Student Experience Adviser

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

Student Experience Adviser - Summer Start Programme: 5 Month Fixed-Term opportunity beginning October 2026

Join the Summer Start team and help shape an exceptional transition experience for students beginning their university journey. Summer Start is a six-week programme that supports eligible school-leavers to gain credits, build confidence and connect with university life through a blend of academic, social and wellbeing support. In this rewarding and highly visible role, you'll lead the co-curricular programme, foster a strong student community, and play a key part in helping students thrive from day one.

• Deliver a dynamic programme of events, activities and engagement initiatives that enhance the student experience.
• Recruit, train and support a team of Summer Start Leaders.
• Build strong relationships with students, providing guidance and connecting them with appropriate support services.
• Partner with colleagues across the University to ensure a seamless and supportive student journey.
• Lead student communications, wellbeing initiatives and social media engagement.
• Gather feedback and insights to continuously improve programme delivery and outcomes.
• Support recruitment, application and enrolment activities, helping students transition successfully into Semester One.

For more information, please see Position Description

This is a full-time 5 Month Fixed-Term role (37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday). The salary range is $68,000 - $79,000pa pro rata.

He kōrero mōu | About you

You are a student-focused professional who is passionate about supporting others to succeed. With strong relationship-building skills and a commitment to inclusive practice, you thrive in dynamic environments where no two days are the same. You bring a practical, organised approach to programme delivery and are confident working with a wide range of students, colleagues and community stakeholders.

• Demonstrated experience in a customer-facing, student support, community engagement or similar environment where delivering excellent service is essential.
• Experience planning and coordinating events, activities or initiatives, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships with students, staff and external stakeholders.
• Confidence providing guidance, coordinating others or taking a leadership role within a team, school, community or volunteer setting.
• A genuine commitment to equity, inclusion and student success, including an appreciation of the aspirations and experiences of Māori and Pacific learners.
• Strong organisational skills, sound judgement and the ability to identify issues, respond appropriately and connect people with the right support.
• Digital confidence, including proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to communicate effectively across a range of platforms.
• An understanding of, or willingness to learn about, New Zealand’s tertiary education environment, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and culturally responsive ways of working.

Desirable experience includes working in a tertiary education setting, supporting student engagement or wellbeing initiatives, mentoring students, and working effectively within Māori and Pacific cultural contexts.

What we offer | Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou

Guided by our values, we work collaboratively to advance knowledge, foster equity and inclusion, and contribute meaningfully to New Zealand’s social, cultural, and economic well-being.

We cultivate an environment that supports your growth and rewards excellence with a range of staff benefits, including:

• Competitive salary and five weeks of annual leave.
• Leading, and inclusive parental leave provisions.
• Career development opportunities and a range of benefits, including discounted insurance, memberships, and on‑site amenities.