- Bring inspirational, transformational, partnership-driven leadership to our outstanding Faculty
- Champion, lead and drive New Zealand's most innovative university as a key member of the Vice-Chancellor's Executive
- 5-year fixed term appointment based at our City Campus
As one of the world's top 100 young universities and New Zealand's newest, Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is a university of opportunity where all students with talent and potential have the chance to succeed. We are a socially-driven university with equity and excellence central to our purpose and actions, and we offer a stimulating teaching and research environment with strong connections to government, business, and industry. AUT has more than 26,000 students and over 4,000 staff based primarily at our three Auckland teaching campuses.
The Faculty of Design and Creative Technologies Faculty (DCT), is our second largest faculty, with more than 7,000 students and over 700 staff, both professional and academic. It contains five connected discipline areas: architecture and built environment, art and design, creative technologies, communication and media studies, and engineering, computer and mathematical sciences. DCT is an outward looking and inspiring hub of significant size and scale, with a diverse range of domestic and international students, in New Zealand's most diverse university. Student demand is positive, programmes have gone through significant change and our research is growing. We are experiencing growth in external engagement and the outlook is exciting, it's an exceptionally good time to consider joining us!
Please note: A candidate information handbook for this role will be available soon. If you would like a copy sent to you at that time, please email [email protected] to request this.
The Opportunity | Te Whiwhinga mahi
We are seeking a visionary and authentic new Dean to provide outstanding strategic, academic, research and people leadership as the head of our unique Faculty of Design and Creative Technologies/Te Ara Auaha. You will lead and empower a faculty executive team of 13 direct reports and over 700 staff (by headcount) focussed on transformational teaching, strengthening and enhancing the student experience, and contributing impactful high-quality research. This role is also a key part of the Vice-Chancellor's Executive and a member of various University bodies such as Academic Board.
Key focus areas include:
- Champion, holistically support and advance the Faculty's objectives with respect to Te Aronui (AUT's Te Tiriti framework).
- Fostering excellence and support in faculty teaching, scholarship, research and collaboration across the schools and research centres. Building greater integrated academic practice with outward reach and focus, while continuing the growth of the impact, quantity and quality of research.
- Continuing to develop an inclusive, positive faculty culture that reflects the university's values - and taking the required measures to achieve high staff engagement.
- Continuing to improve outcomes for Māori students and staff and advancing Te Aronui.
- Leading equity for priority groups, especially Pacific students, in the context of an extraordinarily diverse student and staff cohort.
- Uplifting the Faculty's external profile and ensuring strong personal networking across New Zealand's Design and Creative Technology related sectors. Understanding and championing our impact, role and partnerships with the community.
- Driving greater connection and collaboration across the faculty and university, including more open curriculum.
You will be recognised as a culturally capable leader who champions excellence, inclusivity and diversity, and is committed to creativity and innovation. Your ability to listen, connect, collaborate, communicate and influence will be critical - as will be your strong respect for others. A resolute, robust and positive attitude is essential.
About you | Ko wai koe
We welcome applications from Professors (or Associate Professors of high standing) with extensive senior leadership and staff management experience. The key selection criteria sought are:
- Capability to lead the Faculty on an authentic and robust Te Tiriti journey in accordance with Te Aronui.
- Demonstrated commitment to advancing Māori students and staff.
- Significant senior leadership and academic staff and budget management experience. Please highlight the scale of staff led and budget managed, along with successes developing and sustaining growth.
- Record of distinguished academic and research achievement appropriate for appointment as Professor, with discipline expertise relevant to those within our Faculty of Design and Creative Technologies. A PhD or other higher research degree is expected.
- Your interest and experience embracing innovation, partnership, experimentation and entrepreneurship in previous leadership roles.
- Proven collaborative, inclusive, consultative mana-based leadership style combined with outstanding resilience, interpersonal, and relational skills.
- Capability to advance Pacific students, staff and community outcomes. A champion for equity.
- Significant experience leading strategic changes at scale whilst demonstrating a strong understanding of cultural, operational and environmental change management.
- Experience managing financial performance, facilities and strategic planning resources.
How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono
Along with your full academic CV (including a complete publication list) - please ensure to submit a) a cover letter which explains why this particular role (and AUT) is of interest, and b) a statement addressing how you feel you meet some, or all, of the key selection criteria listed above.
Further Information:
- Start Date: The successful candidate would ideally join AUT in late-2025/early-2026 (to be agreed).
- Term: The successful candidate will secure a 5-year fixed-term appointment (with potential for further extension). Please note, this position does not include an additional substantive permanent academic appointment.
- Interviews: Expected to take place early-October.
- Enquiries: Contact Mike Wood, AUT Executive Recruitment Partner - [email protected]
Closing date for applications: Wednesday 27 August at 11.55pm
Reference: 93127
