Diversity and Inclusion Manager

Job Description:

• Strategic role within People & Culture 
• Lead AUT’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging strategy 
• Permanent full-time opportunity at AUT’s city campus 

Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is New Zealand's newest university and one of its most distinctive. Centred on students and grounded in knowledge that works, AUT is 5-star rated by QS, with more than 27,000 students and 4,000 staff based primarily across three Auckland campuses. It's a place of real opportunity, where the values of Pono, Tika and Aroha shape how talented, progressive people work together – and you'll feel that in the culture, in the collaboration and in the difference the work makes for students, communities and the world. 

Our community is stronger because of the role Te Tiriti plays in how we operate, and because Māori and Pacific knowledge, leadership and contribution are central to who we are. We embrace diversity in all its forms and are proud to welcome people of all ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, religious and political beliefs, socio-economic situations and accessibility needs. 

The Organisational Development team plays a key role in shaping AUT's people experience by partnering with leaders to build capability, foster inclusive cultures, and support organisational change. Together, the team delivers initiatives that strengthen leadership, learning, wellbeing, diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, helping create a workplace where everyone can succeed. 

The Opportunity | Te Whiwhinga mahi 

Reporting to the Director, Organisational Development, you will provide strategic leadership for AUT's diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging agenda. Working across faculties, directorates and with external partners, you'll design and implement initiatives that build inclusive leadership capability, strengthen organisational culture, and create equitable outcomes for our people. 

This is a highly collaborative role where you'll influence leaders, develop organisational capability, and champion initiatives that enable our diverse workforce to flourish. 

• Lead the development, implementation and continuous evolution of AUT's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Plan. 

• Partner with senior leaders to embed inclusive leadership practices across the University. 

• Design and deliver learning programmes, workshops and resources that build cultural intelligence and inclusion capability. 

• Provide expert advice on diversity, equity and inclusion across a wide range of organisational initiatives. 

• Lead AUT's DEIB commitments and external accreditations, including initiatives such as GenderTick and Pride Pledge. 

• Foster and support thriving staff networks and lead key events that celebrate diversity and inclusion. 

• Build strong partnerships with internal stakeholders and external organisations to share best practice and drive continuous improvement. 
• Use data and insights to evaluate the impact of DEIB initiatives and inform future priorities. 

What we offer | Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou 

At AUT you’ll be part of a values-led university with a strong, caring culture, flexible working, generous annual leave and support to thrive in your role and career. We provide the tools, trust, recognition frameworks and cultural capability development programmes to help you make a meaningful contribution. Learn more about our competitive benefits tailored to all staffhttps://www.aut.ac.nz/about/careers-at-aut/working-at-aut/staff-benefits. 

About you | Ko wai koe 

As a professional staff member at AUT, you’ll help our university thrive by improving services, supporting students and staff and driving practical improvements across our campuses. We’re looking for people with energy, curiosity and openness to new ideas who bring a collaborative, adaptable approach and contribute to a positive workplace culture. 

You’ll also bring cultural humility and respect for Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Indigenous peoples and diverse communities. Experience supporting Indigenous, equity or inclusion-focused initiatives is highly valued. 

You'll be an experienced DEIB professional who combines strategic thinking with the ability to influence, coach and deliver practical outcomes. You'll bring: 

• Demonstrated experience leading diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging strategies within a large or complex organisation. 

• A strong understanding of cultural intelligence, inclusive leadership and organisational development. 

• Experience designing and facilitating engaging learning and capability development programmes. 

• Exceptional relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence at all levels. 

• Strong coaching and facilitation skills that enable leaders and teams to build inclusive cultures. 

• Excellent project management skills with the ability to deliver multiple strategic initiatives. 

• Strong communication skills, sound judgement, and the ability to work with a high degree of autonomy. 
• A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Supportive of AUT’s Te Aronui journey (https://www.aut.ac.nz/about/maori/auts-commitment-to-Te-Tiriti-o-Waitangi).   

As a professional member of staff at AUT, you’ll help keep us moving forward. From improving our services and streamlining our systems to supporting the experiences of students and staff across our campuses. By working collaboratively, solving problems and driving practical improvements, you’ll play a vital role in helping us operate smoothly, raise our profile, and evolve what we do, every day. 

You will bring an open, engaging, and collaborative approach, with the flexibility to respond to changing requirements, and actively contribute to a positive and collegial environment. You will demonstrate cultural humility, awareness, and respect when engaging with indigenous peoples and culturally diverse communities. Experience supporting indigenous, equity, or inclusion focused initiatives is highly desirable. 

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono 

Along with your CV - please ensure to submit a cover letter which a) explains why this role (and AUT) is of interest, and b) addresses how you feel you meet some, or all, of the key criteria listed above. 

Please note - all applications must be submitted through the online application process on AUT’s careers website.  

Further Information | Pārongo Anō 

• Start Date: ASAP 

• Salary Ranges | Ngā Utu: $110,000 - $131,000 commensurate with the skills and experience of the successful candidate 

• For further information:  Contact Caroline Cranston, AUT Recruitment Consultant – [email protected] 

Closing Date | Te rā aukati: 30 July 2026 at 5pm 

Job Reference | Tohutoro Mahi: 96246 

*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 Māori 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 921 9499. Please note we are happy to answer your questions but we do not accept applications by email. You will need to apply through the standard registration process.

Nā tō rourou, nā taku rourou ka ora ai te iwi.

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