Tumuaki | Head of School, School of Architecture – Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
- s-architecture
- Sep 22
- 3 min read
Tumuaki | Head of School, School of Architecture
Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington
Wellington, New Zealand
Job Description
Are you an academic leader in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Interior Architecture, Building Science, or Construction, ready for a three-year term as Head of School?
Do you hold a PhD in a relevant field and have a strong understanding of the University environment and education sector?
Can you lead teams, foster an inclusive culture, and contribute strategically to the University’s goals?
Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role
Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is currently recruiting a permanent, full-time academic staff member to also take on the role of Tumuaki - Head of School in a 3-year, fixed-term appointment. This role sits within Te Kura Waihanga - School of Architecture in Te Wāhanga Waihanga-Hoahoa - Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation.
The appointment will be made at the level of Ahorangi - Professor or Ahonuku - Associate Professor commensurate with the successful candidate’s experience and qualifications.
The successful candidate will be seconded to the position of Tumuaki - Head of School for 3 years, after which they will continue in their substantive academic position.
Key responsibilities:
Strategic and academic leadership: Contribute to the strategic planning and direction of the Faculty and School, ensuring alignment with the University's goals and Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations. Provide academic leadership to support excellence in teaching, learning, and research performance.
School management and staff development: Lead and manage School operations including staffing, budgeting, and facilities. Foster a positive and inclusive work environment, supporting staff development, performance, and wellbeing in accordance with University policies.
Engagement and representation: Represent and promote the School within the University and externally, both nationally and internationally. Develop and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, partners, and other academic units.
Health, safety, and professional development: Ensure effective health, safety, and wellbeing practices across the School. Engage in professional development to enhance
leadership capabilities and maintain high personal standards in teaching and research.
Close date for vacancy: 30 October 2025.
Contact details for vacancy: If you have any questions regarding this role please get in touch with Prof Robyn Phipps, Dean, Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation (robyn.phipps@vuw.ac.nz).
How to apply: Please ensure you are applying for this role directly on our careers page and not via email. Candidates must submit supporting documents along with their resume, such as a cover letter. Applicants who do not have residency or citizenship and require a visa to work at the University must clearly indicate their visa status in their application and understand that if they do not have a current, relevant visa, they will need to secure this independently.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we may progress with suitable applicants prior to the application closing date. Applications from recruitment agencies are not accepted.
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