Company Description

Schools and Community Engagement | Strategic Engagement
University of Auckland | Waipapa Taumata Rau

At the University of Auckland, we are committed to creating transformative educational opportunities that empower young people to succeed. Through our Pathway Programmes, we work alongside schools, communities, whānau and educators to strengthen educational outcomes and support students on their journey to tertiary study.

We're looking for an experienced educator and relationship builder to join our Schools and Community Engagement team as a Pathway Programmes Teacher Placement.

Job Description

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

This is a unique opportunity for a current or former educator to contribute to programmes that are making a measurable difference for Māori and Pacific learners and helping shape the future of education across Tāmaki Makaurau.

Working closely with the Pathway Programmes Manager, you will support the delivery, development and growth of several high-impact initiatives, including:

• UE Success - partnering with 19 Auckland secondary schools to achieve University Entrance parity for Māori and Pacific learners by 2030.
• The Pacific Academy – A tutoring programme offered throughout terms 2 and 3 supporting 1,000+ Māori and Pacific students with NCEA maths and science externals.
• STEM Online NZ – An online teaching and learning platform to support students and teachers with maths and science external preparation, with over 19,000 students registered nationally.  
• Auckland Mathematics Challenge - is a series of fast-paced team math competitions encouraging tauira māori and pacific to excel in mathematics. Events are run throughout term 2 and 3 and hosted by schools. 

You will work with school leaders, teachers, community groups, students and whānau to strengthen engagement, advance educational success and support successful transitions into university study.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Support the strategic planning, delivery and ongoing development of pathway programmes.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with schools, community organisations, Māori and Pacific stakeholders, and internal University partners.
• Deliver presentations and engagement activities for students, families and educators.
• Support programme reporting, evaluation and continuous improvement activities.
• Assist with marketing, communications and outreach initiatives in partnership with University Marketing.
• Contribute to strategies that increase participation, achievement and successful tertiary transitions for priority learner groups.
• Coordinate with programme teams to ensure a high-quality participant experience and consistent programme delivery.

He kōrero mōu | About you

We're seeking someone who brings credibility within the education sector and is passionate about supporting student success.

Candidates from the University’s 19 Partnership schools will be considered first, requiring principal sign-off. If there is no placement confirmed with partner schools within an (closing 1 December), the roles will then be offered externally.

You will ideally have:

• A Bachelor's degree in Education.
• Teaching experience within a secondary school environment.
• Experience in a middle leadership, unit holder or similar educational leadership role.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
• Experience working collaboratively across diverse groups and communities.
• Excellent communication, presentation and organisational skills.
• Confidence using Microsoft Office and digital systems.

The following will be highly regarded:

• A postgraduate qualification in Education.
• Experience leading initiatives focused on Māori and/or Pacific learner achievement.
• Experience analysing curriculum, achievement or NCEA data to inform planning and decision-making.
• Knowledge of secondary-to-tertiary pathways and the wider New Zealand education system.

This position is classified as a Non-core Children's Worker under the Children's Act 2014. The successful candidate will be required to undergo and satisfy the University's safety checking requirements before commencing employment.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

At Waipapa Taumata Rau, you'll be part of an organisation dedicated to excellence, equity and creating positive impact across Aotearoa New Zealand.

• A tailored development plan, ensuring you return to your school community equipped with new skills, data capabilities, tertiary knowledge, and learner success insights, that can support wider school innovations, and ongoing career progression.  
• The opportunity to influence educational outcomes for future generations.
• A collaborative and purpose-driven team environment.
• Access to staff benefits and professional development opportunities.
• A commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

There are two full-time, fixed term positions available:

• 12 month fixed term position
• 6 month fixed term position 

Remote working is not available for this position.

As part of the placement programme, the university will partner with the school, paying $70,000/ 6 months, and $140,000/12 months directly to the school. The successful candidate will placed into the role as a cross-organisation secondment.   
 
If the roles go external to the partnerships, the salary range for this position is between $73,400 - $90,700 (Band F) depending on skills and experience. 

For more detailed information, please refer to the position description. 

Qualifications

Additional Information

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

If you're passionate about education, community engagement and supporting students to realise their potential, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply now and help create pathways that empower learners to thrive at the University of Auckland and beyond.

Applications should be submitted online, before the closing date of Sunday, 1 December 2026 and include an up-to-date CV and cover letter outlining what strengths you will bring to this role.

Please note that we do not accept email applications.

f you have any questions, please contact Katalina Ma via katalina.ma@auckland.ac.nz or Liletina Vaka via Liletina.vaka@auckland.ac.nz.

Additional Information

Equity

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, LGBTQIATakatāpuiMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other personal circumstances go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz

#LI-DNI

Equity

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, LGBTQIATakatāpuiMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other personal circumstances go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz