Manu Tāiko | Associate Director, Student Recruitment Pathways

Job Description:

• Can you lead recruitment strategies or programmes that contribute to measurable outcomes?

• Are you an experienced leader in student recruitment, engagement, marketing, or a related field?

• Do you have experience developing teams in a complex, service-focused or target-driven environment?

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is currently recruiting a Manu Tāiko - Associate Director, Student Recruitment Pathways to join the Future Students and Student Operations group on a permanent, full-time basis.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead the planning, delivery and continuous improvement of domestic student recruitment pathway activity.
• Provide leadership and direction to recruitment staff, supporting a high-performing, inclusive and results-focused team culture.
• Develop recruitment plans and approaches informed by data, market insights and strategic priorities.
• Build strong working relationships with Faculties, Schools, community partners and internal University stakeholders.
• Support coordinated recruitment, outreach and conversion activity across the prospective student journey.
• Use reporting, evaluation and performance information to inform decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Represent the University professionally with external stakeholders and sector partners.

Ō pūmanawa - About you

You will be an experienced leader in student recruitment, engagement, marketing, business development, education or a related field. You will be confident working at both strategic and operational levels, able to influence others, manage ambiguity and lead teams through competing priorities and peak periods.

Key requirements:

• Significant senior-level experience in student recruitment, transition, marketing, business development or a related education field.
• Proven experience leading recruitment strategies or programmes that contribute to measurable outcomes.
• Experience leading and developing teams in a complex, service-focused or target-driven environment.
• Strong relationship management, networking, presentation and influencing skills.
• Experience using data, reporting and insights to support planning and decision-making.
• Demonstrated commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, equity of access and culturally responsive engagement.
• Strong judgement, communication, project management and change management capability.
• Understanding of the tertiary education environment and domestic student recruitment context.

Role Description: Click here to see further information.

If this link is not available, click 'apply' to view this on the University careers page.

Close date for vacancy: 24 July 2026.

Contact details for vacancy: If you have any questions regarding this role please get in touch with Monique Warder ([email protected]).

How to apply: Please ensure you are applying for this role directly on our careers page and not via email. Candidates must submit supporting documents along with their resume, such as a cover letter.

We can only consider applicants who are citizens or residents of New Zealand or Australia or on a current working visa. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we may progress with suitable applicants prior to the application closing date. Applications from recruitment agencies are not accepted.

About Us

Mō Te Herenga Waka - About Our University

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is renowned for its high-quality research and exceptional teaching. We attract people from around the world. Our university campus spans Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington - the creative, scientific and political centre of Aotearoa New Zealand - and our students thrive on the connections we have made here.

Explore the many benefits of working at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. Find out where you fit in our strategic direction and learn more about our research expertise.