Associate Director, Student Transitions

Ngá ʼnŋroł o’ tturanga - About the role Lead the University’s student success and resolution services, helping students transition, persist and achieve across their studies. Continuing, full-time role based at our Hillcrest Campus. Additional university leave and competitive superannuation. Flexible working, onsite parking and discounted gym membership. Salary will be in the range of $123,224 to $141,022 per year pro rata based on skills, knowledge and experience brought to the position. This is a full-time role (37.5 hours a week), based on our Hillcrest Campus. Ko wai koe? - Who are you? You are an experienced, people-centred leader with a track record in student success, student services or a comparable complex service environment. You combine strategic thinking with operational delivery, and you bring sound judgement and procedural fairness to sensitive matters. You hold a postgraduate qualification with relevant experience, or a relevant bachelor's degree with extensive experience. You will bring: Demonstrated experience in learner success, student support, student services, student resolution or a comparable complex service environment. Proven ability to provide strategic leadership and manage people, teams and service operations effectively. Success in leading service improvement, change or innovation that lifts learner engagement, retention and progression, or the quality and consistency of complaints, appeals, student discipline and academic integrity processes. A strong understanding of the factors that influence student transition, belonging, persistence, success and completion, and the fair resolution of student matters in tertiary education. Capability in managing budgets, resources, performance outcomes and cross-functional initiatives in complex environments. Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, including the ability to engage constructively with students and whńau and to oversee complex complaints, appeals, student discipline and academic integrity processes with procedural fairness. A demonstrated understanding of and commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and mātauranga Māori, and the ability to apply this in leadership, decision-making and service delivery. A relevant postgraduate qualification, experience with student management systems, CRM or case management tools, and an understanding of natural justice in student-facing processes would each be an advantage. Ko wai mātou? - Who are we? Situated within the Student Services portfolio, Student Transitions plays a critical role in helping students choose well, transition successfully, persist in study, navigate concerns fairly and achieve positive outcomes across their learner journey. We provide integrated, high-quality services and coordinated interventions across conversion and transition support, retention, programme advice, and complaints, appeals, student discipline and academic integrity. Together our work strengthens learner success, progression and institutional confidence in student resolution processes. Ko te Tangata - For the People The University of Waikato prides itself on the quality of its engagement with the communities that it serves, the provision of a world-class education and the national and international impact of its research. Our policies are guided by the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and equal opportunity for all. E herea ana te Whare WłŅng ki te kaupapa kia whakaratohia te mea angitō 0lite ki ĀngŁ tumata katoa. He aha Ňa take me tono mai ai koe? - Why should you apply for this position? We want you to be part of our success! Our university stands proudly on the world stage as a provider of future-focused, international education and an active player in global research. Our rankings reflect these strengths. Working with us means you’ll enjoy a satisfying work environment with many benefits. The University of Waikato is distinctive for the diversity of its staff and students and encourages applicants with the relevant capabilities from all backgrounds to apply. Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in NZ in accordance with the NZ Immigration regulations which can be found here. Applications close on Sunday, 16 August 2026 Requisition number: 1003818 #J-18808-Ljbffr