Dean, Faculty of Law

• Contribute to the leadership of the top-ranked (#68 QS and #12 UNSDG) research-intensive university in Aotearoa New Zealand.
• Leading the Faculty in its commitment to internationally recognised research and academic excellence
• Law ranked 55th in the 2023 QS World Rankings by Subject

The University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau is seeking an inspirational leader with outstanding interpersonal skills and commitment to excellence in research and teaching to become our Dean, Faculty of Law, Manukura Ture.

The Dean will be ambitious for the people and their endeavour in the Faculty of Law. 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.

The Dean will recognise that people are the Faculty’s greatest asset and will 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 leading Faculty of Law. The Dean will combine personal academic eminence with a sound understanding of the challenges and opportunities afforded to the country’s leading Law School, bringing knowledge and expertise to continue to grow the Faculty’s research excellence and outstanding student achievement.

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 the legal profession, government, business, global and local law 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 Aotearoa 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 Senior Leadership team, collaborating constructively with other Deans and Directors.

Situated in the heart of the Auckland legal precinct, with strong links to the legal profession and the judiciary, the Faculty has very supportive and successful alumni, holding some of the most influential positions in the country. The Dean will partner with others within and beyond the Faculty to explore and enhance opportunities to secure its future, including growing the Faculty’s philanthropic base and to managing relationships with an existing portfolio of major donors, including individuals, trusts and corporate entities.

The University of Auckland occupies a unique position in Aotearoa New Zealand, and the Asia-Pacific region. 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 law faculty in New Zealand, with nearly 3,700 students studying in our Faculty.

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 26 May 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: REF25193A Dean of Law

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.