Student Thriving and Retention Manager

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university and 65th 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. 

Our mission and values place a strong emphasis on both our student body and our scholarly community, and we work with both community and enterprise to advance the well-being of the peoples of Auckland and New Zealand, with a clear commitment to pursuing sustainability.
 

About the team | Mō tō mātou rōpū 

Campus Life operates a range of wellbeing services such as Student Accommodation, Counselling & Health Services and Sport and Recreation, which are aimed at removing personal barriers to academic success.  It also operates engagement services such as support for student organisations, social and sporting events, volunteering and leadership support aimed at helping students to develop a sense of belonging, build friendships and engage in co-curricular activities that complement their academic development. 

The Student Thriving and Retention (STAR) initiative supports achievement of Waipapa Taumata Rau’s retention targets under our Learner Success Plan which aims to improve retention overall but with a particular focus on achieving parity for Māori and Pacific students. STAR provides a coordinated approach to proactively contacting students who are showing early support needs and to offer tailored support.

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to lead the Student Thriving and Retention team as STAR Manager. 

The opportunity | Te Whiwhinga mahi 

The STAR Manager will be responsible for the overall co-ordination and success of the STAR initiative, planning and overseeing outreach campaigns and making process, systems and other improvements that will drive improved outcomes for students and the University. 

Some key responsibilities include:

• Team Leadership - Provide leadership, mentoring and direction for staff members and effectively communicate the importance of student retention and success to bring together diverse teams from across the University to help develop, refine and effectively execute outreach campaigns. 
• Engagement - Build and maintain relationships with leaders across the University to ensure buy in and that the Campaign is supported. 
• Strategy - Develop key insights into the student experience and contribute to the achievement of the strategic objectives of the University’s Learner Success Plan. 
• Operational - Design and develop the roll out of the STAR Outreach Campaign each semester for new students, following up with campaign practitioners to ensure timely completion.
• Data & Reporting - Work with the Planning and Information Office and Campus Life Insights Analyst to refine and improve the data available to identify candidates for outreach and ensure it is available in a format that enables successful outreach campaigns.
• Continuous Improvement - Leverage stakeholder feedback to enhance programme effectiveness and engagement.

For more information, please see Position Description

About you | He kōrero mōu 

Successful candidates must have experience overseeing the successful coordination and implementation of similar projects, ideally related to Student success. With proven leadership skills, you will value contributions from a variety of sources and be able to inspire and motivate your team and other key stakeholders.

Our ideal candidate will bring the following: 

• Demonstrated experience producing high quality written documentation including reports, publications and/or presentations.
• Data Analysis and critical thinking with the ability to develop graphical and other presentations of data.
• Strong Office 365 skills.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to efficiently deliver to deadlines.

What we offer | Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou

We offer you more than just a job. We provide you the opportunity to be part of a dynamic, world-class educational institution whilst being part of a team focused on enhancing the student experience at Waipapa Taumata Rau.

We proudly provide an environment that enables your natural abilities and rewards hard work. We provide benefits and support throughout your career that allow you to develop and grow.

We are committed to providing a supportive working environment through:

• A 37.5-hour work week
• Up to 6.75% company superannuation scheme
• A competitive salary with five weeks of annual leave. With the option to buy and sell additional leave
• Flexible employment practices. Including partial working from home and adaptive working hours
• In addition, we offer career development programmes, discounted car parking, on-site childcare options, leisure and recreation facilities, and a number of other discounted products and services. 

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
 

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications must be submitted online, by the closing date of Sunday 1st December to be considered. Please include your cover letter and your CV highlighting how you can meet the skills and experiences detailed above.

Please reach out to Josh Chapman [email protected] for a confidential conversation. Please note we are happy to answer your questions, but we do not accept applications by email.
 

Equity

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment.  For further information on services for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQIATakatāpuiMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other personal circumstances go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz

The University is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment where everyone can thrive. For further information see Te Ara Tautika | the Equity Policy and visit www.equity.auckland.ac.nz