Māori & Pasifika Student Academic Success Lead

Job Description:

Lead initiatives that support Māori and Pasifika tauira success, using data, partnerships and culturally grounded approaches to improve academic outcomes.

Mō te tūka | The role

Join our Te Manutaki team and play a pivotal role in advancing Māori and Pasifika student success across Lincoln University. This leadership position focuses on improving academic achievement, progression, retention and completion outcomes for undergraduate and postgraduate tauira through evidence-informed strategies and strong collaboration with faculties, teaching staff and support services.

You will lead the implementation of the Manaaki Tauira learner success programme, provide leadership to a small team of advisors, and champion initiatives that uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi commitments while creating meaningful, lasting impact for Māori and Pasifika learners.

Some tasks of the role include:

• Leading initiatives to improve Māori and Pasifika student achievement, retention and progression
• Using student success data and insights to identify trends, risks and opportunities
• Partnering with Deans, Programme Directors and academic staff to enhance teaching and learning outcomes
• Leading and supporting the Manaaki Tauira learner success programme
• Strengthening postgraduate success, supervision quality and completion outcomes
• Providing strategic reporting and advice on Māori and Pasifika student success across the University

We welcome applications from candidates who can bring lived experience, cultural knowledge, and a passion for empowering Māori and Pasifika tauira to thrive. Competency in te reo Māori and experience working within kaupapa Māori environments are highly valued.

Mahi & Wāhi / Utu | Work pattern, location & salary

This permanent role is based at our Lincoln Campus and works 37.5 hours per week (1.0 FTE).

The salary for this position is $100,000 - $120,000 per annum, depending on experience.

Kā tino Pūkeka/Whēako | Essential skills/experience for the role

To be successful in the role you will have

• A postgraduate qualification in education, Māori and Indigenous studies, Pacific studies, social sciences, humanities, data science or a related field
• Significant experience improving student success outcomes within tertiary or secondary education environments
• Strong analytical, data interpretation and reporting skills, with the ability to translate insights into action
• Knowledge of Te Ao Māori and/or Pasifika values, with a commitment to supporting culturally responsive practices
• A sound understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and experience working in partnership to achieve positive outcomes
• Proven ability to build relationships, influence stakeholders and lead strategic initiatives across complex organisations

Kā hua ka riro ki a koe | What's in it for you?

Join a supportive, inclusive community that values diversity, wellbeing, and professional growth. Benefits include:

• Flexible, family‑friendly work + free on‑site parking
• Professional development & mentorship to grow your career
• Generous leave entitlements – six weeks of paid leave per year (based on 1.0 FTE)
• Annual salary reviews to recognise your contribution
• Contributions toward eye tests and prescription eyewear
• Free, confidential wellbeing support through Clearhead (EAP)
• Southern Cross employee benefits
• Access to on‑campus gym with discounted membership
• On‑site early childhood centre with staff discounts
• A vibrant campus lifestyle with cafés, green spaces, and a sense of community

Mō mātou | About us

Te Whare Wānaka o Aoraki | Lincoln University is a specialist institution dedicated to impactful research and higher education that supports land-based industries in New Zealand and globally.

Our campus sits at the heart of the Lincoln research precinct, complemented by university-owned farms and research stations that blend education, research, and hands-on learning. At Lincoln, students are at the heart of everything we do, empower them to grow their potential and contribute to a more sustainably productive world through world-class teaching and research.

As a progressive university with an ambitious vision, we value a professional workforce that reflects the diversity of our community. Our staff engage with students, parents, government, iwi, and external stakeholders, upholding Lincoln University’s reputation through their work.

Our Te Tiriti o Waitangi commitments begin with mana whenua. We honour our special relationship with Ngāi Te Ruahikihiki and Te Taumutu Rūnanga, embedded in our He Tūtohinga Whakamātau | Charter of Understanding.

Tono ināianei | Apply now

Ready to apply? Submit your CV and a cover letter that highlights your fit - tell us why you want this role and what motivates you to join Lincoln University.

Applications received via email will not be considered, however specific enquiry relating to the role can be made to [email protected]

We are only considering applicants who have current unrestricted legal working rights in New Zealand. We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role.

Apply now – we will review applications as they are received and may close the advertising early.

View the position description at: https://careers.lincoln.ac.nz