Head of Department of Midwifery (3-year term plus term senior academic appointment)

Reference # 90067

Location (s) South Campus

Employment type (s) Full-time permanent, Fixed term

Closes on 07 Jun 2026 22:30

Expertise Academic Management

Experience level (s) Management

Drive the growth and success of New Zealand’s leading Department of Midwifery

Seeking authentic partnership-driven leadership

3-year term plus term senior academic appointment: based at AUT’s South Campus

Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is bold and unapologetically different, centred on students and grounded in Knowledge that Works driven by talented, progressive people. We are New Zealand’s newest university, ranked 5-stars by QS Universities 2025 and a place of opportunity where more than 26,000 students with talent and potential succeed, supported by a community of more than 4,000 staff based primarily across three Auckland campuses. Built on collaboration, shared purpose and the values of Pono (fact, truth, reality, integrity), Tika (acting accordingly, doing what is needed, ethical expression), and Aroha (empathy, care, compassion). AUT offers an innovative, forward-thinking environment where committed people work together to improve outcomes for students, communities, and the world.

AUT recognises the importance of Te Tiriti, Māori and Pacific knowledge, leadership, and contribution across our university and is committed to creating environments where these communities can thrive. We embrace diversity in all its forms and are proud to welcome people of all ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, religious and political beliefs, socio-economic situations and accessibility needs.

Our dynamic Department of Midwifery (part of our Faculty of Health & Environmental Sciences/Te Ara Hauora A Pūtaiao) is the largest midwifery educator, researcher and postgraduate provider in New Zealand. Te Tiriti o Waitangi is embedded in all the activities in the Department of Midwifery and the School of Clinical Sciences, and our curriculum has been refreshed to align with Te Aronui (AUT’s Te Tiriti framework).

Our committed team of around 20 staff provide high quality education through the Bachelor of Health Science in Midwifery and Postgraduate Programmes. We have high-quality research that has real impact, with world-class researchers and research strengths across midwifery. Our staff are leaders in midwifery and maintain close links with lead maternity carer midwives, midwifery leaders and managers and midwifery clients. Our student numbers and retention are strong and programmes are accredited through the Midwifery Council.

The Opportunity | Te Whiwhinga mahi

We are seeking expressions of interest from an experienced academic with demonstrated staff management capability to build on the Department’s strong foundations. This role offers the opportunity to contribute innovative and strategic thinking to support ongoing development and respond to the evolving needs of the sector and our students. As a critical and distinctive leadership position, the role supports the Department in achieving excellence and equity in education and research, while contributing to the delivery of the University’s strategic and operational objectives.

About you | Ko wai koe

You will be recognised as a positive, encouraging and culturally capable leader who champions inclusivity and diversity, and is committed to creativity and innovation. Your ability to listen, connect, collaborate, communicate, and influence will be critical, as will be a strong respect for others. A resolute, robust and positive attitude is essential.

We welcome applications from senior academic leaders of health. The key focus areas being sought:

• Embrace AUT’s Te Aronui framework. Support staff as the School and AUT works towards becoming a Te Tiriti o Waitangi-led organisation.
• Provide leadership and direction for the Department of Midwifery.
• Lead the further development of a department culture focused on excellence in teaching, research, service and other academic contributions whilst ensuring staff feel safe and productive in their work.
• Continue to develop and implement academic programs that meet industry standards and student needs.
• Continue to foster strong relationships with community, health agency, tangata whenua and other key stakeholders to ensure curriculum relevance and career opportunities.
• Lead, mentor, and motivate academic and administrative staff to achieve department objectives.

What we offer | Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou

At AUT, you’ll be part of a values-led university that supports you to thrive in your academic career. We offer:

• Flexible working and a strong, caring culture that supports belonging.
• Clear, visible pathways to grow your academic profile and global impact.
• Recognition frameworks that reflect your contributions to teaching, research, citizenship and living our values.
• Mentoring and support for research grants, sabbaticals and publication.
• Access to our labs, simulation centres and real-world research partnerships.
• Māori and Pacific development programmes that strengthen our shared purpose.
• Cultural capability uplift development programmes for all staff
• Professional development and funded study pathways to keep you moving forward.
• Free gym membership.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Along with your full academic CV (including a complete list of publications and grant acquisitions) - please ensure to submit a) a cover letter which explains why this particular role (and AUT) is of interest, and b) a statement addressing how you feel you meet some, or all, of the criteria listed below:

Criteria:

Qualification:

• Holds a Masters or a doctoral qualification in Health (or a related field) or is working towards the same.
• Registered with the respective board in New Zealand.
• Preferably Holds a current Annual Practising Certificate.

Teaching and Learning:

• Significant undergraduate or postgraduate lecturing experience (including course design, preparation and delivery of lectures, practical sessions, tutorials as well as paper coordination).
• Ability to contribute to the growth and review of an innovative curriculum and development of high-quality course content, including integration of emerging technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to attract postgraduate students and a track record of supervising postgraduate students to completion.

Research and Scholarship:

• Experience leading and driving research initiatives, with a track record of research outputs, including publications.
• Proven experience establishing and nurturing collaborative relationships with peers in related fields, both within the University and across external academic institutions, industry and professional bodies.

Citizenship and Service:

• A proven record of academic leadership and service.
• Experience engaging with external community members, industries, government, professional bodies or other stakeholders to disseminate research and create opportunities.

Equity and Te Aronui

• A champion for equity, diversity and inclusion. Supportive of AUT’s Te Aronui journey (https://www.aut.ac.nz/about/maori/auts-commitment-to-Te-Tiriti-o-Waitangi).

Please feel free to add any further comments you feel may also support your application. All applications must be submitted through the online application process.

Further Information | Pārongo Anō

Start Date: as soon as possible

For academic enquiries: Contact Judith McAra-Couper, Acting Head of School – Acute & Primary Health judith.mcara@aut.ac.nz

For further information: please send us an enquiry here or call 09 921 9499.

Closing Date | Te rā aukati: 7 June at 10.30pm

Job Reference | Tohutoro Mahi: 90067