The Faculty of Arts and Education at the University of Auckland stands as New Zealand's premier hub for humanities, social sciences, creative arts, education, and related disciplines. Nestled in the heart of Auckland, this dynamic faculty offers a wealth of opportunities for academics, researchers, and professional staff passionate about shaping minds and advancing knowledge. Working here means contributing to world-class research, innovative teaching, and community engagement while enjoying a supportive environment and an enviable lifestyle in one of the world's most liveable cities. With its commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles, Indigenous perspectives, and global impact, the faculty attracts top talent eager to make a difference in Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond.
Whether you're an early-career lecturer seeking to build your research profile or a seasoned professor aiming for leadership roles, the Faculty of Arts and Education provides the resources, collaboration, and recognition needed to thrive. Professional staff play crucial roles in administration, student support, and operations, ensuring the faculty runs smoothly. Recent collective agreements have solidified competitive salaries, generous benefits, and clear progression paths, making it an attractive destination for higher education careers in New Zealand.
Overview of the Faculty of Arts and Education
Te Pūtahi Mātauranga, or the Faculty of Arts and Education, encompasses a broad spectrum of disciplines that foster critical thinking, cultural understanding, and creative expression. Formed through strategic mergers, it integrates traditional humanities and social sciences with education, social practice, sport, health, and physical education. This structure allows for interdisciplinary collaboration, such as combining anthropology with social work or art history with museum studies.
The faculty is home to numerous schools and programmes, including the School of Education and Social Practice—which covers teaching, counselling, and social work—alongside areas like anthropology, Asian studies, classics and ancient history, criminology, dance studies, drama, English, languages and cultures, Māori studies, media and communication, philosophy, politics and international relations, screen production, sociology, and more. With thousands of students enrolled in Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Education, and postgraduate programmes, staff engage with diverse cohorts from Aotearoa and internationally.
Research excellence defines the faculty, with academics producing high-impact publications and securing grants. Ranked number one in New Zealand for arts and humanities by QS World University Rankings, it hosts initiatives like the Research and Reason podcast, where scholars discuss cutting-edge findings on topics from Indigenous knowledge to global policy. Staff benefit from access to state-of-the-art facilities, including the award-winning B201 building—a green, collaborative space designed for study and connection.
Notable achievements include contributions to Pacific communities, sustainability efforts, and partnerships with local institutions. Dean Professor Nuala Gregory leads a team committed to equity, academic freedom, and societal impact, creating an environment where staff can pursue passions while addressing real-world challenges.
Diverse Roles Available for Ambitious Professionals
Careers at the faculty span academic and professional positions, each offering unique pathways to impact. Academic roles form the core, with lecturers delivering research-informed teaching across undergraduate and postgraduate levels. For instance, a recent opening for Lecturer in Art History and Museums and Cultural Heritage emphasises a balanced workload: 40% teaching, 40% research, and 20% service. Research fellows and senior research fellows focus on specialised projects, often funded by external grants.
Senior lecturers, associate professors, and professors lead departments, supervise PhD students, and shape policy. Professional staff support these efforts through roles like Information Specialist in the Vine library system, student advisers, administrative coordinators, and technical support in creative arts studios. Current listings highlight around two Arts-specific positions at any time, but the university-wide portal lists dozens, with internal opportunities for current staff.
To apply, candidates submit via the university's jobs portal, where vacancies are posted regularly. International applicants receive immigration support, making it accessible for global talent. Entry typically requires a PhD for academics, relevant experience for professionals, and alignment with faculty values like bicultural competence.
Competitive Compensation Structures
Salaries at the University of Auckland are governed by the Academic Staff Collective Agreement 2024-2026, ensuring transparency and fairness. Lecturers start at approximately NZ$94,981 (step 1, from February 2024), progressing to NZ$113,463 at step 7, with increments after 12 months of satisfactory performance. Senior lecturers range from NZ$120,752 to NZ$151,251 (above the bar), associate professors at NZ$157,822, and professors from NZ$181,129, adjusted for 7% increase in May 2025 and 2% in February 2026.
| Grade | Step 1 (2024) | Top Step (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Lecturer | NZ$94,981 | NZ$113,463 |
| Senior Lecturer | NZ$120,752 | NZ$151,251 |
| Associate Professor | NZ$157,822 | - |
| Professor | NZ$181,129 | - |
Professional staff fall into bands B-G, from NZ$54,405 minimum (B) to NZ$115,000 maximum (D/G), with no one below NZ$56,550 full-time by 2026. Variable supplementary payments reward extra duties, and progression is performance-based. These scales position UoA competitively within New Zealand universities, supporting cost-of-living in Auckland.
Exceptional Benefits and Support Systems
The university's benefits package enhances financial security and wellbeing. All staff enjoy five weeks annual leave, with options to buy or cash up an extra week. Parental leave includes nine weeks on full pay, plus childcare discounts at on-campus centres. Long-service leave grants four weeks after 20 years for professionals.
- Superannuation: Up to 6.75% employer contribution via UniSaver or KiwiSaver.
- Health and Wellness: Free flu jabs, discounted insurance and eye tests, Employee Assistance Programme counselling, and HIWA fitness subsidies.
- Professional Development: Tupu and ADPR frameworks, study leave, fee remission for up to two courses or PhD support.
- Flexible Work: 37.5-40 hour weeks, adjustable hours, remote options, and family violence leave (10 days).
Research and study leave for academics—up to 12 months—fuels career growth. For more details, visit the staff benefits page.
Vibrant Work Culture and Employee Perspectives
Employees consistently praise the inclusive, collaborative atmosphere. Indeed rates UoA 4.3/5, with comments highlighting friendly teams, low stress, and continuous learning. Glassdoor echoes supportive colleagues and work-life balance. Faculty staff appreciate Māori and Pacific commitments, fostering cultural safety.
Challenges like past pay disputes (resolved via 2024-2026 agreements) underscore union strength (TEU), leading to Living Wage progress and transparency. Daily life involves seminars, student interactions, and harbour views, blending intellectual rigour with Auckland's vibrancy.
Thriving in Research and Innovation
Research is central, with 68% high-impact outputs. Staff access grants, centres, and Asia-Pacific networks. Early-career support includes mentorship and sabbaticals. Examples: linguistics top 2% globally, cultural heritage projects. Publications and conferences abound, with equity in workload allocation.
Engaging Teaching and Supervision
Teaching emphasises innovation: small seminars, internships, Māori-medium options. Workload negotiations ensure balance, with professional development for excellence. Supervising diverse theses builds legacies.
Pathways for Career Advancement
Promotion relies on teaching, research, and service portfolios, peer-reviewed annually. From lecturer to professor, steps are clear, with feedback. Phased retirement and outside activities enrich profiles. Check collective agreement for details.
Achieving Work-Life Harmony
Flexible policies suit families and researchers. Auckland's beaches, bush, and culture enhance life. Remote work and wellness programmes combat burnout.
Navigating Challenges Proactively
Post-pandemic staffing stabilised; strikes yielded gains. Union advocacy ensures voice.
Seize Current Opportunities
Apply via jobs portal. Explore faculty site.
Future Prospects in a Top-Ranked Institution
With global rankings rising, the faculty eyes expansion in digital humanities and equity. Join to shape tomorrow.
Photo by Brandee Taylor on Unsplash
