"Kaihautū Matua | Executive Director Engagement / Amokapua Pāhekoheko | Assistant Vice- Chancellor Engagement"

Job Details

Reference # 31133

Posted on 12 Feb 2026

Closes on 13 Mar 2026 23:55

Location(s) Christchurch

Expertise Advertising, Arts & Media, Communications, Consulting & Strategy, Education & Training, General mgmt/executive, Sales / Relationship Management

Job level(s) Academic, Executive

Work type(s) Continuing (Permanent) full-time

More details (document) Poisition Description_Assistant Vice Chancellor_Executive Dean Engagement.pdf

Kaihautū Matua | Executive Director Engagement / Amokapua Pāhekoheko | Assistant Vice-Chancellor Engagement

Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) is seeking an outstanding strategic leader as its next Executive Director Engagement / Assistant Vice-Chancellor Engagement (EDE/AVCE) — a pivotal position guiding the University’s presence, partnerships and reputation across Aotearoa and internationally.

In this role, the EDE/AVCE will lead UC’s engagement portfolio, ensuring communications, marketing, student recruitment, advancement and external relations work together seamlessly to elevate the University’s standing and drive its strategic objectives. The EDE/AVCE will build coherence across multiple engagement pillars, empowering a talented team and ensuring UC’s voice is unified, purposeful and compelling.

This is a role for a visionary relationship builder who excels at fostering meaningful partnerships and strengthening community connection. The new EDE/AVCE will steward philanthropy and alumni engagement, champion strategic partnerships, and take a leading role in growing funding opportunities from donors, trusts and foundations. The new EDE/AVCE will possess high levels of commercial acumen and innovative thinking that will help UC to diversify its reach, influence and external investment.

As a senior leader, the EDE/AVCE will shape a team culture grounded in collaboration, trust and shared purpose. The EDE/AVCE will inspire and empower its people, and we are seeking a highly contemporary and collaborative leader who will ensure UC’s engagement practice is culturally grounded, genuine and forward-looking.

Working directly with the Vice-Chancellor as a key member of the senior leadership team, the EDE/AVCE will help shape UC’s identity, strengthen its position in Canterbury and Christchurch, and represent the University with purpose and authenticity on the national and international stage. This is an outstanding opportunity for a leader with strong strategic insight who demonstrates the capacity and capability to support sustainable recruitment growth, strengthen UC’s brand, and enhance its contribution to communities across Aotearoa.

This role offers the opportunity to influence at scale, drive transformative engagement initiatives, and make a lasting difference to UC’s future.

The role will be appointed as either Assistant Vice-Chancellor Engagement or Executive Director Engagement, according to the background and experience of the successful candidate.

The Organisation

The University of Canterbury (Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha) is a globally recognised research-intensive university committed to excellence, inclusiveness, and meaningful engagement. UC is grounded in the values of manaakitanga, whanaungatanga and tiakitanga, guiding how its community works, learns and leads. With a strong focus on bicultural competence, student experience, and impactful partnerships, UC is a place where people are empowered to connect, grow and contribute to positive change.

For more information on University of Canterbury visit: https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/

Applications close: 13 March 2026

To apply please go to the following link:

Executive Director Engagement/ Assistant Vice-Chancellor Engagement - Future Leadership

Click on Apply Now, using reference UOCede0126, addressing your cover letter and resume to Andrew Norton or Anthony Ellis, of Future Leadership™, or call 1300 347 437 for further information.

Please do not use 'Apply' on this page.

A candidate information pack is available to download by visiting: https://futureleadership.com.au/your-career/opportunities/