Manutaki | Director, Future Students & Student Operations

Manutaki | Director, Future Students & Student Operations Victoria University of Wellington Jul 13, 2026 Full-time Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is currently recruiting an exceptional strategic leader to join our Tumu Whakauru - Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Students) portfolio as Manutaki - Director, Future Students and Student Operations on a permanent, full-time basis. This is a key executive leadership role responsible for shaping the University's future student pipeline, domestic recruitment strategy, admissions, enrolments, scholarships, and core student operations. The role provides strategic leadership across the student journey, ensuring an outstanding student experience while delivering sustainable enrolment growth and operational excellence. As a senior leader, you will represent the University across the tertiary and secondary education sectors, develop strategic partnerships, and influence institutional direction through data-driven decision‑making, innovation, and continuous improvement. You will lead a high‑performing directorate and play a critical role in positioning the University as a compelling and accessible destination for future students. Key Responsibilities Lead the University's domestic recruitment, admissions, enrolment, scholarships, and student operations strategies to deliver sustainable growth and an exceptional student experience. Provide strategic advice to the Tumu Whakauru - Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Students) on opportunities, risks, performance, and future direction. Drive operational excellence through strong governance, regulatory compliance, risk management, and digital transformation initiatives. Lead and develop a high-performing leadership team, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Build strategic relationships with government agencies, secondary schools, community partners, faculty leaders, and sector stakeholders to strengthen pathways and enhance the University's reputation. Key Requirements Significant senior leadership experience within tertiary education or a similarly complex environment, with responsibility for large-scale operational or student‑facing services. Demonstrated success delivering organisational growth, operational transformation, and measurable improvements in customer or student outcomes. Extensive experience in strategic planning, governance, financial management, risk management, and organisational performance. Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing, multidisciplinary teams through change and growth. Strong analytical capability and experience using data and market insights to inform strategy and decision-making. Outstanding communication, relationship‑building, and influencing skills, with experience engaging senior stakeholders, government agencies, and sector partners. Demonstrated commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and advancing equitable outcomes for Māori and other under-represented groups. Relevant postgraduate qualification or equivalent senior leadership experience. About Us Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is renowned for its high-quality research and exceptional teaching. We attract people from around the world. Our university campus spans Te Whanganui-a‑Tara Wellington - the creative, scientific and political centre of Aotearoa New Zealand - and our students thrive on the connections we have made here. #J-18808-Ljbffr