"Business Support Co-ordinator"

Who we are | Mō te tīma

Coastal People: Southern Skies (CPSS) is a national Centre of Research Excellence (CoRE). The goal of CPSS is research excellence that transforms the realities for coastal peoples and coastal environments. Our vision is mauri ora of coastal communities. We are a collaboration that connects communities across Aotearoa New Zealand and the South Pacific with world-leading, cross-disciplinary research. Our mission is to connect, understand and restore the mauri of coastal ecosystems with communities of Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific through transformative research, capability and capacity building.

The CPSS Operations Team supports the programme’s research, engagement, and collaborative activities through high‑quality administration, coordination, and operational support. We work in a dynamic environment where relationships, communication, and culturally grounded practice are central to our success.

The role | Te mahi

We are seeking a highly organised and proactive Business Support Co‑ordinator to provide comprehensive operational and administrative support to the CPSS programme.

In this role, you will be the first point of contact for day‑to‑day enquiries, contribute to efficient programme operations, and support the smooth delivery of research, events, and collaboration activities. You will work closely with the CPSS leadership and operational staff, helping ensure that programme activities run effectively and in alignment with kaupapa Māori values.

Range of tasks include:

• Providing high‑quality administrative, operational, and logistical support for CPSS.
• Coordinating meetings, workshops, travel, events, and diaries.
• Supporting financial processes including purchase orders, reimbursements, invoices, and budget tracking.
• Preparing documents, reports, communications, and supporting programme documentation.
• Maintaining accurate records, databases, and internal systems.
• Building strong working relationships with internal and external partners.
• Contributing to a positive, inclusive, and well‑organised team environment.

Your skills and experience | Kā pūkeka me kā wheako

Your strengths in forming highly professional and effective relationships with partners and stakeholders—across government, industry, academia, and within our student community—will support the Centre’s collective mahi. You will also draw on your strong capability in gathering, interpreting, and clearly communicating strategic research and operational information to the senior leadership team.

Essential skills and experience:

• Strong communication, teamwork, and relationship building skills, able to foster trusted collaboration
• A professional, diplomatic, and proactive approach
• Experience coordinating complex projects or delivering large‑scale events within Aotearoa.
• Ability to work independently, adapt to change, and handle confidential matters with discretion.
• Dedication to working in a culturally safe and respectful manner and demonstrates an understanding and appreciation of Te Ao Māori, Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles, and Pasifika values.
• Experience working within a university, research environment, or Indigenous‑focused programme is advantageous.

Further details | Pūroko

This is a full‑time (37.5 hours per week), fixed‑term position (until December 2028) based in Ōtepoti, Dunedin.

The appointment range for this position is $69,931 to $74,609, Top of Range $80,285.

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this position.

The University of Otago is a workplace that values and supports diverse and inclusive thinking, people, and practices. We honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi and ensure that the contributions of staff with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are welcomed and respected.

We offer competitive salary, five weeks’ annual leave, a 6.75% superannuation scheme, and the ability to achieve real work/life balance. More information regarding employee benefits can be found here.

For further information, please contact Amarni Thomas (Kaiurungi Programme Manager) via the contact details below.

Application | Tono

To submit your application (including CV and Cover Letter) please click the Apply button.

Applications quoting 2600429 will close on Sunday, 12 April 2026.

Applications may be reviewed as they are received. The University reserves the right to close this vacancy at any time.

Additional Information

Contact: Amarni Thomas

Position details: Job Description

Further Information: Department Website

Location: About Dunedin