Head of School, Community and Public Health

Auckland University of Technology (AUT)

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 Community and Public Health

We are a vibrant, inclusive academic community committed to advancing health equity and wellbeing for individuals, whānau and communities in Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond. Located across our campuses, the School draws on Aotearoa’s unique social and cultural context and the diverse voices of its staff, students and community partners. With a strong focus on Indigenous knowledge, interdisciplinary collaboration and real‑world impact, the School educates future public health leaders and brings together nationally and internationally recognised expertise across public health, Hauora Māori and Pacific health, emergency management, health law and ethics, mental health, counselling and psychotherapy, lived experience, and violence and trauma. 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 is a rare foundation leadership opportunity for an entrepreneurial academic leader to shape and position a School with significant potential. The Head of School will be a highly visible, externally engaged leader, providing strong academic, operational and people leadership to more than 60 FTE academic and professional staff educating over 690 EFTS students across public health, Māori health, Pacific health and social wellbeing, while delivering research with real‑world impact. Suited to an experienced academic health leader with a strong record of leading large, complex academic environments, the role requires clear, values‑led leadership and the ability to foster a high‑performing, inclusive and collaborative culture.

As a member of the Dean’s Head of School Leadership Team, you will balance academic excellence with operational effectiveness; strengthen research capability and programme quality; support staff wellbeing; enhance the School’s external reputation; and contribute to 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 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 in a field relevant to the School, 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.

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

Advertising closes: Tuesday 30 June 2026 at 11.55pm NZST

Reference: 94373