What is the Role and Why is it a Great Opportunity?

The Manu Tāiko – Associate Director, International Recruitment position at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington offers a unique opportunity to shape the growth and internationalisation of one of New Zealand’s leading universities. This strategic leadership role is centered on driving immediate and sustained growth in international student enrolments, while fostering global partnerships and strengthening Wellington’s reputation in the international education sector.

As the primary strategist for international student recruitment, you’ll lead a high-performing team and implement innovative marketing and recruitment plans. Your work will contribute significantly to the university’s mission of nurturing a globally diverse and inclusive campus environment.

This role is not just about strategy; it’s about building impactful relationships across the globe—with education agents, universities, government agencies, and other stakeholders—to achieve enrolment targets and create a robust international presence. Additionally, you’ll align institutional practices with the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021, ensuring the overall welfare and success of international learners.

With international travel integral to the role, it’s an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about education systems, cross-cultural communication, and global networking.

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Advice on Applying (From an International Education Perspective)

This is a highly demanding position, ideal for candidates with strong international education expertise, leadership abilities, and proven recruitment success. Here’s how you can position yourself as a strong applicant:

1. Demonstrate a Global Perspective

In your application, highlight your understanding of international education and globalisation trends. Showcase your experience working with diverse stakeholders, such as academic staff, foreign universities, education agents, and government agencies. Detail successful collaborations or projects that contributed to international student acquisitions and institutional internationalisation.

2. Showcase Recruitment Success and Sales Acumen

Explain, with clear examples, your ability to implement impactful marketing and recruitment strategies with a sales ethos. Provide specific, measurable outcomes where you have exceeded enrolment goals or achieved significant market growth in the international education sector. Use key performance indicators (KPIs) or data-driven results to back up your claims.

3. Leadership Skills in a Multicultural Context

Emphasize your ability to lead and manage teams across cultures effectively. Discuss any experiences in guiding diverse, multidisciplinary teams, and outline how you empowered them to meet international recruitment targets. Showcase your ability to foster collaboration, identify talent, and create an adaptable, motivated work environment.

4. Highlight Strategic Thinking and Operational Planning Expertise

Show how you’ve developed and executed complex international recruitment plans based on market intelligence, data analysis, and long-term industry trends. Your ability to set and monitor recruitment targets, manage budgets, and pivot strategies in response to challenges or changes in the global education landscape will be key.

5. Passion for Pastoral Care and Student Success

Focus on your commitment to student welfare and adherence to regulations, such as the Education Code of Practice 2021. Express how you’ve supported international students not only academically but also socially and emotionally, through initiatives that ensure their wellbeing and integration into new cultural settings.

6. Tailor Your Application to the University’s Vision and Values

Research Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington’s mission and values, especially regarding internationalisation and student recruitment. Your cover letter and CV should express alignment with their goals while highlighting innovative ideas that could enhance their international profile.

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Why Choose This Role?

Joining Te Herenga Waka means becoming part of a forward-thinking organisation deeply committed to internationalisation. You will:

• Take a leadership role in designing strategies that cultivate a globally connected university.
• Collaborate with passionate colleagues working on dynamic programmes like the Wellington Global Exchange and Wellington International Leadership Programme.
• Be supported in a work culture that values creativity, diversity, and impactful results.

With a competitive salary starting between $152,000 and $161,000 NZD, opportunities for further advancement, and exciting international travel, this is a career-defining position for the right candidate.

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How to Apply

To apply, send your CV and a tailored cover letter addressing the responsibilities and requirements of the role to demonstrate your fit for this position. Be sure to:

• Leverage your international education insights and recruitment achievements.
• Provide tangible examples of your leadership and strategic contributions.
• Align your vision and experience with Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington’s goals.

Applications will close on Thursday, 29 May 2025, but submissions will be reviewed as they are received, so apply early to secure consideration. For inquiries, contact Amy Rutherford at amy.rutherford@vuw.ac.nz.

Set yourself apart as the next leader driving global education success at one of New Zealand’s most prestigious institutions!