Massey University is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading universities, with campuses in Auckland, Manawatū and Wellington and a proud history of widening access to education through flexible and distance learning. For almost a century, Massey has connected education and research with the needs of New Zealand, with a strong emphasis on knowledge that makes a practical difference.
Distinguished by its commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and by teaching and research of national and international consequence, Massey is committed to offering an education that is distinctive, academically rigorous and responsive to the needs of learners, communities and industry. As it delivers its 2026 Strategy through a newly configured Executive Leadership Team, the University is bringing its colleges, business school and academic units together under a single, integrated academic leadership.
We are seeking an outstanding academic leader to serve as Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic. As the University's senior academic leader, reporting to the Vice-Chancellor and serving as a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic will provide strategic leadership and stewardship of Massey's academic enterprise, including oversight of the colleges, business school and academic units. The portfolio spans the academic programme portfolio, academic quality and standards, teaching and learning, the academic workforce, Student Registry and the Registrar function, and the first-year experience.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic will lead the renewal and enhancement of the academic portfolio, foster innovation in curriculum, pedagogy and delivery, strengthen student access, retention and completion, and ensure robust academic governance and quality assurance, while building a high-performing, collaborative and future-ready academic culture. The ideal candidate will hold a doctoral qualification and an internationally recognised academic profile commensurate with appointment at professorial level, and will bring significant senior leadership experience in a complex university or similarly knowledge-intensive environment, with a demonstrable record of leading large-scale academic portfolios and advancing educational quality and student outcomes. A genuine commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, an understanding of the New Zealand tertiary education system, and the ability to lead through change and build trusted relationships across the University and beyond are essential, as are exceptional communication and influencing skills.
How to Apply
Massey University will be supported in its global search for this appointment by the executive search firm Perrett Laver. To apply, please upload your curriculum vitae and candidate statement below quoting reference quoting reference 8655, or for a confidential conversation please contact Sam Twitchin at Sam.Twitchin@perrettlaver.com.
The deadline for applications is 26 October 2026 at 9:00am NZDT.
If you require any reasonable adjustments to assist you in the selection process, please advise us of these so that we can make appropriate arrangements.
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