Senior Manager – Transnational Education
* Make a difference to the lives of students at AUT
* Provide leadership to a collaborative high performing team
* Work with people who are making a difference to the world
* Great staff benefits including free study at AUT, development funds, free gym membership
Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is bold and unapologetically different, centred on students and grounded in Knowledge that Works driven by talented, progressive people. We are New Zealand's newest university, ranked 5-stars by QS Universities 2025 and a place of opportunity where more than 26,000 students with talent and potential succeed, supported by a community of more than 4,000 staff based primarily across three Auckland campuses. Built on collaboration, shared purpose and the values of Pono (fact, truth, reality, integrity), Tika (acting accordingly, doing what is needed, ethical expression), and Aroha (empathy, care, compassion). AUT offers an innovative, forward-thinking environment where committed people work together to improve outcomes for students, communities, and the world.
AUT recognises the importance of Te Tiriti, Māori and Pacific knowledge, leadership, and contribution across our university and is committed to creating environments where these communities can thrive. We embrace diversity in all its forms and are proud to welcome people of all ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, religious and political beliefs, socio-economic situations and accessibility needs.
The International Office plays a pivotal role in developing and strengthening the AUT's global presence, fostering international partnerships, Transnational Education (TNE), and ensuring the achievement of international student recruitment and engagement objectives.
The Opportunity | Te Whiwhinga mahi
AUT is entering a new and exciting phase of its journey as we seek a highly experienced leader to take on the pivotal role of Senior Manager – Transnational Education (TNE).
This is an exciting opportunity to lead a newly formed TNE team within the International Office, dedicated to building AUT's global footprint through high quality TNE partnerships in our key markets. You will play a central role in shaping the future of AUT's TNE strategy, designing innovative delivery models, and ensuring academic quality, regulatory compliance, and financial sustainability.
This role requires a strategic leader who can also deliver operationally, balancing academic integrity with commercial viability. This role will suit someone with proven success in establishing and managing TNE partnerships in China and across the Asia-Pacific region, with the ability to navigate complex cross-border regulations, institutional dynamics and cultural contexts at a university level.
* Drive TNE strategy – Lead the development and implementation of AUT's TNE strategic plan to support international student growth across all faculties.
* Develop and manage partnerships – Identify, negotiate, and deliver sustainable TNE collaborations, ensuring alignment with AUT's goals and partner expectations.
* Ensure quality and compliance – Oversee academic standards, governance, and regulatory requirements in collaboration with faculties and the Academic Quality Office.
* Innovate in delivery – Champion new models such as joint programmes, online/hybrid partnerships, and other flexible approaches to international delivery.
* Provide strategic advice – Advise the Director International and senior leadership on emerging TNE opportunities, risks, and trends across priority markets.
* Lead people and performance – Build and lead a high-performing TNE team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, equity, and excellence.
* Oversee reporting and analysis – Manage business cases, financial models, performance reviews, and reporting for internal and external stakeholders.
* Collaborate widely – Work closely across AUT with faculties, Academic Quality Office, legal, risk, brand and marketing, recruitment, and student services divisions to ensure partnership and student outcomes are achieved.
* Be the face of TNE – Represent AUT as the institution lead for TNE with internal governance committees and external stakeholders.
About you | Ko wai koe
You are an experienced leader with a strong track record in developing and delivering TNE partnerships in China and the Asia-Pacific region at a university level. You thrive in complex environments, balancing strategic foresight with operational delivery. With excellent cultural competence, negotiation skills, and the ability to build trust with senior stakeholders, you are motivated by creating opportunities that benefit students, partners, and the university.
To be successful in this role, you will have:
* A tertiary qualification (postgraduate preferred).
* Minimum 8 years' management experience in international higher education, including at least 5 years managing TNE partnerships at university level.
* Direct experience setting up and managing university TNE partnerships in China and across the Asia- Pacific region.
* Strong knowledge of quality assurance, compliance, and higher education systems.
* Exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship management skills.
* Financial acumen and experience in developing sustainable business models.
* A collaborative leadership style, with a commitment to AUT's values of Tika, Pono, and Aroha – integrity, respect, and compassion and continuous improvement.
* A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Supportive of AUT's Te Aronui journey (https://www.aut.ac.nz/about/maori/auts-commitment-to-Te-Tiriti-o-Waitangi).
As a professional member of staff at AUT, you'll help keep us moving forward. From improving our services and streamlining our systems to supporting the experiences of students and staff across our campuses. By working collaboratively, solving problems and driving practical improvements, you'll play a vital role in helping us operate smoothly, raise our profile, and evolve what we do, every day.
You will bring an open, engaging, and collaborative approach, with the flexibility to respond to changing requirements, and actively contribute to a positive and collegial environment. You will demonstrate cultural humility, awareness, and respect when engaging with indigenous peoples and culturally diverse communities. Experience supporting indigenous, equity, or inclusion focused initiatives is highly desirable.
What we offer | Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou
At AUT, you'll be part of a values-led university that supports you to thrive in your role and career. We offer:
* Flexible working and a strong, caring culture that supports belonging.
* Recognition frameworks that reflect your contribution and how you live our values.
* The tools and trust to make a meaningful difference every day.
* Māori and Pacific development programmes that strengthen our shared purpose.
* Cultural capability uplift development programmes for all staff
How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono
Along with your CV, please ensure to submit a cover letter which explains why this role (and AUT) is of interest, and how your experience aligns with the key experience and attributes we're seeking
Further Information | Pārongo Anō
* Start Date: To be agreed with the successful candidate
* Salary Ranges: $126,000 - $140,000 per annum (appointment level and salary commensurate with skills and experience)
* For further information: Please send us an enquiry here or call 09 921 9499.
Closing Date | Te rā aukati:
25 February at 11:55 PM
Job Reference | Tohutoro Mahi:
93602
*Full-time denotes 37.5 hours per week
Nā tō rourou, nā taku rourou ka ora ai te iwi.
With your food basket and my food basket, the people will thrive.
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