Scholarships Adviser

Company overview

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university and one of the country’s largest employers, with more than 6,000 academic and professional staff supporting over 46,000 students. The institution operates through eight academic faculties and 11 service divisions, creating a varied, fast-moving, and collaborative workplace where people are encouraged to make a real impact.

Within Student & Scholarly Services, the Scholarships Office supports students in accessing important educational opportunities by managing one of New Zealand’s largest scholarship portfolios. Each year, the team helps thousands of students connect with scholarships, prizes, and awards that support their academic ambitions.

The office is committed to providing a high-quality service and handling every application with fairness, accuracy, and care.

Role overview

The university is seeking an organised, analytical, and customer-oriented Scholarships Adviser to join the collaborative Scholarships Office team.

This position offers the chance to contribute directly to student success. In this role, you will evaluate applications, provide guidance to students and staff, and support the administration of a broad scholarship, prize, and award portfolio valued at more than $90 million each year.

The work is varied and involves engaging with different stakeholders across the university, interpreting scholarship rules, managing online application workflows, and supporting improvements that strengthen the student experience.

If you enjoy detail-focused work, problem-solving, and helping people access opportunities that can shape their future, this role will be a strong fit.

Key responsibilities

• Review scholarship applications and decide eligibility based on the relevant regulations.
• Investigate applications and prepare award recommendations.
• Offer clear, accurate, and timely advice to prospective and current students, university staff, and other stakeholders regarding scholarships, prizes, and awards.
• Coordinate scholarship application workflows and maintain accurate student records.
• Help develop and support online scholarship application tools and related systems.
• Develop effective working relationships with faculties, Alumni Relations, donors, and funding bodies.
• Contribute to service improvements and the ongoing refinement of office systems and procedures.
• Assist with training and provide support to colleagues during busy scholarship periods.

About you

You are detail-minded, analytical, and committed to delivering excellent customer service.

You bring strong planning and coordination abilities, good judgement, and the capacity to handle several priorities while keeping work accurate. You communicate confidently with a wide range of people, build positive professional relationships easily, and work well in a team environment.

Most importantly, you are motivated by the chance to support students and contribute to a service that makes a meaningful difference.

Skills and experience

• Background in an administrative or advisory position, preferably in a tertiary education setting.
• Strong organisation, analysis, and problem-solving capability.
• Excellent customer service and relationship-building skills.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Comfort using Microsoft Office and student management systems.

Preferred experience

• Experience in scholarship administration or student funding support.
• Familiarity with university administrative processes.
• Experience with PeopleSoft or comparable student information systems.

What we offer

• Flexible working arrangements, including work-from-home options and flexible hours.
• Employer superannuation contribution of up to 6.75%.
• Competitive pay plus five weeks of annual leave.
• Career development opportunities.
• Discounted car parking.
• Generous parental leave support.
• Childcare support.
• Access to other internal and external service discounts.

Application details

This is a full-time role of 37.5 hours per week on an 18-month fixed-term contract. The salary range is $63,600 to $68,100 per year, depending on experience and qualifications.

Applications must be submitted by 20/07/2026. A cover letter and CV are required, and applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

The employer may close the vacancy earlier if a suitable candidate is identified.

Applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand to be successful in this role.

For a confidential discussion, you may contact Gina Patayon at [email protected]. Questions are welcome, but applications will not be accepted by email.

Equity and inclusion

The university is committed to its obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi and to advancing equity for staff and students in a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment. Support and information are available for Māori, Pacific peoples, women, LGBTQIATakatāpuiMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parents, flexible workers, and others with differing personal circumstances.