"Pou Hautū - School Manager"

Job Description:

• Are you an experienced manager or senior administrator ready to lead operations in a busy academic environment?
• Do you have the ability to achieve outcomes by effectively managing financial and human resources?
• Can you motivate others and foster a positive, inclusive workplace culture?

About the role

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is currently recruiting a Pou Hautū - School Manager to join Te Whānau o Ako Pai - School of Education on a permanent, full-time basis.

On 01 January 2025, the School joined one of the University’s newest Faculties, Te Pukenga Wai - Faculty of Education, Health, and Psychological Sciences.

Key responsibilities:

• As a key member of the School Leadership Team, ensuring the School’s strategic direction is developed in line with the University’s overall strategic plan and is implemented successfully and consistently with Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations.
• Working with the Tumuaki - Head of School, Deputy Head of School, and other staff in the School to plan and manage appropriate staffing levels in the School.
• Lead professional staff in a manner that supports the University’s obligations and commitments to providing equal employment opportunities, effective health and safety practices in the workplace, and other good employer initiatives.
• Prepare, monitor, and analyse financial projections, including forecasting and budgeting processes.
• Provide initial HR advice and support within the School.

About you

You will be:

• A current manager in a similar role, or an experienced senior administrator seeking your next challenge.
• Described by colleagues as a strategic thinker who is solution-focused, thrives on ensuring service excellence, and enjoys leading new initiatives, both independently and as part of a team.
• Proud of your attention to detail and ability to manage your time effectively.

This role is busy, diverse, rewarding, and most importantly, integral to the ongoing development of an established School in a new Faculty.

Key requirements:

• Relevant tertiary qualifications.
• Demonstrated ability to achieve outcomes through the effective management of financial and human resources.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a team, to prioritise workload, and manage completing demands for self and others.
• Financial and budget management experience.
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication (written and verbal) skills, including the ability to consult, negotiate, and liaise effectively with a diverse range of people.
• Demonstratable understanding and working knowledge of computer packages such as MS Word, Excel, and databases.
• Attention to detail and demonstrated experience in developing and streamlining/improving processes.

Role Description: Click here to see further information, including salary details. If this link is not available, click 'apply' to view this on the University careers page.

Close date for vacancy: 05 October 2025.

Contact details for vacancy: If you have any questions regarding this role, please get in touch with Sue Cherrington, Head of School (sue.cherrington@vuw.ac.nz) or Amy de Boer, Faculty Operations Manager (amy.deboer@vuw.ac.nz).

How to apply: Please ensure you are applying for this role directly on our careers page and not via email. Candidates must submit supporting documents along with their resume, such as a cover letter. We can only consider applicants who are citizens or residents of New Zealand or Australia or on a current working visa. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we may progress with suitable applicants prior to the application closing date. Applications from recruitment agencies are not accepted.