Receptionist

About the organisation

Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland, is New Zealand’s leading university. It employs more than 6,000 academic and professional staff and supports over 46,000 students, making it one of the country’s largest employers. The institution includes eight academic faculties and 11 service divisions, fostering a lively, collaborative setting focused on teaching, research, and innovation.

Student and Scholarly Services (SaSS) supports students across their entire university experience. Through a broad range of student-facing services, it provides guidance, wellbeing support, learning resources, and opportunities to build personal and professional capability. Within this area, Career Development and Employability Services (CDES) and Learning and Teaching Development help students gain the skills and confidence needed for success at university and beyond.

The opportunity

The university is seeking a welcoming, well-organised, and service-oriented Receptionist to support the Learning and Employability teams.

As the first person students, staff, and visitors meet at the Old Choral Hall, you will help create a positive and supportive experience for everyone coming through reception. You will greet people warmly, help students find the right services, respond to enquiries, and make sure visitors feel informed and supported.

This position combines front-desk customer service with administrative work. You will support multiple teams, contribute to the smooth running of the reception area, and assist with events, facilities coordination, and other administrative tasks that help students succeed.

If you enjoy helping people, work well in a fast-paced environment, and take pride in excellent service, this role could be a strong fit.

Key duties

• Deliver a welcoming, professional reception service to students, staff, and visitors.
• Handle and prioritise enquiries received in person, online, and by phone.
• Direct students to the most suitable services, appointments, and support resources.
• Provide administrative assistance across the Learning and Employability portfolio.
• Help coordinate and run events and engagement activities.
• Keep reception, meeting, and shared areas tidy, organised, and inviting.
• Order and restock supplies and consumables as needed.
• Support service improvement and excellence initiatives.

Working arrangement and pay

This is a permanent full-time position of 37.5 hours per week. The salary band for this role is NZD 55,634 to NZD 56,700 per year, depending on experience.

About you

You enjoy assisting others and creating positive interactions. You bring a friendly approach, a steady and professional attitude, and the ability to stay organised while balancing several priorities. You are comfortable working with a broad mix of people and are motivated by delivering high-quality customer service.

Whether you are welcoming guests, supporting students, coordinating facilities, or helping colleagues behind the scenes, you focus on keeping things running efficiently and smoothly.

You will do well in this role if you enjoy working in a team and want to contribute meaningfully to the student experience.

Skills and experience

• Strong customer service and relationship-building ability
• Good organisational skills with the capacity to handle competing priorities
• Confidence communicating with diverse students, staff, and visitors
• Clear written and verbal communication
• Ability to quickly learn new systems, software, and processes
• Capability to work independently and still contribute positively to a team

Preferred experience

• Background in reception, customer service, or administrative support
• Experience serving multiple stakeholders in a busy workplace
• Experience in a large or complex organisation
• Prior work in tertiary education
• A tertiary qualification

What the university offers

• Flexible employment practices where suitable
• Employer superannuation contribution of up to 6.75%
• Five weeks of annual leave
• Ongoing professional development opportunities
• A supportive and inclusive workplace culture
• Access to wellbeing programmes, staff discounts, and recreation facilities
• The chance to work with committed teams focused on student success
• A meaningful role where you can make a daily difference to the student experience

How to apply

Applications must be submitted online by 16/07/2026. Please include a cover letter and CV showing how your skills and experience match the role.

The university may close the advertisement early if a suitable candidate is found.

For a confidential discussion, contact Jodie Peterson at [email protected]. Questions are welcome, but applications sent by email will not be accepted.

Additional information

The university is committed to its responsibilities under the Treaty of Waitangi and to achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment. Further information is available through the university’s equity resources covering support for Māori, Pacific peoples, women, LGBTQIATakatāpuiMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work, and other personal circumstances.