Dean - School of Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Sciences

• Lead a globally recognised School in sport and exercise-related teaching and research.

University of Otago | Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka

The University of Otago has been a renowned place of learning and discovery for more than 150 years. We strive to be a globally influential university, upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi and advancing research-informed teaching that enables transformative learning and student experiences. Our Vision | Ko te Aronga is for our people and knowledge to transform lives, connect communities, and nurture the environment in Ōtākou, Te Waipounamu, Aotearoa, the Pacific, and beyond.

Te Kura Para-Whakawai has a long-standing international reputation for excellence in education, research, and community service. In the 2025 QS World University Rankings for sport-related subjects, Otago is ranked 11th globally and remains New Zealand’s leading university, recognised for academic reputation, research excellence, and graduate employability.

The Role

We seek a visionary and strategic Dean / Manutaki to lead the School of Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Sciences. The successful candidate will bring academic credibility, strategic vision, and a collaborative spirit; demonstrate a deep appreciation of Aotearoa New Zealand’s cultural context; and foster an inclusive, respectful environment where people and ideas thrive.

The Dean will advance the School’s reputation for excellence in sport and exercise sciences, driving research, student success, and innovation. With a proven record of collaboration across sport, health, community, and government sectors, they will strengthen partnerships and extend the School’s impact locally and internationally.

They will uphold the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and lead the School in achieving the goals of the University’s Māori, Pacific, Equity, Diversity, and Sustainability frameworks, embedding culturally grounded practices across teaching, research, and engagement.

As a key member of the Sciences Division leadership team, the Dean will contribute to the Division’s strategy and the University’s broader goals as set out in Pae Tata and Vision 2040.

Person Specifications

Candidates will ideally have:

• An outstanding record of scholarly and professional achievement in a field related to sport and exercise science, sport development/management, or physical activity/health.
• A proven ability to build relationships and engage externally with sporting organisations, community groups, and industry partners.
• Outstanding leadership in teaching and research, and the ability to inspire academic excellence.
• Strong management skills that foster an inclusive, collegial, and high-performing culture.
• Experience supervising postgraduate research.
• Knowledge of te ao Māori values, and a commitment to respect and uphold them, guided by Ngāi Tahu as mana whenua.

While the University prefers an appointment at the level of Professor, it is open to Associate Professor if appropriate for the successful candidate.

Further Details

The University of Otago is committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its relationship with Ngāi Tahu. Mātauranga Māori is embedded across teaching and research, and we value leaders who will support and grow this kaupapa.

Collaboration and collegiality underpin the School’s culture, guided by whakawhanaungatanga (connection), manaakitanga (respect), ngākau pono (integrity), ngākau reka (positivity), and māhirahira (curiosity).

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to give a presentation to SPSES staff and postgraduate students. Interviews are scheduled for late January 2026—please note availability in your cover letter.

Application

To apply, please submit a cover letter, CV, and contact details for three referees.

Applications quoting reference number 2501540 close Sunday, 23 November 2025.

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