Head of School – Acute and Primary Health

Provide strategic academic and people leadership for a large, multidisciplinary health school of more than 70 staff

Shape faculty strategy and culture as a key member of the Dean’s leadership team

Deliver real‑world health impact through education, research and partnership

5-year fixed-term appointment, based at AUT's South Campus in Manukau

Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is 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 27,000 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.

AUT's School of Acute and Primary Health

The School of Acute and Primary Health is a national leader in health education, delivering high‑quality undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in oral health, paramedicine, midwifery and perioperative practice to approximately 1,600 students. Spanning the acute-primary care continuum, the School prepares graduates for diverse clinical, community, and preventative health settings through an integrated, person‑centred approach. The School sits within AUT’s dynamic Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences.

Please review the extensive candidate information handbook available for this role (includes details on the school, faculty, AUT, position description and more).

The Opportunity | Te Whiwhinga mahi

This role is suited to an experienced academic health leader with a strong track record in leading large, complex academic groupings. As Head of School, you will provide clear, values‑led leadership to the School of Acute and Primary Health, leading and developing a diverse team of more than 70 staff and fostering a high‑performing, inclusive, and collaborative culture.

The role requires a leader who can balance academic excellence, operational effectiveness, and people leadership, while strengthening research capability, programme quality, staff wellbeing and the School’s external reputation. In addition, as a member of the Dean’s Head of School Leadership Team you will help shape faculty strategy and direction.

Key focus areas include:

• Direct line management and development of academic staff, including performance, capability building, workload oversight and leadership succession
• Creating a cohesive culture across diverse clinical disciplines
• Leading excellence in teaching, research and engagement
• Growing research performance and grant‑winning capability
• Driving cross‑school and cross‑Faculty collaboration
• Champion our Te Tiriti o Waitangi commitments and supporting the success of Māori and Pacific learners
• Building and sustaining high‑value partnerships with health, industry, government and community stakeholders

About you | Ko wai koe

You’ll bring an open, engaging, and collaborative approach, with the flexibility to respond to changing requirements, and actively contribute to a positive and collegial environment. You will demonstrate awareness and respect when engaging with culturally diverse communities. Experience supporting indigenous, equity or inclusion focused initiatives is highly desirable.

The selection criteria being sought are:

1. Proven academic excellence within health disciplines and a record of academic achievement suitable for appointment as a professor (preferably) or associate professor.
2. Demonstrated leadership and people management experience in an academic setting, with responsibility for staff performance and development. Direct line management of academic staff and leadership of a school, department or equivalent unit is preferable.
3. Successful track record securing grant funding and external research income.
4. Demonstrated ability developing significant connections and partnerships with key stakeholders including government, industry, business and community.
5. A champion for equity, diversity and inclusion.
6. A brief summary of your interest and experience embracing innovation.
7. A relevant PhD/doctorate is mandatory.

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono

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 above.

Further Information:

• Start Date: The successful candidate would ideally join AUT by February 2027 at the latest (to be agreed).
• Term: The successful candidate will secure a 5-year fixed-term appointment (with potential for further extension). Please note, this position does not include an additional substantive permanent academic appointment.
• Salary: NZD $180,000 - $245,000 per annum. Inclusive of a Head of School allowance and aligned with the appropriate step in AUT's academic pay scales (Professor or Associate Professor).
• Contact for enquiries: Mike Wood, AUT Executive Recruitment Partner - mike.wood@aut.ac.nz.
• Please note: The actual formal title of the position is: Head of School – Acute and Primary Health

We are also currently recruiting for a Head of School, Community & Public Health - more details of that role can be found HERE.

Advertising closes: Tuesday 30 June 2026 at 11.55pm NZST

Reference: 94373

At AUT we strive to be a place where people love to work and learn. We are committed to te Tiriti, excellence and inclusivity and aspire to be the University of choice for Māori and Pacific communities. We welcome people of all ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, religious and political beliefs, socio-economic situations and accessibility needs.

Please note that all applications must be submitted through the online application process. For further information, please send us an enquiry here or call 921 9499. Please note we are happy to answer your questions but we do not accept applications by email. You will need to apply through the standard registration process.

Nā tō rourou, nā taku rourou ka ora ai te iwi.

With your food basket and my food basket, the people will thrive.