Head of School – Health

Provide strategic academic and people leadership for a large, multidisciplinary health school of more than 70 staff

Shape faculty strategy and culture as a key member of the Dean’s leadership team

Deliver real‑world health impact through education, research and partnership

5-year fixed-term appointment, based at AUT's South Campus in Manukau

Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is 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 27,000 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.

AUT's School of Acute and Primary Health

The School of Acute and Primary Health is a national leader in health education, delivering high‑quality undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in oral health, paramedicine, midwifery and perioperative practice to approximately 1,600 students. Spanning the acute-primary care continuum, the School prepares graduates for diverse clinical, community, and preventative health settings through an integrated, person‑centred approach. The School sits within AUT’s dynamic Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences.

Please review the extensive candidate information handbook available for this role (includes details on the school, faculty, AUT, position description and more).

The Opportunity | Te Whiwhinga mahi

This role is suited to an experienced academic health leader with a strong track record in leading large, complex academic groupings. As Head of School, you will provide clear, values‑led leadership to the School of Acute and Primary Health, leading and developing a diverse team of more than 70 staff and fostering a high‑performing, inclusive, and collaborative culture.

The role requires a leader who can balance academic excellence, operational effectiveness, and people leadership, while strengthening research capability, programme quality, staff wellbeing and the School’s external reputation. In addition, as a member of the Dean’s Head of School Leadership Team you will help shape faculty strategy and direction.

Key focus areas include:

Direct line management and development of academic staff, including performance, capability building, workload oversight and leadership succession
Creating a cohesive culture across diverse clinical disciplines
Leading excellence in teaching, research and engagement
Growing research performance and grant‑winning capability
Driving cross‑school and cross‑Faculty collaboration
Champion our Te Tiriti o Waitangi commitments and supporting the success of Māori and Pacific learners
Building and sustaining high‑value partnerships with health, industry, government and community stakeholders

About you | Ko wai koe

You’ll 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 awareness and respect when engaging with culturally diverse communities. Experience supporting indigenous, equity or inclusion focused initiatives is highly desirable.

The selection criteria being sought are:

Proven academic excellence within health disciplines and a record of academic achievement suitable for appointment as a professor (preferably) or associate professor.
Demonstrated leadership and people management experience in an academic setting, with responsibility for staff performance and development. Direct line management of academic staff and leadership of a school, department or equivalent unit is preferable.
Successful track record securing grant funding and external research income.
Demonstrated ability developing significant connections and partnerships with key stakeholders including government, industry, business and community.
A champion for equity, diversity and inclusion.
A brief summary of your interest and experience embracing innovation.
A relevant PhD/doctorate is mandatory.

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono

Along with your full academic CV (including a complete list of publications and grant acquisitions) - please ensure to submit a) a cover letter which explains why this particular role (and AUT) is of interest, and b) a statement addressing how you feel you meet some, or all, of the criteria listed above.

Further Information:

Start Date: The successful candidate would ideally join AUT by February 2027 at the latest (to be agreed).
Term: The successful candidate will secure a 5-year fixed-term appointment (with potential for further extension). Please note, this position does not include an additional substantive permanent academic appointment.
Salary: NZD $180,000 - $245,000 per annum. Inclusive of a Head of School allowance and aligned with the appropriate step in AUT's academic pay scales (Professor or Associate Professor).
Contact for enquiries: Mike Wood, AUT Executive Recruitment Partner - mike.wood@aut.ac.nz.
Please note: The actual formal title of the position is: Head of School – Acute and Primary Health

We are also currently recruiting for a Head of School, Community & Public Health - more details of that role can be found HERE.

Advertising closes: Tuesday 30 June 2026 at 11.55pm NZST

Reference: 94373

At AUT we strive to be a place where people love to work and learn. We are committed to te Tiriti, excellence and inclusivity and aspire to be the University of choice for Māori and Pacific communities. We welcome people of all ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, religious and political beliefs, socio-economic situations and accessibility needs.

Please note that all applications must be submitted through the online application process. For further information, please send us an enquiry here or call 921 9499. Please note we are happy to answer your questions but we do not accept applications by email. You will need to apply through the standard registration process.

Nā tō rourou, nā taku rourou ka ora ai te iwi.

With your food basket and my food basket, the people will thrive.

Head of School – Health Opportunity at Auckland University of Technology

Strategic Leadership Role in Acute and Primary Health Education

Leadership in Action: The Head of School – Health Role at AUT

Auckland University of Technology stands as one of New Zealand’s most dynamic higher education institutions, and its Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences continues to expand its influence in training the next generation of health professionals. The current opening for Head of School – Health represents a pivotal opportunity for an experienced academic leader to guide the School of Acute and Primary Health through its next phase of growth and innovation.

The position is a five-year fixed-term appointment based at the South Campus in Manukau. It carries responsibility for strategic academic and people leadership across a multidisciplinary team of more than 70 staff. This school plays a central role in delivering education and research that directly supports New Zealand’s healthcare workforce needs, particularly in acute care and primary health settings.

Understanding AUT’s Commitment to Health Education

Auckland University of Technology has built a strong reputation for practical, industry-aligned programmes. Its health-related offerings span nursing, midwifery, paramedicine, and other allied health disciplines. The School of Acute and Primary Health sits within the broader Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, which also includes schools focused on allied health, community and public health, nursing, science, and sport and exercise.

This structure allows for cross-disciplinary collaboration that mirrors real-world healthcare environments. Students benefit from clinical placements, on-campus health clinics, and curricula designed to meet the evolving demands of New Zealand’s health system, including greater emphasis on Māori health, Pacific health, and equitable outcomes.

