Referees - Applicants should also provide names, contact details and clarification of relationship for at least three potential referees. Referees will not be contacted without the prior consent of the applicant.
• Enquiries - Please contact Mike Wood, AUT Executive Recruitment Partner - [email protected].

Closing date for applications: Sunday, 27 March at 23:55pm (New Zealand Standard Time). We expect interviews to take place week commencing 25 April 2022.

Reference: 80503

Please note: The New Zealand Government has announced a 5-step plan for a phased re-opening of Aotearoa's' international border. From 27 February 2022 various off-shore New Zealand Citizens, Residents and other nationalities meeting specific criteria and exemptions - will be able to travel to New Zealand and self-isolate on arrival. Please visit Immigration New Zealand or the official COVID-19 website for further information. However this phased reconnection will take time, meaning the degree to which an offshore candidate will be able to participate in the recruitment process for this role may still be impacted. In these instances, remote options will be in place.

At AUT we strive to be a place where people love to work and learn. We are committed to inclusivity and the Treaty of Waitangi and aspire to be the University of choice for Māori and Pacific communities. We welcome people of all ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, religious and political beliefs, socio-economic situations and accessibility needs.