Strategic Partnerships Manager - Government

Company Description

UniServices is a wholly owned company of Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, that directly supports the University’s ambition to be a global powerhouse of innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship.

We achieve this through :

• Growing Research : We help researchers turn innovative ideas into impactful outcomes by identifying new market opportunities, building partnerships with industry and government, and securing funding opportunities to support the translation of knowledge to impact.
• Investing and Partnering : We manage the University of Auckland Inventors’ Fund, a $40 million pre‑seed and seed investment fund that works to transform University research into high‑growth global companies.
• Commercialising and protecting ideas : We help researchers disclose and protect their ideas, start companies or license their technology. We help fledgling companies refine their business plans, access start‑up capital and grow.

Strategic Growth Team

The Strategic Growth teams’ drives growth and commercialisation of research at the University of Auckland, actively supporting the University’s ambition to be a global powerhouse of innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship.

The Partnerships & Innovation Team, a key part of the Strategic Growth function, collaborates with the University of Auckland’s academic and research staff to identify, develop and scale research opportunities. This team works closely with government and industry partners to translate research into impactful outcomes, fostering connections between industry and academics, shaping a robust pipeline of ideas and opportunities, and aligning them with market needs and opportunities.

Job Description

The opportunity

We seek an action‑oriented individual for this permanent, full‑time role. The primary focus is to grow relationships and revenue through engagement with industry and government partners. To support the Director Government Relations to develop and implement a Waipapa Taumatau Rau (WTR), University of Auckland‑connected Government Relationships Strategy that leads to contracted research, consulting and research‑informed services. To take forward discreet areas of strategic focus in consultation with the Director. Business Development expertise and networks in strategically partnering with Government is essential and partnering with WTR would be advantageous. Note there will be regular travel involved for the successful incumbent.

Key responsibilities

Connect Internally & Externally :

Transform & Accelerate Ideas to Funding :

Diversify Funding Sources and Talent :

Grow Research Revenue :

Qualifications

These are the skills and experience required. This is not an entry‑level position. You will :

Only applicants with the right to work in New Zealand will be considered.

Additional Information

What we offer

Great benefits, including 5 weeks annual leave, up to 6.75% company superannuation scheme, eye‑testing & glasses subsidies, access to discounts on health insurance & gym memberships, and long‑service recognition. We provide a culturally diverse team and supportive workplace with a blended approach to office and home‑based work. We offer flexible working arrangements and are committed to your ongoing professional development.

Please submit your application by 26 October 2025.

Honoa te tangata ki te tangata, te tangata ki te taiao, te tangata ki te rangahau, rangahaua ki whai hua.

(Linking people to people, people to the world around us, people to research, research that brings ideas to life.)

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