Key Responsibilities of the Incoming Head of School

The successful candidate will provide visible, externally engaged leadership. Core duties include shaping faculty strategy, fostering a high-performing and inclusive culture, and ensuring academic excellence across teaching and research. The role also involves direct line management and professional development of academic staff, budget oversight, and building partnerships with health providers, iwi, and government agencies.

Another important aspect is championing equity and diversity. AUT places strong value on its founding principles of Pono, Tika, and Aroha, which guide ethical practice, integrity, and compassionate engagement with communities. The Head of School will be expected to embed these values while advancing the school’s distinct identity within the faculty.

The Broader Context of Health Workforce Development in New Zealand

New Zealand faces ongoing challenges in recruiting and retaining health professionals, particularly in primary care and acute settings outside major urban centres. University leadership roles like this one directly influence how future practitioners are prepared. Strong school heads help align curricula with national health priorities, such as improving access in underserved areas and integrating cultural competence into every aspect of training.

By leading a school that educates hundreds of students each year, the incoming Head of School will contribute to solutions that extend well beyond the campus. Graduates enter the workforce equipped with both clinical skills and an understanding of the social determinants of health that shape outcomes across Aotearoa.

Research and Innovation Opportunities

The School of Acute and Primary Health maintains an active research profile with real-world impact. Areas of focus often include models of care that improve patient outcomes, workforce development strategies, and responses to emerging health challenges. The Head of School will be well positioned to support and grow this research culture, encouraging staff to secure external funding and publish findings that influence policy and practice.

Collaboration across the faculty and with external partners opens doors for interdisciplinary projects. For example, work that combines acute care perspectives with public health approaches can generate insights relevant to both hospital systems and community-based services.

What Makes This Opportunity Stand Out

Unlike many permanent academic leadership roles, this five-year fixed-term contract offers a defined period to drive meaningful change while allowing flexibility for the appointee’s long-term career planning. The salary range reflects the seniority and scope of the position, typically falling between NZD 180,000 and 245,000 depending on experience and qualifications.

Candidates will find a supportive environment at AUT, where the university’s relatively young status as a university (established in 2000) fosters an agile, forward-thinking culture. The South Campus location in Manukau places the school at the heart of a diverse and rapidly growing region, providing direct access to the communities it serves.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Applicants are expected to bring substantial academic experience, ideally with a strong track record in health sciences education or related fields. Demonstrated success in people leadership, strategic planning, and external engagement will be essential. A commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and advancing Māori and Pacific success in higher education is also highly valued.

Those who thrive in collaborative environments and can articulate a clear vision for the school’s future will be particularly well suited. The role reports to the Dean and forms part of the faculty’s senior leadership team, offering influence at both school and institutional levels.

How to Apply and Next Steps

Applications for the Head of School – Health position close on 30 June 2026. Interested candidates can find full details and submit applications through the official AUT careers portal. The process typically involves a detailed application addressing the selection criteria, followed by interviews and stakeholder engagement.

For those exploring similar opportunities in New Zealand higher education, resources on academic leadership pathways can provide additional guidance on preparing competitive applications and understanding institutional cultures.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Health Leadership at AUT

As healthcare continues to evolve with advances in technology, changing patient demographics, and new models of integrated care, the leadership of health schools becomes increasingly critical. The person appointed to this role will help shape how AUT responds to these shifts, ensuring its programmes remain relevant, rigorous, and responsive to community needs.

This vacancy underscores AUT’s ongoing investment in its health faculty and its determination to attract visionary leaders who can deliver both immediate impact and lasting legacy. For qualified academics ready to take on a high-visibility role in one of New Zealand’s most vibrant universities, this represents an exceptional chance to make a tangible difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

🎓What is the exact title and focus of the Head of School position at AUT?

The formal title is Head of School – Acute and Primary Health. It involves providing strategic academic and people leadership for the School of Acute and Primary Health within AUT’s Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences.

📍Where is the position based and what is the contract type?

The role is based at AUT’s South Campus in Manukau, Auckland. It is offered as a five-year fixed-term appointment.

Head of School – Health

Auckland University of Technology

55 Wellesley Street East, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

Head of School – Acute and Primary Health

Required Qualifications

Research Areas

Head of School – Health

AUT's School of Acute and Primary Health

The Opportunity | Te Whiwhinga mahi

About you | Ko wai koe

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono

Further Information:

Head of School – Health

Head of School | Community and Public Health

Related Reading

Head of School – Health Opportunity at Auckland University of Technology

Leadership in Action: The Head of School – Health Role at AUT

Understanding AUT’s Commitment to Health Education

Key Responsibilities of the Incoming Head of School

The Broader Context of Health Workforce Development in New Zealand

Research and Innovation Opportunities

What Makes This Opportunity Stand Out

Ideal Candidate Profile

How to Apply and Next Steps

Looking Ahead: The Future of Health Leadership at AUT

Frequently Asked Questions

🎓What is the exact title and focus of the Head of School position at AUT?

📍Where is the position based and what is the contract type?

💰What is the salary range for the Head of School – Health role?

👥How many staff will the Head of School lead?

📋What are the main responsibilities of this leadership position?

📅When does the application close for this AUT vacancy?

✅What qualifications or experience are typically required?

🏥How does this role contribute to New Zealand’s health workforce?

🔄Are there similar leadership roles available at AUT?

🔗Where can I find the full job description and apply?