Director AUT International

• Drive, monitor, analyse and deliver AUT's international strategy
• Lead New Zealand's fastest growing University international team
• Permanent, full-time position with overseas travel

As one of the world's top 100 young universities and New Zealand's newest, Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is a 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 more than 26,000 students and over 4,000 staff based primarily at our three Auckland teaching campuses.

AUT International is pivotal in developing and strengthening the university's global presence, fostering international partnerships, and ensuring the achievement of international student recruitment and engagement objectives. Growth of international student numbers has been strong and our team have consistently exceeded recent targets, making this a hugely exciting time as we refine our strategy and generate results! We have a modern approach based on longer-term relationships in key regional and international markets, translating the benefits of our highly regarded international relations into student recruitment and research partnerships & collaborations.

A candidate information book for this role will be available very soon. If you'd like a copy emailed to you at this time, please email [email protected].  

The Opportunity | Te Whiwhinga mahi

We're seeking an innovative leader of tertiary international teams to join us and help take AUT International to the next level. You will be responsible for providing strategic leadership, aligning international initiatives with the University's overarching strategy, whilst ensuring operational excellence in the areas of student recruitment, global partnerships, transnational education, and internationalisation of curriculum and research.

The role operates in a highly dynamic and unpredictable global environment where external factors such as geopolitical shifts, government policies, international student mobility trends and more directly impact the role and the team. The ability to adapt, pivot and analyse data to make sound evidence-based decisions is critical. You will lead a growing team of around 30 highly committed and passionate staff; primarily across our Student Recruitment & Marketing, Global Partnerships & Transnational Education and AUT's English Language Centre teams.

Key focus areas will include:

• Continuously assess and adapt strategies to maintain AUT's international profile, recruitment targets, and partnerships whilst aligning with AUT's broader institutional goals.
• Utilising high-level analytical thinking and data usage to interpret global trends, identify risks and opportunities, and implement effective solutions.
• Maintaining and improving a cohesive and integrated team that works effectively across the University with key stakeholders.
• Ensuring that AUT's international student recruitment numbers and market share continue to increase.
• Drive the development of high-impact global partnerships to support student mobility, dual degrees, and international research collaborations.
• Support the leadership of our English Language Centre.
• Manage complex relationships across internal and external stakeholders, including faculty leadership, marketing teams, government agencies and international partners.

You will be recognised as a culturally capable leader who champions inclusivity and diversity, and is committed to creativity and innovation Your ability to listen, connect, collaborate, communicate and influence will be critical - as will be your strong respect for others. A resolute, robust and positive attitude is essential.

Please note: this role will require overseas travel at different times of the year.

About you | Ko wai koe

We welcome interest from experienced senior international leaders from the tertiary sector. The key selection criteria being sought:

1. Extensive senior leadership experience in managing an international division within tertiary education, preferably in a university setting
2. Success developing and executing international strategies. Please highlight successes demonstrating a) successful transnational education (TNE) development and delivery; and b) international student recruitment growth - and subsequent gains in market share. 
3.  Proven ability to lead, manage, and inspire international teams, fostering a high-performance culture through engagement, motivation, and strong people leadership.
4. A sophisticated understanding of, and sensitivity to, cross-cultural issues in international environments, particularly in China, India and South-East Asia.
5. Extensive experience working with government departments.
6. Demonstrated financial acumen with proven experience in managing budgets, driving revenue growth, and applying a strong return-on-investment (ROI) lens to all projects and initiatives.
7. Proven ability to analyse and interpret complex data to drive evidence-based decision-making and strategic planning
8. Applicants are also welcome to add further comments they may feel of relevance. It is expected that the appointee would also hold a relevant tertiary qualification (an MBA or other postgraduate degree is desirable).

What we offer | Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou

Join our high-performing team which is dynamic, supportive, collaborative, and diverse. AUT has fantastic staff benefits including free study, a personal fund for your continued professional development, free membership to AUT gyms and generous leave allowances.

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono

Along with your CV - please ensure to submit a cover letter which a) explains why this particular role (and AUT) is of interest, and b) addresses how you feel you meet some, or all, of the key selection criteria listed above.

Further Information:

• Start Date: The successful candidate would ideally join AUT in 2025 (to be agreed).
• Term: The successful candidate will secure a permanent appointment. A competitive remuneration package will be agreed, commensurate with skills and experience.
• Enquiries: Please contact Mike Wood, AUT Executive Recruitment Partner - [email protected].

Closing date for applications: Wednesday 30 April 2025 at 11.55pm

Reference: 91923

At AUT we strive to be a place where people love to work and learn. We are committed to te Tiriti, excellence and inclusivity 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.