"Warden of University Flats"

About our team | Mō te tīma

The University of Otago is New Zealand's first and oldest University. It has a strong teaching and research tradition and well-established national and international linkages. UniFlats is a residential flatting community which provides around 900 rooms in more than 200 separate properties.

The Uniflats mission is to provide and strengthen high-quality accommodation for international, postgraduate, and other students at the University of Otago, creating a safe, inclusive, and academically supportive living environment. Grounded in the principles of Manaakitanga (care, respect, and generosity of spirit), UniFlats fosters a collegial community that promotes wellbeing, belonging, while working in partnership across the University to contribute meaningfully to positive student outcomes.

The role | Te mahi

The Warden of University Flats provides leadership and operational oversight of a large, residential accommodation portfolio, with full accountability for service delivery, financial performance, regulatory compliance, risk management, and the leadership of a multidisciplinary staffing team.

Key responsibilities include portfolio-wide budget management, resource allocation, systems and process optimisation, resident selection and allocations, maintaining property and safety standards, and ensuring a high-quality residential experience aligned with University strategy.

The Warden drives operational excellence while cultivating a culture of accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement across the UniFlats community. UniFlats is a busy year-round operation of strategic importance, particularly in providing accommodation for international students. As a result, the Warden will collaborate closely with the International Office and Student Services.

Your skills and experience | Kā pūkeka me kā wheako

We seek an experienced leader who is adept in building and leading a culture of high-quality service delivery, sustainable innovation, consistency and continuous improvement.

Our ideal candidate will:
• Have a track record in outstanding leadership, management, budget and organisation skills.
• Have the ability to perform effectively and professionally in a complex and challenging environment.
• Be familiar with a culture of working with International and Postgraduate students.
• Have strong administrative, organisational and financial skills.
• Have highly developed communication skills, using multiple media.
• Be able to prioritise resources to competing priorities effectively.
• Contribute more widely to the Campus and Collegiate Life Services Division.

A relevant degree level tertiary qualification or commensurate experience is essential, with a preference for a candidate who has had experience working with tertiary students.

Further details | Pūroko

This is a full-time (37.5 hours per week) permanent position, based in Ōtepoti, Dunedin. Live-in accommodation can be provided if required.

The appointment range for this role is $107,320 to $115,834. Top of range $124,348.

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this position.

Confidential enquiries can be directed to Dr Sean McCallaghan, Senior Warden of Colleges, Campus & Collegiate Life Services Division via the contact information below.

Application | Tono

To submit your application (including CV and cover letter) please click the apply button below. Applications quoting reference number 2600459 will close on Sunday, 22 March 2026.

Applications may be reviewed as they are received. The university has the right to close this vacancy at any time.

Additional Information
Contact: Dr Sean McCallaghan
Position details: Job Description
Further Information: Department Website
Location: About Dunedin

Posted: 04/03/2026