Senior Manager - Transnational Education

Te Wananga Aronui o Tamaki Makau Rau | Auckland University of Technology (AUT)

"Na to rourou, na tuku rourou ka ora ai te iwi"

"With your food basket and my food basket, the people will thrive"

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 International Office plays a pivotal role in developing and strengthening the AUT's global presence, fostering international partnerships, Transnational Education (TNE), and ensuring the achievement of international student recruitment and engagement objectives.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

AUT is entering a new and exciting phase of its journey as we seek a highly experienced leader to take on the pivotal role of Senior Manager – Transnational Education (TNE).

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a newly formed TNE team within the International Office, dedicated to building AUT's global footprint through high quality TNE partnerships in our key markets.

You will play a central role in shaping the future of AUT's TNE strategy, designing innovative delivery models, and ensuring academic quality, regulatory compliance, and financial sustainability.

This role requires a strategic thinker who can also deliver operationally, balancing academic integrity with commercial viability.

It will suit someone with proven success in establishing and managing TNE partnerships in China and across the Asia-Pacific region, with the ability to navigate complex cross-border regulations, institutional dynamics and cultural contexts.

Nga haepapa matua | Key Responsibilities

Drive TNE strategy – lead the development and implementation of AUT's TNE strategic plan to support international student growth across all faculties.

Develop and manage partnerships – identify, negotiate, and deliver sustainable TNE collaborations, ensuring alignment with AUT's goals and partner expectations.

Ensure quality and compliance – oversee academic standards, governance, and regulatory requirements in collaboration with faculties and the Academic Quality Office.

Innovate in delivery – champion new models such as joint programmes, online / hybrid partnerships, and other flexible approaches to international delivery.

Provide strategic advice – advise the Director International and senior leadership on emerging TNE opportunities, risks, and trends across priority markets.

Lead people and performance – build and lead a high-performing TNE team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, equity, and excellence.

Oversee reporting and analysis – manage business cases, financial models, performance reviews, and reporting for internal and external stakeholders.

Collaborate widely – work closely across AUT with faculties, brand and marketing, recruitment, and student services to ensure partnership and student outcomes are achieved.

Ko wai koe | About you

You are an experienced higher education leader with a strong track record in developing and delivering TNE partnerships in China and the Asia-Pacific region.

You thrive in complex environments, balancing strategic foresight with operational delivery.

With excellent cultural competence, negotiation skills and the ability to build trust with senior stakeholders, you are motivated by creating opportunities that benefit students, partners and the university.

What You Will Bring

A tertiary qualification (postgraduate preferred).

Minimum 7 years' experience in international higher education, including at least 5 years managing TNE partnerships and 3 years leading a team.

Direct experience setting up and managing TNE partnerships in China and across the Asia-Pacific region.

Strong knowledge of quality assurance, compliance, and higher education systems.

Exceptional communication, negotiation and relationship-management skills.

Financial acumen and experience in developing sustainable business models.

A collaborative leadership style, with a commitment to AUT's values of Tika, Pono and Aroha – integrity, respect and compassion and continuous improvement.

Nga Huanga | Benefits

Professional development

Generous leave allowances

Flexible and hybrid working options

Pakirehua | Enquiries

Reference :

Closing date : 10th November

• , 11 : 59 pm

Full-time denotes 37.5 hours per week

At AUT we strive to be a place where people love to work and learn.

We are committed to te Tiriti, excellence and inclusivity and aspire to be the University of choice for Maori and Pacific communities.

We welcome people of all ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, religious and political beliefs, socio-economic situations and accessibility needs.

Please note that all applications must be submitted through the online application process.

For further information, please send us an enquiry here or call

We do not accept applications by email; you will need to apply through the standard registration process.

#J-