Head of School of Nursing and Midwifery

Job Description

• Lead the development of a culturally responsive, clinically excellent Nursing and Midwifery workforce for Aotearoa.
• Are you an experienced academic and professional leader with a passion for advancing nursing and midwifery education, equity, and practice innovation?
• This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of nursing and midwifery at the University of Waikato.

Ngā kōrero mō te tūranga – About the role

As Head of School of Nursing and Midwifery, you will provide academic, strategic, and operational leadership for all nursing and midwifery programmes within the Division of Health. You will ensure that programmes are evidence-based, culturally responsive, and fully aligned with accreditation requirements set by the Nursing Council of New Zealand and the Midwifery Council of New Zealand.

This role will oversee the delivery and continuous enhancement of undergraduate, graduate-entry, and postgraduate offerings in nursing and midwifery. You will support a high-performing academic team, strengthen clinical partnerships, and drive research that informs nursing and midwifery practice, policy, and equity-focused innovation.

As part of the Division’s Senior Leadership Team, you will collaborate closely with the Pro Vice-Chancellor of Health, the Head of Midwifery, and other School leaders to promote interprofessional learning and ensure that graduates are prepared for collaborative, team-based healthcare delivery.

The position is based in Hamilton, with regional and national engagement expected. Salary will be commensurate with seniority, experience, and the mana you bring to the role.

Ko wai koe? – Who are you?

You will be an established academic leader holding a PhD or equivalent qualification in Nursing, Midwifery, or a closely related field, ideally at Associate Professor or Professor level. Alongside your academic standing, you will hold a current Annual Practising Certificate issued by the Nursing Council of New Zealand and / or the Midwifery Council of New Zealand.

With a proven record of leading nursing or midwifery education teams, you will bring expertise in programme design, innovative teaching methodologies, and sustained excellence in research-led teaching. You will also have a credible research record, with contributions that advance professional practice and strengthen health systems.

Ko wai mātou? – Who are we?

The Division of Health at the University of Waikato is committed to achieving better, fairer health outcomes across Aotearoa. Our programmes span Biomedical Sciences, Health Promotion, Human Performance Science, Midwifery, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Sport Development and Coaching.

The School of Nursing and Midwifery educates a highly skilled, culturally responsive workforce through strong clinical partnerships, equity-focused curricula, and research-informed teaching.

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

This is a rare opportunity to lead a School that plays a vital role in shaping the future of Aotearoa’s nursing and midwifery workforce. You will influence the development of graduates who are clinically excellent, equity-focused, and culturally grounded, while contributing to research and partnerships that advance health outcomes nationally.

The University of Waikato values integrity, creativity, diversity, and our enduring partnership with Māori. We are committed to a workplace that is inclusive and mana-enhancing, and we welcome applications from candidates with the skills, authority, and vision to help us achieve our goals.

The University of Waikato is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from candidates with the relevant capabilities from all backgrounds.

EEO Statement : The University of Waikato is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from qualified candidates.

Applications must be submitted through the online portal. The closing date for applications is Friday, October 24, 2025.

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