Scholarships Team Leader (Postgraduate)
- The University of Waikato
- New Zealand, WKO
- Aug 13, 2026
Job Description:
Shape the future of postgraduate scholarships to support student and research success.
- Lead an innovative postgraduate scholarships programme
- Promote student success through financial support
- Use data to drive new initiatives and scholarship growth
Ngā kōrero mō te tūranga – About the role
Are you ready to lead a service that directly changes students’ lives?
At the University of Waikato, scholarships are more than funding—they are a pathway to academic achievement, research excellence, and future opportunity. As Scholarships Team Leader (Postgraduate), you will lead the team responsible for managing postgraduate scholarships, bursaries, and prizes across both taught and research postgraduate programmes.
This is an exciting opportunity to combine people leadership, strategic thinking, analytical insight, and operational excellence. You will guide and support our Scholarship Advisors, ensure efficient and student-focused scholarship services, and help shape the future of postgraduate funding through data-informed initiatives, improved processes, and stronger internal and external partnerships.
Working closely with the Dean of the School of Graduate Research, scholarship committees, academic leaders, and external stakeholders, you will play a key role in shaping scholarship opportunities and ensuring funding is delivered fairly, effectively, and in ways that maximise student and research success.
If you are passionate about supporting postgraduate students and want to make a meaningful impact across the University, this is a role where your leadership will be highly visible and genuinely valued.
Salary will be in the range of $102,611 to $113,428 per year, based on the skills, knowledge, and experience you bring to the position. This is a full-time role (37.5 hours per week) based at our Hillcrest Campus.
For more information on the role, please see the position description. For a confidential conversation, contact Prof Emma Nicholson, Dean of Graduate Research, at [email protected].
All applications must be submitted through the online portal; emailed applications will not be accepted.
Ko wai koe? – Who are you?
You are a strategic, organised, and highly motivated leader who enjoys balancing big-picture thinking with operational delivery. You bring experience leading teams and managing complex scholarship, funding, or administrative programmes, and you are committed to delivering excellent service to students and stakeholders.
You will also bring:
- Proven leadership and team management experience
- Strong financial, analytical, and project management skills
- Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities
- Confidence working with complex regulations, policies, and processes
- A collaborative approach and the ability to work across diverse stakeholder groups
- A commitment to continuous improvement and professional growth
- Respect for and commitment to the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi
Don’t meet every single requirement?
Research shows that some people are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every qualification. At the University of Waikato, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and genuine workplace. If this role excites you, we encourage you to apply even if your experience does not perfectly match every requirement
Ko wai mātou? – Who are we?
Te Mata Kairangi School of Graduate Research sits within the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and provides strategic leadership and administrative support for postgraduate higher research degree programmes, scholarships, awards, and prizes across the University.
Our work helps create an environment where postgraduate students can thrive, contribute to world-class research, and achieve meaningful outcomes for their communities and disciplines.
He aha ngā take me tono mai ai koe? – Why should you apply for this position?
We want you to be part of our success! Our University stands proudly on the world stage as a provider of future-focused, international education and an active player in global research. Our rankings reflect these strengths. Working with us means you’ll enjoy a satisfying work environment with many benefits.
The University of Waikato is distinctive for the diversity of its staff and students and encourages applicants with the relevant capabilities from all backgrounds to apply. Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in NZ in accordance with the NZ Immigration regulations which can be found here.
E herea ana te Whare Wānanga ki te kaupapa kia whakaratohia te mea angitū ōrite ki ngā tāngata katoa.
Applications Close on Sunday August 30, 2026
Requisition number: 1003842