Associate Director, Quality Assurance

Role Summary

The University of Waikato seeks an experienced leader to oversee academic governance and quality assurance within its academic portfolio, aimed at fostering a distinctive, forward-looking education offering. This full-time, ongoing position is located at the Hillcrest Campus and includes benefits such as additional university leave, competitive superannuation, flexible work arrangements, onsite parking, and discounted gym membership.

About the Role

Reporting to the Director of Academic Services, the Associate Director will provide strategic and operational leadership across various domains including work-integrated learning, curriculum and program development and approval, academic reviews, reporting, audits, and management of academic regulations and policies. The role involves partnering with academic units to ensure quality processes are coherent, efficient, and subject to ongoing enhancement. This newly created position offers significant opportunity to shape its development and contribute meaningfully to the university's academic progress and student success.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will be a trusted and measured leader in academic quality, adept at balancing institutional mandates, academic freedom, and practical considerations with sound judgment. Candidates must hold a relevant tertiary qualification and substantial experience in academic quality assurance, governance, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of qualifications and professional experience.

Key Qualifications and Experience

• Established expertise in academic quality assurance and enhancement within tertiary education including governance support, qualification/program development and approval, and review/monitoring.
• Experience developing and interpreting policies and regulations, alongside thorough knowledge of New Zealand quality sector requirements (such as CUAP, NZQA, Universities New Zealand).
• Demonstrated leadership skills in managing professional teams, coordinating diverse stakeholders and projects, and influencing senior leaders through clear, evidence-driven advice for governance committees.
• Strong people management capabilities fostering team development, coaching, feedback, and an inclusive work culture.
• Proven track record managing curriculum and program approval activities, leading audits and evaluations, and using both qualitative and quantitative data to assess risks and promote improvements.
• Ability to manage change effectively, prioritize multiple simultaneous initiatives, and deliver high-quality results on schedule.
• Commitment to and understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and mātauranga Māori, applying these principles in leadership, decision-making, and service delivery.
• Desirable attributes include postgraduate qualifications in education, leadership, management or quality assurance, academic quality framework design or implementation experience, project management expertise, and tertiary system stewardship.

Why Join

The University of Waikato is recognized internationally for its future-focused education and research excellence. Staff enjoy a supportive work environment enriched by diversity, inclusivity, and ample benefits. This is an excellent opportunity to influence the university’s academic quality landscape and help shape student success.

Additional Information

• Salary range: NZD 123,224 to NZD 141,022 annually, dependent on expertise.
• Full-time position, 37.5 hours per week, based at Hillcrest Campus.
• The University is committed to diversity and encourages applicants from all backgrounds.
• Applicants must have legal rights to live and work in New Zealand as per immigration regulations.
• Applications close on August 23, 2026.