Principal Adviser, Strategic Projects

• Are you a strategic thinker with a strong background in the tertiary education sector?
• Can you influence change, and deliver initiatives that enhance the student experience?
• Do you have experience in project management, policy development, and stakeholder engagement?

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is currently recruiting a permanent, full-time Principal Adviser, Strategic Projects to join the Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Students).

Key responsibilities:

• Provide strategic, evidence-based advice to support student recruitment, retention, and success initiatives.
• Lead the design, planning, and implementation of strategic projects across the DVC(S) portfolio.
• Monitor and evaluate project outcomes, ensuring alignment with university priorities and compliance.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to drive innovation and continuous improvement.
• Analyse student journeys to identify pain points and implement solutions that enhance the student experience.
• Champion a customer-centric culture and lead change through influence and effective communication.
• Ensure data-informed decision-making and integration of new initiatives into business-as-usual operations.
• Represent the DVC(S) in governance groups and contribute to policy and procedural development.

Ō pūmanawa - About you

You’re a strategic thinker with a strong background in the tertiary education sector and a passion for improving student outcomes. With proven experience in project management, policy development, and stakeholder engagement, you bring a solutions-focused mindset and a collaborative approach to your work. You excel at turning insights into action, influencing change, and delivering initiatives that enhance the student experience. Your excellent communication skills and commitment to equity and continuous improvement make you a trusted adviser and effective leader.

Key requirements:

• Postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline or equivalent experience.
• Proven experience in the tertiary education sector, with a strong understanding of student recruitment, retention, and success.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and deliver multiple strategic projects in complex environments.
• Strong skills in strategic planning, policy analysis, and report writing.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship-building capabilities.
• Experience in influencing change and driving continuous improvement.
• High-level analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-informed approach.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex information clearly.
• Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and equity in education.
• Familiarity with student experience best practices and service design in a tertiary context (desirable).

Role Description - Click here to see further information, including salary details. If this link is not available, click 'apply' to view this on the University career's page.

Close date for vacancy: 28 May 2025. We can only consider applicants who are citizens or residents of New Zealand or Australia or on a current working visa. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we may progress with suitable applicants prior to the application closing date. Applications from recruitment agencies are not accepted.

Contact details for vacancy: If you have any questions regarding this role please get in touch with ([email protected]).

About Us

Mō Te Herenga Waka - About Our University

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is renowned for its high-quality research and exceptional teaching. We attract people from around the world. Our university campus spans Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington - the creative, scientific and political centre of Aotearoa New Zealand - and our students thrive on the connections we have made here.

Explore the many benefits of working at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. Find out where you fit in our strategic direction and learn more about our research expertise.