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Student Services | Te Ratonga Ākonga
Join us in shaping a compassionate, forward-thinking service that helps students flourish at Otago.
About our team/Mō te tīma
Student Services, part of the Academic Division, plays a vital role in ensuring students are well-supported during their time at the University of Otago. We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and thriving environment where all students can succeed. Our services are guided by Te Tiriti o Waitangi and grounded in values of equity, manaakitaka, and whakawhanaunataka.
Te Pou Whirinaki is a new wellbeing hub based on the Dunedin campus. It complements clinical mental health services, offering a holistic, culturally responsive space where students can access support, take time out, and connect with services that help them thrive.
The role/Te mahi
This is a unique opportunity to lead Te Pou Whirinaki – a dedicated, student-focused wellbeing hub. As Manager, Te Pou Whirinaki, you will lead the design and ongoing delivery of an inclusive and accessible service that supports the mental health and wellbeing of students across all campuses.
You will oversee a team of Peer Support Advisers and Hauora Connectors, ensuring that Te Pou Whirinaki provides high-quality, culturally responsive, and professional pastoral care. You will also work in close collaboration with internal and external support services to coordinate well-being initiatives, deliver early intervention support, and respond to diverse student needs.
In addition to managing daily operations, you will be responsible for developing strategic plans, recruiting and mentoring staff, coordinating events and workshops, and providing expert advice on wellbeing across the University.
Skills and Experience / Kā pūkeka me kā wheako
To be successful in this role, you will be a registered mental health, social work, or addiction professional with a current practicing certificate and at least five years' experience in mental health or wellbeing services. You will also bring:
- Proven leadership and team management experience.
- Demonstrated commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and equity-based practice.
- Knowledge of evidence-based mental health approaches for young adults.
- Excellent communication, cultural competence, and strong collaborative skills.
- The ability to deliver responsive, trauma-informed, and inclusive support.
- Familiarity with the tertiary education environment and student wellbeing challenges.
Experience delivering workshops or wellbeing campaigns, and a sound understanding of the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice, would be an advantage.
Further details/Pūroko
This is a permanent, full-time (37.5 hours per week) role, located in Ōtepoti, Dunedin. Flexibility to work after hours will be required.
You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand.
The University is offering a remuneration level commensurate with the responsibilities, qualifications, skills, and experience of the successful candidate.
The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Children’s Act 2014 and the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021. Candidates who successfully make the final stages of the recruitment process will be required to undergo a police safety check.
The University of Otago is a workplace that values and utilises diverse and inclusive thinking, people, and behaviours. This means that the contributions of staff with diverse backgrounds, experiences, skills, and perspectives are valued and respected.
For further information or to discuss the roles in confidence - please contact Dr Jo Oranje, Manager Student Pastoral Care, via the contact details.
Application/Tono
Applications quoting reference number 2500923 will close on Sunday, 6 July 2025.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and candidates may be asked to interview immediately. The University reserves the right to close this vacancy at any time.
