Leadership in Action: The Head of School – Health Role at AUT
Auckland University of Technology stands as one of New Zealand’s most dynamic higher education institutions, and its Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences continues to expand its influence in training the next generation of health professionals. The current opening for Head of School – Health represents a pivotal opportunity for an experienced academic leader to guide the School of Acute and Primary Health through its next phase of growth and innovation.
The position is a five-year fixed-term appointment based at the South Campus in Manukau. It carries responsibility for strategic academic and people leadership across a multidisciplinary team of more than 70 staff. This school plays a central role in delivering education and research that directly supports New Zealand’s healthcare workforce needs, particularly in acute care and primary health settings.
Understanding AUT’s Commitment to Health Education
Auckland University of Technology has built a strong reputation for practical, industry-aligned programmes. Its health-related offerings span nursing, midwifery, paramedicine, and other allied health disciplines. The School of Acute and Primary Health sits within the broader Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, which also includes schools focused on allied health, community and public health, nursing, science, and sport and exercise.
This structure allows for cross-disciplinary collaboration that mirrors real-world healthcare environments. Students benefit from clinical placements, on-campus health clinics, and curricula designed to meet the evolving demands of New Zealand’s health system, including greater emphasis on Māori health, Pacific health, and equitable outcomes.
Key Responsibilities of the Incoming Head of School
The successful candidate will provide visible, externally engaged leadership. Core duties include shaping faculty strategy, fostering a high-performing and inclusive culture, and ensuring academic excellence across teaching and research. The role also involves direct line management and professional development of academic staff, budget oversight, and building partnerships with health providers, iwi, and government agencies.
Another important aspect is championing equity and diversity. AUT places strong value on its founding principles of Pono, Tika, and Aroha, which guide ethical practice, integrity, and compassionate engagement with communities. The Head of School will be expected to embed these values while advancing the school’s distinct identity within the faculty.
The Broader Context of Health Workforce Development in New Zealand
New Zealand faces ongoing challenges in recruiting and retaining health professionals, particularly in primary care and acute settings outside major urban centres. University leadership roles like this one directly influence how future practitioners are prepared. Strong school heads help align curricula with national health priorities, such as improving access in underserved areas and integrating cultural competence into every aspect of training.
By leading a school that educates hundreds of students each year, the incoming Head of School will contribute to solutions that extend well beyond the campus. Graduates enter the workforce equipped with both clinical skills and an understanding of the social determinants of health that shape outcomes across Aotearoa.
Research and Innovation Opportunities
The School of Acute and Primary Health maintains an active research profile with real-world impact. Areas of focus often include models of care that improve patient outcomes, workforce development strategies, and responses to emerging health challenges. The Head of School will be well positioned to support and grow this research culture, encouraging staff to secure external funding and publish findings that influence policy and practice.
Collaboration across the faculty and with external partners opens doors for interdisciplinary projects. For example, work that combines acute care perspectives with public health approaches can generate insights relevant to both hospital systems and community-based services.
What Makes This Opportunity Stand Out
Unlike many permanent academic leadership roles, this five-year fixed-term contract offers a defined period to drive meaningful change while allowing flexibility for the appointee’s long-term career planning. The salary range reflects the seniority and scope of the position, typically falling between NZD 180,000 and 245,000 depending on experience and qualifications.
Candidates will find a supportive environment at AUT, where the university’s relatively young status as a university (established in 2000) fosters an agile, forward-thinking culture. The South Campus location in Manukau places the school at the heart of a diverse and rapidly growing region, providing direct access to the communities it serves.
Ideal Candidate Profile
Applicants are expected to bring substantial academic experience, ideally with a strong track record in health sciences education or related fields. Demonstrated success in people leadership, strategic planning, and external engagement will be essential. A commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and advancing Māori and Pacific success in higher education is also highly valued.
Those who thrive in collaborative environments and can articulate a clear vision for the school’s future will be particularly well suited. The role reports to the Dean and forms part of the faculty’s senior leadership team, offering influence at both school and institutional levels.
How to Apply and Next Steps
Applications for the Head of School – Health position close on 30 June 2026. Interested candidates can find full details and submit applications through the official AUT careers portal. The process typically involves a detailed application addressing the selection criteria, followed by interviews and stakeholder engagement.
For those exploring similar opportunities in New Zealand higher education, resources on academic leadership pathways can provide additional guidance on preparing competitive applications and understanding institutional cultures.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Health Leadership at AUT
As healthcare continues to evolve with advances in technology, changing patient demographics, and new models of integrated care, the leadership of health schools becomes increasingly critical. The person appointed to this role will help shape how AUT responds to these shifts, ensuring its programmes remain relevant, rigorous, and responsive to community needs.
This vacancy underscores AUT’s ongoing investment in its health faculty and its determination to attract visionary leaders who can deliver both immediate impact and lasting legacy. For qualified academics ready to take on a high-visibility role in one of New Zealand’s most vibrant universities, this represents an exceptional chance to make a tangible difference.
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