Manu Taiko, Te Hapai Tangata - Associate Director, Organisational Development

• Join us to reimagine how organisational development (OD) enables a thriving university culture grounded in purpose, people, and partnership
• We are looking for a strategic and courageous leader to shape a future where capability, belonging, equity, and performance are deeply integrated into the way we work
• This is an exciting opportunity to lead transformational work across culture change, leadership, workforce development, employee engagement, equity and inclusion, and OD framework
• You will play a critical role as part of Te Pumanawa Tangata - Human Resources Group, championing a modern, mana-enhancing employee experience across the University

Korero mo te turanga - About the role

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is currently recruiting for a Manu Taiko, Te Hapai Tangata - Associate Director, Organisational Development, on a permanent, full-time basis. As Manu Taiko, Te Hapai Tangata - Associate Director, Organisational Development, you will drive University wide initiatives that support our people and leaders to succeed in delivering strategic outcomes through collaborations, connection and community. You will shape frameworks and programmes that lift organisational capability, enable inclusive leadership, support succession and retention, and embed cultural safety across the University.

The salary range for this role is $176,715 to $228,690 (Band 20) per annum.

This role leads core initiatives like:

• manager essentials
• professional staff progression
• academic promotion partnership
• induction and learning strategy
• culture change
• the refreshed equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) framework.

You will also lead and embed change management and complaints frameworks that prioritise people and care.

You will join Te Pumanawa Tangata - HR Leadership team and work closely with academic and professional leaders, iwi and Maori partners, and stakeholders across the University.

Key responsibilities include the following:

• Develop and lead the University's organisational development strategy and programmes, aligned to Te Pumanawa Tangata - HR Delivery Plan and Te Tiriti o Waitangi Statute
• Design and embed initiatives that strengthen employee experience, belonging, and leadership capability across all levels of the organisation
• Deliver a refreshed EDI framework and people-centred complaints framework that enhances trust, inclusion, and safety
• Apply co-design and kaupapa Maori principles and matauranga to organisational learning, change, and culture development
• Partner with Finance, Te Tai Matihiko - Digital Solutions, and other key functions to ensure OD strategy aligns with systems, structures, and workforce planning
• Lead a team of OD professionals, fostering collaboration, cultural confidence, and innovation in everything you deliver

O pumanawa - About you

We are looking for a strategic and relational leader who can connect the dots between people, purpose, and performance.

You will bring:

• deep experience in organisational development, change, or HR strategy, ideally in a complex organisation
• the proven ability to lead transformational change that shifts culture, improves capability, and strengthens engagement
• a high level of cultural competence, with demonstrated leadership embedding Te Tiriti o Waitangi and cultural safety in practice
• confidence working across diverse groups, with the ability to influence at all levels
• strong delivery skills - you can move from strategy to action, turning ideas into impact
• courage, empathy, and a belief in the power of inclusive leadership and shared growth.

Role description - click here to see further information. If this link is not available, click 'apply' to view this on the University career's page.

Close date for vacancy: 01 September 2025.

Contact details for vacancy: If you have any questions regarding this role, please get in touch with Kate Tibbitts, Toi Pumanawa - Chief People Officer (022 014 2630, kate.tibbitts@vuw.ac.nz).

How to apply: Please ensure you are applying for this role directly on our career's page and not via email. When applying for this position, candidates must submit supporting documents along with their resume, such as a cover letter. Applicants who do not have residency or citizenship and require a visa to work at the University must clearly indicate their visa status in their application and understand that if they do not have a current, relevant visa, they will need to secure this independently.

Etahi korero hai awhina i a koe - Why you should join our team

At Te Herenga Waka, you will be part of a dynamic and forward-thinking people team helping shape the future of Aotearoa's capital city university. In Te Pumanawa Tangata, we are on a journey to redesign how we support, grow, and care for our people.

This is a rare opportunity to lead with purpose, contribute to system-wide transformation, and work alongside others who are committed to equity, learning, and innovation.

Mo Te Herenga Waka - About our University

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is renowned for its high-quality research and exceptional teaching. We attract people from around the world. Our university campus spans Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington - the creative, scientific and political centre of Aotearoa New Zealand - and our students thrive on the connections we have made here.

Explore the many benefits of working at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. Find out where you fit in our strategic direction and learn more about our research expertise.

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