Innovation Programmes Adviser - Māori Engagement

Company Description

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s pre-eminent University, with a turnover of $1.6bn, including research revenue of over $300m generated across eight diverse faculties and two research institutes. With over 9,000 staff and 50,000 students, the University of Auckland is one of New Zealand’s most significant and complex entities.

Job Description

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

This role combines hands-on programme delivery with a particular focus on strengthening Māori and Pacific participation in innovation and entrepreneurship. As the Innovation Programmes Adviser – Māori Engagement, you’ll manage a portfolio of innovation and entrepreneurship programmes while building connections with Māori and Pacific students, researchers, staff and communities. You’ll help ensure CIE’s programmes are engaging, culturally responsive and create meaningful pathways for greater participation in innovation and entrepreneurship.

• Manage the planning, coordination, delivery and continuous improvement of assigned innovation and entrepreneurship programmes.
• Build trusted relationships with Māori and Pacific students, staff, communities and relevant networks.
• Create high-quality participant experiences and support progression through CIE’s innovation and entrepreneurship pathways.
• Work with academics, facilitators, practitioners and other contributors to deliver engaging and effective programmes.
• Take particular responsibility for Māori and Pacific-focused programmes and activities within CIE’s programme portfolio.
• Use participant feedback, programme data and stakeholder insights to continuously improve programme delivery and participant experience.
• Support recruitment, engagement and outreach activities that increase participation from Māori and Pacific communities.
• Contribute to a connected programme portfolio that develops innovation and entrepreneurial capability across the University.

This is a full-time (37.5 hours per week), permanent role.

For more detailed information, please refer to the Position Description.

Mō tō mātou rōpū | About the team

The Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) is Waipapa Taumata Rau’s platform for developing the innovators, entrepreneurs and changemakers of the future. We work across the University to help students, researchers and staff build innovation and entrepreneurial capability, turn ideas into action, develop ventures, and create social, cultural, environmental and economic impact for Aotearoa and the world.

CIE is entering an exciting new chapter. With an ambitious new strategy, we are significantly increasing the reach and impact of innovation and entrepreneurship across the University, helping realise Waipapa Taumata Rau’s ambition to be a global powerhouse of innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship, and strengthening the University’s contribution to a more innovative and prosperous Aotearoa.

We are building a team of people who are curious, collaborative, ambitious for impact and committed to turning ambition into action. If you want to help shape how a world-class research-led university develops innovative and entrepreneurial people, we would love to hear from you.

He kōrero mōu | About you

You are passionate about creating opportunities for others and have strong programme delivery skills. You’re organised, proactive and comfortable taking responsibility for managing and coordinating programmes, working with a range of contributors and creating engaging experiences for participants. You’re also confident building trusted relationships with Māori communities and bring a collaborative and culturally responsive approach to creating environments where people feel welcomed, supported and able to participate.

• Experience managing and delivering programmes, projects or initiatives in education, innovation, entrepreneurship, community development or a related field.
• Strong programme management and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple activities, contributors and priorities.
• Demonstrated experience engaging with Māori communities and an understanding of tikanga Māori and culturally responsive practice.
• Ability to engage effectively with Pacific communities and support participation and relationship-building initiatives.
• Strong relationship-building, communication and participant engagement skills.
• Experience working with facilitators, educators, practitioners, academics or community partners to deliver successful programmes.
• Initiative and sound judgement, with a practical approach to getting things done in a busy and varied environment.
• Ability to use feedback, data and insights to improve programme quality and participant experience.
• A genuine interest in innovation and entrepreneurship and in making opportunities accessible and relevant to diverse participants.
• A relevant qualification and capability in te reo Māori, or a demonstrated commitment to developing proficiency.

What we offer | Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university and maintains significant computational, laboratory and analytic facilities.

The University is committed to providing an excellent working environment through:

• Flexible employment practices (including working from home, flexible hours)
• Up to 6.75% company superannuation scheme
• A competitive salary ($78,000 - $90,000pa) reflecting experience with five weeks’ annual leave

In addition, we also offer career development programmes, discounted car parking, a generous parental leave allowance, childcare, and a number of other discounts on internal and external services.

For more information, please visit Staff Benefits

Additional Information

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications must be submitted online, by the closing date of Sunday 13th September, 2026 to be considered. Please include your CV and a cover letter highlighting how you meet the skills and experience outlined above, what attracts you to this opportunity, and what you would bring to CIE and our work with Māori and Pacific communities.

Equity

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment. For further information on services for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQIATakatāpu* iMVPFAFF*+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other personal circumstances go towww.equity.auckland.ac.nz