Job Description
The opportunity I Te Whiwhinga mahi
We have an exciting opportunity to appoint a new Associate Director – International Partnerships. This is a key leadership role in the International Office focused on shaping and executing strategic plans for global collaborations. This position leads the development of international partnerships, manage transnational agreements, and drive initiatives that positively impact on the University’s global reputation.
The Associate Director delivers high-quality policy and strategic advice to the Director International on all matters relating to international partnerships, transnational education and plays a key role in the operational leadership of the team. Driven by the University’s Taumata Teitei vision, you will enable our people to embed a working culture driven by our Manaakitanga, Whanaungatanga, and Kaitiakitanga principles.
This is a full time (37.5 hours/ week) permanent position, with a salary range of $157,000 - $187,000.
For more information, please see the Position Description.

• Strategy, Planning & Decision Making: Lead the development of strategic and annual operational plans related to international partnerships, transnational education, mobility, and networks. Report on the effectiveness of these partnerships and networks, and identify areas for improvement.
• Leadership & Development: Provide leadership, mentoring, professional development, and direction for the team. This includes thought leadership that actively promotes the internationalisation aims of the University of Auckland to inspire an ethos of partnership and engagement. As a leader, you will need to lead by example, demonstrating the values and behaviours expected of the team.
• Relationship Management: Manage international relationships with transnational education partners, exchange institutions, study abroad providers, government organisations, and other key external stakeholders. Develop and maintain effective relationships with faculties and other University service divisions.
  About the team I Mō tō mātou rōpū
  The International Office contributes to how the University articulates, executes, and maintains its international ambitions and aims to make a significant impact in the global higher education landscape to further the University’s interests in teaching, research, and outreach for the benefit of all our communities.
  About you I He kōrero mōu
  The successful candidate will exhibit an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the international education landscape and specifically international partnerships, mobility, and transnational education. They will need to demonstrate proven relationship management strengths, with clear evidence of an ability to build successful business partnerships and drive strategic direction and effective service cultures. High-level communication ability is essential, with verbal, written, and interpersonal skills integral to success in this role.
  Strong skills in the development and implementation of strategy are required along with expertise in delivering operational objectives on time, to budget, and in line with current policy and procedures.

We are seeking I E rapua ana mātou

• Experience in the tertiary education sector, marketing and recruitment fields, or similar sectors.
• Knowledge of the policy environment impacting international education.
• Significant experience in leading teams, with the ability to translate strategy into action.
• Demonstrated ability to network and influence, work well with others, and manage planning and strategy elements.
• Ability to navigate geopolitical climates and ambiguity, being nimble, agile, and flexible.

If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for international education, a commitment to diversity, and a track record of leadership, we invite you to apply.
Additional Information
Waipapa Taumata Rau I The University of Auckland
The University of Auckland is Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading university and 68th in the QS World University Rankings 2024. Employing over 9,000 staff supporting over 46,000 students, we are one of NZ’s largest and most diverse employers. The university is a comprehensive research-intensive institution with eight academic faculties and 11 service divisions creating an evolving organisational culture that values excellence, respect, and commitment to service.
What we offer I Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou
We offer you the opportunity to be part of a high-performing team within a world-class educational institution, located in one of the world’s most liveable cities.

Our commitment is to provide a supportive working environment with benefits that include:

• A 37.5 hour work week.
• Up to 6.75% company superannuation scheme.
• Competitive salaries with five weeks annual leave and the option to buy and sell additional leave.
• Flexible employment practices, including working from home (WFH) and adaptive working hours.
• A leading and inclusive parental leave policy.

In addition, we offer career development programmes, discounted car parking, on-site childcare options, leisure and recreation facilities, and several other discounted products and services. For more information, please visit Staff Benefits.
Hear more about making Worlds of Difference in your career at the University, our partnership with Māori, our Te Ao Māori principles, our impact, our staff and life in Auckland on our careers website.
How to apply I Me pēhea te tuku tono
Applications must be submitted online, by the closing date of 27th April 2025 to be considered. Please include a short Cover Letter, and your CV highlighting why you are interested in joining us, and how you can meet the requirements of our vacancy.
You can reach out to Lisa Matthews via lisa.matthews@auckland.ac.nz for a confidential conversation. We are unable to accept direct email applications.