Dean, Faculty of Science | Manukura Pūtaiao

• Contribute to the leadership of the top-ranked (#68 QS and #12 UNSDG) research-intensive university in Aotearoa New Zealand.
• Champion the academic pursuit of Science, across all its diversity.

The University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau is seeking an inspirational leader with outstanding interpersonal skills and commitment to discovery and innovation through world-class research and education to become our Dean, Faculty of Science | Manukura Pūtaiao.
The Dean will be ambitious for the people and their endeavour in the Faculty of Science. Applying their strategic, management and financial acumen the Dean will create an environment that continues to inspire excellence in an inclusive and empowering way for all staff and students, thus ensuring the faculty’s lasting success.
A true leader, the Dean will recognise that people are the Faculty’s greatest asset, and foster a culture of collegiality and trust, ensuring all staff are encouraged and enabled to achieve at the highest level.

The Dean will draw on their academic credentials to provide visionary leadership to enhance our reputation as New Zealand’s largest and most diverse Faculty of Science. The Dean will combine personal academic eminence with a sound understanding of the challenges of leading a multi-disciplinary, research-led, academic faculty in a highly competitive international environment and the positive impacts that come as a result.

An accomplished relationship builder, the Dean will demonstrate a commitment to cross-faculty, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and ideally a record of meaningful external engagement with government, industry, global and local science communities, and international institutional and educational partners.

Candidates who are not already familiar with New Zealand’s bicultural context will be expected to engage with Māori culture and systems of knowledge and to develop a sound understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and New Zealand’s place in the Pacific. We aspire to contribute to a fair, ethical and sustainable society, reflecting our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and our foundational relationship with tangata whenua. The Dean will demonstrate the insight, experience and commitment to provide continued leadership to equity, diversity and inclusion.

Working with and reporting to the Provost, the Dean will balance the role of being the Faculty’s leader and greatest advocate, while contributing to the success of the whole University, as a key member of the Academic Leadership team, collaborating constructively with other Deans and Directors

Dean will partner with others within and beyond the Faculty to explore and enhance opportunities to secure its future, including growing the philanthropic base while deepening relationships with an existing portfolio of major donors, trusts and corporates.

The University of Auckland occupies a unique position in Aotearoa New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific. We are the country’s leading and largest university with over 42,000 students, and the pre-eminent research institution, employing the largest number of top-ranked researchers in the country. We are also the largest and most highly ranked science faculty in New Zealand with nearly 19,000 students studying in our 10 schools and departments.

New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland is a vibrant cosmopolitan place with an abundance of natural features including a stunning harbour and accessible coastline, native bush and moderate temperatures, which help us to retain our reputation as one of the best cities in the world in which to live.

Applications must be submitted by 2 April 2024 (further detail on how to apply is in the Candidate booklet).

For a confidential discussion, please contact Clare Litten, University of Auckland, email: c.litten@auckland.ac.nz 

Position Reference: REF21524M

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive and equitable environment. For further information on services for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQITakatāpui+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other equity issues go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz 

Talent and Recruitment Team

Supporting an environment inclusive of Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQITakatāpui+, equity groups, parenting support and flexible work.

He wāhi ora, he wāhi whakamana, mō te ako me te mahi.