Executive Lead (Queenstown) at University of Otago

Northcote, Canterbury Region, New Zealand -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

20 Jul, 26

Salary

100776.0

Posted On

21 Apr, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Strategic planning, Operational support, Student recruitment, Partner engagement, Stakeholder management, Project management, Communication skills, Cultural capability, Relationship building, Leadership, Process improvement, Higher education administration

Industry

Research Services

Description

__________ UNIVERSITY OF OTAGO | ŌTĀKOU WHAKAIHU WAKA VICE CHANCELLOR’S OFFICE | TE TARI O TE TUMU WHAKARAE Help shape the future of the University of Otago in Queenstown. The University of Otago is establishing an ambitious and distinctive presence in Queenstown Lakes District. This is a rare opportunity to play a pivotal role at the very beginning of a major strategic initiative, helping to shape how the University engages with students, partners, and the community. The role | Te mahi We are seeking an Executive Lead to provide high quality strategic and operational support to the Establishment Director for the Queenstown and Lakes District Project. Working across development and implementation phases, this role has a strong initial focus on delivery - particularly student recruitment activity (including the launch of the Master of Digital Technology), partner engagement, and being a visible, responsive presence on the Queenstown campus. You will work closely with colleagues across the University and with external stakeholders to drive priority initiatives, support student success, and ensure effective systems, processes, and services are in place to support future growth. This is a starting role that will evolve rapidly as the Queenstown presence develops, offering significant scope and opportunity. About you | Kā pūkeka me kā wheako You’ll be a proactive, pragmatic professional who thrives in complex environments and enjoys turning strategy into action. We’re looking for someone who brings: • Experience in supporting the execution of strategy, ideally within a tertiary or similarly complex environment. • A strong understanding of how universities operate, particularly the University of Otago. • The ability to build trust and influence across a wide range of stakeholders, including senior leaders, partners, and mana whenua. • Excellent communication skills and sound judgement. • A self starting, “get things done” approach, with comfort working in ambiguity. • Cultural capability and a respectful, confident approach to engagement. Further details | Pūroko This is a full-time (37.5 hours per week), permanent position. The role may be Ōtepoti, Dunedin based initially, with an expectation it will be Tāhuna, Queenstown based once students are established on campus. The appointment range for this role is $80,749 to $85,649. Top of Range $100,776. More information regarding employee benefits can be found here. You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this position. The University of Otago is a workplace that values and utilises diverse and inclusive thinking, people and behaviours. This means that we honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi and that the contributions of staff with diverse backgrounds, experiences, skills and perspectives are valued and respected. For further information regarding the role please contact Richard Barker, via the below contact details. Application | Tono To submit your application (including CV and cover letter) please click the apply button. Applications quoting reference number 2600669 will close on Sunday 3 May 2026. Applications may be reviewed as submitted and candidates may be invited to interview immediately. The University reserves the right to close this vacancy at any time. Additional Information Contact: Richard Barker Position details: Job Description Further Information: Department Website Create an email with a link to this vacancy: Create email Location: About Dunedin

Responsibilities

The Executive Lead will provide strategic and operational support to the Establishment Director for the Queenstown and Lakes District Project. Key duties include driving student recruitment, managing partner engagement, and ensuring effective systems are in place for campus growth.