Head of School – Health

Discover a Premier Leadership Role in New Zealand's Health Education Landscape

Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is inviting applications for the position of Head of School – Acute and Primary Health. This five-year fixed-term appointment offers an exceptional opportunity for an experienced academic leader to guide a dynamic school within one of the country's largest and most diverse faculties dedicated to health and environmental sciences. Located at AUT's South Campus in Manukau, the role combines strategic oversight with hands-on people leadership, shaping the future of health professionals who will serve communities across Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond.

The School of Acute and Primary Health stands as a national leader in preparing graduates for roles in oral health, paramedicine, midwifery, and perioperative practice. With approximately 1,600 students and more than 70 staff members, the school delivers programmes that span the acute-to-primary care continuum. Graduates emerge ready for clinical, community, and preventative settings, grounded in an integrated, person-centred philosophy that reflects the evolving needs of modern healthcare.

Understanding AUT's Commitment to Health and Community Impact

AUT has established itself as New Zealand's newest university, yet it ranks among the top institutions for employability and practical outcomes. The Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences brings together six schools focused on health, sports, and science disciplines. This structure supports interdisciplinary collaboration that mirrors real-world healthcare delivery, where professionals from different backgrounds work together to improve patient outcomes.

The university's values of Pono, Tika, and Aroha underpin everything from teaching to research. These principles translate into a strong emphasis on Te Tiriti o Waitangi commitments, ensuring Māori and Pacific perspectives are woven throughout curricula and campus life. Leaders in this environment are expected to champion equity, diversity, and inclusion while fostering environments where all learners can thrive.

The Scope and Responsibilities of the Head of School Role

As Head of School, the successful candidate will provide clear, values-led direction to a multidisciplinary team. Key duties include direct line management of academic staff, focusing on performance development, capability building, and workload balance. The role also involves fostering a cohesive culture across clinical disciplines that may have distinct professional identities and regulatory requirements.

Strategic responsibilities extend to strengthening research performance and grant-winning capacity. The Head of School will drive excellence in teaching quality, programme development, and external engagement. As a member of the Dean’s Head of School Leadership Team, this leader will contribute to broader faculty strategy, helping align school activities with institutional goals and national health priorities.

Partnership building forms another critical pillar. The position requires cultivating relationships with government agencies, health providers, industry bodies, and community organisations. These connections ensure programmes remain relevant, graduates meet workforce needs, and research addresses pressing health challenges such as chronic disease management and equitable access to care.

Qualifications and Experience Sought in Candidates

Applicants must hold a relevant PhD or doctorate and demonstrate a record of academic achievement suitable for appointment at professor or associate professor level. Proven leadership experience in an academic setting is essential, ideally including direct management of a school, department, or equivalent unit.

Success in securing external research funding and building stakeholder partnerships will be highly valued. Candidates should also show a genuine commitment to equity initiatives, particularly those supporting Māori and Pacific success. Innovation in teaching, research, or programme design is another desirable attribute, reflecting AUT’s forward-thinking approach.

The university seeks individuals who bring an open, collaborative style and the ability to navigate change with empathy and strategic insight. Experience working across culturally diverse teams will be a significant advantage in this role.

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The Broader Context of Health Workforce Development in New Zealand

New Zealand faces ongoing demand for skilled health professionals across acute and primary care settings. Programmes in paramedicine, midwifery, and oral health play vital roles in addressing workforce shortages while promoting preventative approaches that reduce pressure on hospitals. AUT’s location in South Auckland positions the school to serve a diverse population with specific health needs, including higher rates of certain chronic conditions and a strong Māori and Pacific demographic.

Leadership in this space requires understanding both educational excellence and the practical realities of clinical practice. The Head of School will help ensure graduates are not only technically competent but also culturally safe practitioners who can work effectively in interprofessional teams.

Opportunities for Research and External Collaboration

The role offers significant scope to grow research output aligned with national priorities. Areas such as health equity, Māori health advancement, Pacific wellbeing, and innovative models of care delivery present rich avenues for investigation. Partnerships with Health New Zealand and other providers can translate academic work into tangible improvements in service delivery.

By fostering a research-active culture, the Head of School will support staff in pursuing grants and publishing impactful studies. This activity enhances the school’s reputation and contributes to AUT’s overall standing as a research-informed teaching institution.

Supporting Student Success and Community Outcomes

Student experience sits at the heart of the position. The Head of School will oversee efforts to maintain high completion rates, strong graduate employment outcomes, and positive feedback on programme quality. Clinical placements, simulation-based learning, and interprofessional education opportunities all fall under this leadership remit.

Beyond the classroom, the role influences community health by preparing professionals who deliver person-centred care. Graduates from these programmes often return to serve their local areas, creating a virtuous cycle of contribution that strengthens regional health systems.

Application Process and Timeline

Interested candidates should prepare a full academic CV, a cover letter explaining their interest in the role and AUT, and a statement addressing the selection criteria. Applications close on 30 June 2026. The successful appointee is expected to start by February 2027 at the latest.

Enquiries can be directed to the AUT Executive Recruitment Partner. A detailed candidate information handbook is available to provide deeper insight into the school, faculty, and expectations.

This appointment represents a chance to make a lasting difference in health education while advancing one’s own career in a supportive, ambitious university environment.

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Looking Ahead: The Future of Health Leadership at AUT and Beyond

As healthcare continues to evolve with technological advances, demographic shifts, and a greater focus on equity, academic leaders play a pivotal role in preparing the next generation. The Head of School at AUT will help navigate these changes, ensuring programmes remain agile and responsive.

With its emphasis on practical, work-ready graduates and meaningful community engagement, AUT is well placed to lead in this space. The right leader will amplify these strengths, building on existing successes to deliver even greater impact for students, staff, and the wider health sector.