Associate Director - Accommodation

Job Description

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to join the Campus Life leadership team and provide strategic leadership of Accommodation at the University. The core role of the Associate Director is to ensure that resident students continue to receive an outstanding experience and benefit from all of the advantages that living on campus allows while ensuring a financially sustainable portfolio.

Some other key responsibilities include:

• Staff Leadership - Provide leadership, mentoring and direction for staff members and encourage behaviours aligned to the development and maintenance of a culture that is inclusive, flexible and encourages excellence.

• Strategy, Planning & Decision Making – Strategic planning for the Accommodation portfolio and contribution to Campus Life’s strategic and annual planning.

• Operational Leadership - Develop and implement KPIs and reporting (in line with central service divisions’ KPIs) that provide operational reporting and supports strategic decision making.

• Financial Planning and Budgeting including operating and capital budgets in conjunction with Commercial manager and finance, review of pricing structures and other revenue opportunities to maximise revenue. Ensure operations are within budget and financial targets are met.

• Stakeholder Management Demonstrate a high level of interpersonal skills through relationship management, advocacy and negotiation both internally and with outside organisations and key stakeholders.

• Continuous Improvement - Work collaboratively toward continuous improvement processes throughout the service division – both operationally and strategically.

• Sustainability - Ensure that the University’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals are being realised in operations and contracts.

• Health, Safety, Wellbeing – ensure that the accommodation portfolio meets compliance requirements.

For more information, please see Position Description

With proven leadership skills, you will value contributions from a variety of sources and be able to inspire and motivate your team and other key stakeholders. This role requires demonstrated experience in managing complex budgets and assets to maximise revenue generation while strengthening the service, preferably in a multi-faceted business. Some other key requirements include:

• A relevant degree level qualification
• Proven ability with delivering complex projects and business improvement initiatives in large organisations.
• Experience with business intelligence & operational reporting and data analysis.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills combined with a proven ability to work with financial information.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to work with a range of staff at all levels within a large complex organisation.

We offer the opportunity to extend your experience with New Zealand’s leading University in a way that can also have a positive impact on the lives of students. We also offer:

• Five weeks’ annual leave per annum.
• Up to 6.75% employer superannuation contribution.
• Over 300 different career development courses.
• Discounted parking and various leisure and recreation services.
• A diverse and inclusive working environment.

For more information on the benefits of working here, see our Staff Benefits page.

Additional Information

Applications should be submitted online, before the closing date of

If you have any questions about this role, please contact Josh Chapman – [emailprotected]

In accordance with our commitment to equitable recruitment, the University welcomes applications from all suitably qualified and experienced candidates. In response to COVID-19 the New Zealand Government has imposed a travel ban and are currently only allowing New Zealand Residents, Citizens and visa holders meeting a strict exception policy to enter the country, all of whom must currently enter Government approved quarantine for two weeks on arrival.

It is uncertain when these border restrictions will change, and this may impact the degree to which an offshore candidate can engage in the interview process; or be available to commence in a new position. For more information and updates on the border restrictions visit the Immigration New Zealand website or the New Zealand Government’s official Covid-19 website.

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, LGBTQITakatāpui+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other equity issues go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz