Tumuaki Head of School

Are you looking for an influential leadership role in a world class, multidisciplinary school that spans across social, environmental and earth sciences?
- Can you strategically position teaching, research and engagement to connect closely with the key issues facing society, including climate change, natural hazards, environmental justice, resilience, and social cohesion?
- Are you interested in a fixed term Head of School appointment for 3 years, coupled to a permanent substantive academic position in the School?

**Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role**

Te Herenga Waka -Victoria University of Wellington is currently seeking a Tumuaki - Head of School for Te Kura Tātai Aro Whenua - School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences. The successful applicant will be appointed to a permanent academic position and will return to that position once completing the three-year fixed term Head of School role.

We are looking to recruit a dynamic academic leader with relevant disciplinary knowledge and the scope of vision to develop the strategic direction of the School, foster a diverse, connected and interdisciplinary research and teaching environment, and champion the School with internal and external stakeholders. The Head of School will be an effective and supportive member of the Faculty of Science and Engineering leadership team and report to the Dean.

We are also currently advertising for an academic position in Environmental Science.

**Ō pūmanawa - About you**

The successful applicant will have:

- A demonstrated record of commitment to, and performance in, quality tertiary teaching, research, engagement and academic leadership.
- Ability to support and manage staff across a broad range of disciplines.
- A sound knowledge of a university environment and the education sector.
- Proven ability to engage in effective strategic planning and initiative development.
- Proven advocacy and promotion skills.
- Proven commitment to working collaboratively with colleagues and team building.
- A strong commitment to equity and diversity in teaching, research and engagement.
- Evidence of ability to assist the University to meet its obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi
- A PhD in a relevant discipline.

**Ētahi kōrero hai āwhina i a koe - Why you should join our team**

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a large and energetic school that boasts international research and teaching expertise within a world-leading university. The School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences prides itself on research and teaching excellence, with high QS rankings in Development Studies (top 100), Geography (top 150), Earth and Marine Sciences (top 200). Within New Zealand, the School is top-ranking for research intensity in its disciplines, and it has an exceptional record of attracting external research funding. Taught programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate levels address contemporary problems and solutions at local and global scales and facilitate student engagement with diverse environments and communities.

The School boasts a rich teaching and research environment that maintains a close connection to our place in Aotearoa and the Asia-Pacific. With strengths across the social and Earth sciences, its work is closely connected to the key issues facing society. It collaborates across a range of sectors, with iwi Māori, organisations in the arts and communities, local and national government, research organisations, and local and global aid agencies. This is underpinned by world class research labs and access to high performance computing facilities.

The School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences has a strong commitment to equity and diversity, and research and teaching consistent with the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

**Close date for vacancy**:28 July 2025.