"Divisional Services & Administration Leader"

Job Description

DIVISIONAL SERVICES & ADMINISTRATION | WHAKARATONGA TARI ME TE WHAKARITENGA

The University of Otago’s Division of Humanities sits at the heart of Aotearoa’s intellectual and cultural life - a place where ideas shape communities, challenge perspectives, and deepen our understanding of the world. Our academic staff and students work across arts, languages, cultures, social sciences, and creative disciplines, contributing richly to society both locally and globally.

Within the Operations Group, Divisional Services and Administration provides the professional leadership and operational excellence that enables this work to thrive. We’re now seeking a dynamic senior leader to partner with the Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Humanities (PVC) and help guide the next chapter of Humanities at Otago.

The role | Te mahi

This is a true operational leadership role - strategic, people focused, and future oriented. You will be the PVC’s key partner in shaping and delivering a high performing division, ensuring Humanities has the services, systems, relationships, and insight it needs to thrive.

You will:

• Act as a trusted advisor to the PVC, influencing decisions and strategic priorities. Lead operational planning, performance, and continuous improvement across the division.
• Strengthen service delivery by building strong, constructive partnerships across the University.
• Foster a values driven culture that supports excellence in teaching, learning, and research.
• Be the key conduit for professional services into the division, whilst also leading and empowering Divisional Services and Administration staff, supporting capability, collaboration, and high performance.

This is a role for someone energised by complexity, motivated by impact, and inspired by the opportunity to help a major academic division flourish.

Your skills and experience | Kā pūkeka me kā wheako

You will bring:

• Senior leadership experience in a large, complex organisation, with strength in operations, organisational performance, and people leadership.
• A highly collaborative, relationship driven leadership style and the credibility to influence across diverse groups.
• Confidence leading change, improving services, and planning for future needs.
• Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and cultural capability grounded in respect for te ao Māori and Pasifika values.

While tertiary experience is beneficial, the defining factor is your leadership presence - your ability to think strategically, lead through complexity, and inspire confidence across a diverse environment.

Further details | Pūroko

This is a permanent, full-time (37.5 hours per week), position based in Ōtepoti, Dunedin.

The appointment range for this role is $115,332 to $129,355 per annum. Top of the range is $143,378.

The University of Otago values diverse perspectives and an inclusive, respectful culture where staff and students feel they belong.

For further information, please contact Cherie McConville via the contact details below.

Application | Tono

To submit your application (including CV and cover letter) please click the apply button below. Applications quoting reference number 2600300 will close on Sunday, 08 March 2026.

Contact: Cherie McConville Tel: 021 279 6861

Position details: Job Description

Further Information: Department Website

Location: About Dunedin