Professor and Director - Nature Positive

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

With more than 7,500 students, the Triple Crown accredited University of Auckland Business School is one of the largest and most successful in the Australasian region. The University of Auckland’s position in the top 100 of the 2026 QS World Universities Ranking (65th globally, 1st in New Zealand) confirms both its status as New Zealand’s pre-eminent research-led university and its place amongst the top 1% of universities worldwide.

The Professor and Director - Nature Positive, is positioned within the Juncture: Dialogues on Inclusive Capitalism Research Centre.  Anchored in Juncture's mission to reimagine capitalism for a more sustainable and inclusive future, the Centre will establish a Nature Positive Hub. This hub will bring together transdisciplinary research, education, and cross-sector collaboration to deliver practical, scalable pathways toward a Nature Positive Aotearoa.

The Director will provide strategic leadership, catalysing and coordinating activities both within the University and across the external ecosystem. This role serves as the primary integrator of Nature Positive activities, translating University research and capability into real-world impact, working with the community, iwi, industry, and policy partners to ensure knowledge drives tangible action.

This is a full-time (40 hours per week), three year fixed term position.

The remuneration range for this role is between $200,000 - $250,000 NZD, depending on qualifications and experience.

For more information about this role, please refer to the Position Description. 

He kōrero mōu | About you

We’re looking for a strategic leader, with strong interpersonal skills. You will;  

• Contribute to University and Faculty priorities in teaching, research, scholarship, and academic leadership and service
• Build strategic consensus with a range of stakeholders with diverse views and different priorities
• Have proven ability in leading strategy development and execution in business, academia or civil society
• Have a deep understanding of environmental challenges and nature-positive solutions.
• Have proven ability to communicate complex and potentially contentious issues to a range of stakeholders

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

The University is committed to supporting your career with:

• Excellent research, teaching, and campus facilities
• Generous Research & Study Leave
• Full range of research and leadership development programmes

For more information, please visit Staff Benefits.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications must be submitted online, by the closing date of 31 January 2026 to be considered. Please include your cover letter and CV highlighting how you can meet the skills and experiences detailed above and in the position description. 

For questions about this role, please contact Molly Freeman via [email protected]. Please note we are happy to answer your questions, but we do not accept applications by email.