"Manager – Transnational Education"

Job Description:

Manager – Transnational Education

• Make a difference to the lives of students at AUT
• Provide leadership to a collaborative high performing team
• Work with people who are making a difference to the world
• Great staff benefits including free study at AUT, development funds, free gym membership

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.

The International Office plays a pivotal role in developing and strengthening the AUT's global presence, fostering international partnerships, Transnational Education (TNE), and ensuring the achievement of international student recruitment and engagement objectives.

The Opportunity | Te Whiwhinga mahi

The Transnational Education (TNE) Manager provides operational leadership for the development, delivery, and performance management of AUT’s transnational education partnerships and offshore programmes, focusing particularly on the South, Southeast Asia and Pacific regions. Reporting to the Senior Manager - TNE, this role is responsible for the day-to-day management of institutional TNE partners, including contract implementation, quality assurance coordination, regulatory compliance, and oversight of the financial and operational performance of the TNE portfolio.

Working closely with academic faculties and professional services across the University, the TNE Manager ensures all transnational programmes are academically robust, commercially sustainable, and fully compliant with New Zealand and host-country regulatory requirements. The role plays a critical part in delivering high-quality student outcomes and in supporting the successful execution of AUT’s TNE strategy to advance the University’s international growth ambitions.

• Lead and manage AUT’s transnational education partnerships across South, Southeast Asia and Pacific regions, ensuring alignment with AUT’s International Strategy, TNE plan, and international student growth objectives, while driving reputation, revenue, and research outcomes.
• Develop, implement, and monitor TNE partnership and business plans, including identifying new partnership opportunities, supporting faculty-led TNE initiatives, and introducing innovative delivery models, channels, and continuous process improvements.
• Oversee end-to-end partnership and contract management, including partner due diligence, negotiation, implementation, review, and risk management of TNE agreements, MOUs, articulation arrangements, and offshore delivery contracts.
• Ensure academic quality, regulatory compliance, and operational effectiveness by working closely with faculties, the Academic Quality Office, and professional services to meet AUT standards and New Zealand and host-country regulatory requirements.
• Manage stakeholder relationships and performance reporting, including leading engagement with internal and external stakeholders, resolving partnership issues proactively, preparing senior leadership briefings, and providing regular performance reporting and recommendations on the TNE portfolio.

About you | Ko wai koe

You are an experienced international education professional with a strong track record in managing transnational education partnerships and complex offshore delivery arrangements, preferably at a university level. You bring sound commercial judgement, a deep understanding of academic quality and regulatory environments, and the ability to navigate diverse cultural, political, and business contexts with confidence and diplomacy. Highly collaborative and outcomes-focused, you are comfortable working across faculties and professional teams, translating strategy into effective operational delivery, and building trusted relationships with senior stakeholders to achieve sustainable growth and high-quality student outcomes.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A tertiary qualification.
• Minimum 5 years’ management experience in international higher education, preferably 3 years managing TNE partnerships at university level.
• Direct experience setting up and managing university TNE partnerships South, Southeast Asia and Pacific regions.
• Strong knowledge of quality assurance, compliance, and higher education systems.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship management skills.
• Experience in dealing with or drafting partnership agreements, budget proposals, and delivering against project timelines.
• A collaborative approach, with a commitment to AUT’s values of Tika, Pono, and Aroha – integrity, respect, and compassion and continuous improvement.
• A commitment to 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).

As a professional member of staff at AUT, you’ll help keep us moving forward. From improving our services and streamlining our systems to supporting the experiences of students and staff across our campuses. By working collaboratively, solving problems and driving practical improvements, you’ll play a vital role in helping us operate smoothly, raise our profile, and evolve what we do, every day.

You will 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 cultural humility, awareness, and respect when engaging with indigenous peoples and culturally diverse communities. Experience supporting indigenous, equity, or inclusion focused initiatives is highly desirable.

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 role and career. We offer:

• Flexible working and a strong, caring culture that supports belonging.
• Recognition frameworks that reflect your contribution and how you live our values.
• The tools and trust to make a meaningful difference every day.
• Māori and Pacific development programmes that strengthen our shared purpose.
• Cultural capability uplift development programmes for all staff

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono

Along with your CV, please ensure to submit a cover letter which explains why this role (and AUT) is of interest, and how your experience aligns with the key experience and attributes we're seeking

Further Information | Pārongo Anō

• Start Date: To be agreed with the successful candidate
• Salary Ranges: $104,000 - $114,000 per annum (appointment level and salary commensurate with skills and experience)
• For further information: Please send us an enquiry here or call 09 921 9499.

Closing Date | Te rā aukati: 4th March at 11:55 PM

Job Reference | Tohutoro Mahi: 94803

*Full-time denotes 37.5 hours per week