"Tumu Maruārangi - Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research)"

About the University

Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington is New Zealand’s globally ranked capital city university, with a strong commitment to research excellence, inspirational teaching, and impactful public engagement. As one of Aotearoa’s most prestigious universities, we are deeply connected with Wellington, the Asia–Pacific region, and the world. We are also home to world-leading research groups including the Antarctic Research Centre, the Robinson Research Institute and the National Centre for Women’s Health Aotearoa.

The University is committed to upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi and embedding the aspirations of Mai i te Iho ki te Pae, our Māori Strategic Outcomes Framework, in everything we do. Our name, Te Herenga Waka – ‘the mooring place of canoes’ – reflects the University’s role as a place of connection, grounding, and exploration.

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

The Tumu Maruārangi - Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) is a key executive leadership role, providing strategic direction and oversight of the University’s research portfolio, including the Research Office, Faculty of Graduate Research, key research institutes and centres, and our commercialisation arm, Wellington UniVentures.

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team (Te Hiwa), the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) plays a pivotal role in shaping and delivering the University’s strategic plan, strengthening research capability, impact, and partnerships across disciplines, and ensuring a culture of excellence, equity, and collaboration.

The role also involves significant external engagement, representing the University nationally and internationally with research funders, policy agencies, Iwi and Pasifika communities, and sector bodies such as Universities New Zealand.

Ō pūmanawa - About you

To be successful in this role, you will be a respected academic leader with:

• A doctoral qualification and a strong personal research profile.
• Extensive experience in research leadership within a university or large research organisation.
• Demonstrated success in securing external funding and building collaborative research networks.
• Experience managing complex academic or research portfolios.
• A deep understanding of the research policy environment, commercialisation, and postgraduate research education.
• Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and advancing research that reflects the diverse communities we serve.
• A proven ability to influence, inspire, and bring people together across a large, diverse and multi-disciplinary institution.

If you are passionate about research excellence and innovation and have the strategic vision and leadership capability to drive high-impact outcomes in a globally engaged university, we invite you to join us.

Role Description:

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Contact and Application Process

Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington is working in partnership with executive search consultants The Insight Group on this appointment.

For a confidential discussion or to request the candidate information booklet, please contact The Insight Group on +61 3 9654 3288 or email applications@insightgroup.com.au.

All applications should be sent to applications@insightgroup.com.au, please do not send applications directly to the University via the Apply Now button.

Applications close 5pm on Tuesday 30 September 2025.

Posted: 09/09/2025