Pacific Strategy Manager

University of Waikato – Waikato District, North Island

• Dynamic, supportive team delivering strategic initiatives grounded in Pacific leadership, learning and culture
• Additional university leave; competitive superannuation; career opportunities
• Onsite parking options, shops and food outlets; flexible working arrangements

Join the University of Waikato as our Pacific Strategy Manager and play a key role in advancing the university's Pacific Strategic Plan. You will coordinate high-impact initiatives and projects, ensuring alignment across workstreams and connecting leaders across the University.

This role will work within the Assistant Vice-Chancellor Pacific portfolio, manage projects, provide insightful reporting to senior leaders and committees, and support strategic planning. You will build strong relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, communicate effectively across audiences, and proactively identify opportunities and challenges to drive success.

If you are strategic, collaborative, and passionate about making a difference for Pacific learners, staff, families, and communities, this is your chance to contribute to meaningful initiatives at a leading New Zealand university.

Salary will be in the range of $99,865 to $110,392 per year based on skills, knowledge and experience brought to the position. This is a full-time role (37.5 hours a week), based at our Hillcrest Campus.

For more information on the role please see the position description. For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Dr Keaka Hemi, Assistant Vice-Chancellor Pacific,

All applications must be submitted through the online portal, emailed applications will not be accepted.

Ko wai koe? – Who are you?

You are a highly organised and proactive professional with strong analytical and communication skills. You excel at building relationships, managing complex projects, and turning data and insights into strategic outcomes. You are adaptable, resilient, and detail-oriented, with a positive attitude and a strong work ethic.

Experience working with Pacific communities and a commitment to fostering inclusive, respectful, and collaborative environments will set you apart. You bring integrity, empathy, and a solutions-focused mindset, and are motivated to make a meaningful impact in a tertiary education setting.

Research shows that some people are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every qualification. At The University of Waikato, we're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and genuine workplace. So, if you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't perfectly match every listed qualification, we still encourage you to apply. You might be just the right person for this or another opportunity on our team.

Ko wai mātou? – Who are we?

The Office of the Vice-Chancellor is the administrative headquarters and the chief executive office of the University. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic's (DVCA) portfolio provides comprehensive academic and student services to the University and our students. The Assistant Vice-Chancellor Pacific (AVC Pacific) portfolio provides strategic leadership for the university's efforts to deliver better outcomes through tertiary education for Pacific learners, staff, families, and communities.

He aha ngā take me tono mai ai koe? – Why should you apply for this position?

We want you to be part of our success! Our University stands proudly on the world stage as a provider of future-focused, internationally recognised education and an active player in global research. Our rankings reflect these strengths. Working with us means you'll enjoy a satisfying work environment with many benefits.

The University of Waikato is distinctive for the diversity of its staff and students and encourages applicants with the relevant capabilities from all backgrounds to apply. Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in NZ in accordance with the NZ Immigration regulations which can be found here.

Ko te Tangata – For the People

The University of Waikato prides itself on the quality of its engagement with the communities that it serves, the provision of a world-class education and the national and international impact of its research. Our policies are guided by the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and equal opportunity for all.

Applications close on Tuesday, 9 December 2025

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