Head of the Vice-Chancellor's Office

• Join New Zealand's university of opportunity
• Provide critical strategic support and advice to the Vice-Chancellor
• Become an important part of the university's new leadership team

Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is a dynamic, vibrant and rewarding place with a hugely diverse body of students and staff. As one of the world's top 40 young universities and New Zealand's newest, AUT is about delivering on the promise of the university education to all students and making that opportunity available. We are a te Tiriti centred, socially driven university of equity and excellence and offer a stimulating teaching and research environment with strong connections to government, business and industry.  AUT has over 29,000 students and around 3,000 staff across three Auckland teaching campuses.

Our Vice-Chancellor's Office (VCO) comprises a small team that provides critical support and advice for our Vice-Chancellor in the delivery of the University's strategic and business plans. The Office is led by the Head of the Vice-Chancellor's Office, who forms part of a new leadership group set on extending the great work already happening at AUT.

The Head of the Vice-Chancellor's Office is an exciting senior position supporting the Vice-Chancellor and senior leaders of the University as they advance AUT's work and respond to emerging developments. You will be a trusted advisor to the Vice-Chancellor on matters related to the overall leadership, management and direction of the University. Holding pivotal responsibilities including managing the Vice Chancellor's strategic planning, you will triage matters which the Vice-Chancellor personally must deal with, liaise between the Vice-Chancellor and senior leaders of the University and help to ensure effective collaboration and communication with all key stakeholders.  Operating strategically and tactically, you will analyse risks and challenges enabling you to prioritise work, identify problems and implement solutions with high levels of autonomy.   This is achieved through the application of sound judgment, expert communication and influencing skills and the ability to analyse complex and critical issues to prioritise and identify solutions. Please see the position description for more extensive details.

The Head of the Vice-Chancellor's Office works with relevant teams to support the management and delivery of the Office's strategic priorities and projects - and leads key staff in the Vice-Chancellor's Office (2 direct reports and 2 indirect reports).

What kind of person are we looking for?

You will need to be an exceptional relationship-builder who is highly skilled in risk management and innovative decision making. You will possess sound judgment, expert communication and influencing skills and the ability to analyse complex and critical issues to prioritise and identify solutions. You'll have a warm and welcoming nature and excel at forging positive ongoing relationships. Very high levels of confidentiality, integrity and a commitment to excellence are obviously essential.

Applications and Key Selection Criteria

Please submit your CV, and a cover letter which explains why this particular role is of interest and how you feel your experience aligns with the following selection criteria:

1. Senior stakeholder management experience within a large complex organisation, including communicating with and presenting to senior leadership teams.
2. Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in relation to your role. A commitment to te reo Māori and tikanga would be preferred.
3. A wide understanding of the tertiary environment, including relationships with government and the policy and regulatory landscape, is also preferred. Previous experience within a university is preferred (but not essential).
4. Project management and change management experience, with the proven ability to develop and implement strategies in a fast-paced and high-pressure environment.
5. Excellent judgment and proven experience in resolving complex issues and negotiating solutions.
6. Excellent communication skills and demonstrated experience producing high quality written documentation including reports, presentations and/or correspondence.
7. Values-led mana-enhancing leadership, and experience leading a team of professionals to deliver outstanding performance.
8. An undergraduate qualification is expected. A degree at Masters level or above is preferred.

Further Information:

• This is a permanent, full-time position located on AUT's City Campus, but engaged across our campuses.
• Ideally the successful candidate will be able to start as soon as possible (exact date to be mutually agreed with our incoming Vice-Chancellor).

Closing date for applications: Sunday, 6 March at 23:55pm. We expect interviews to take place during the week commencing 21 March.

Reference: 80504

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.