Manu Tāiko, Te Hapai Tāngata Associate Director, Organisational Development

Join us to reimagine how organisational development (OD) enables a thriving university culture grounded in purpose, people, and partnership.
- We are looking for a strategic and courageous leader to shape a future where capability, belonging, equity, and performance are deeply integrated into the way we work.
- This is an exciting opportunity to lead transformational work across culture change, leadership, workforce development, employee engagement, equity and inclusion, and OD frameworks. You will play a critical role as part of Te Pūmanawa Tāngata - Human Resources Group, championing a modern, mana-enhancing employee experience across the University.

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

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is currently recruiting for a Manu Taiko, Te Hapai Tāngata - Associate Director, Organisational Development, on a permanent, full-time basis. As Manu Taiko, Te Hapai Tāngata - Associate Director, Organisational Development, you will drive University wide initiatives that support our people and leaders to succeed in delivering strategic outcomes through collaborations, connection and community. You will shape frameworks and programmes that lift organisational capability, enable inclusive leadership, support succession and retention, and embed cultural safety across the University.

The salary range for this role is $176,715 to $228,690 (Band 20) per annum.

This role leads core initiatives like manager essentials, professional staff progression, academic promotion partnership, induction and learning strategy, culture change, and the refreshed equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) framework. You will also lead and embed change management and complaints frameworks that prioritise people and care.

You will join Te Pūmanawa Tāngata - HR Leadership Team and work closely with academic and professional leaders, iwi and Māori partners, and stakeholders across the University.

Key responsibilities:

- Develop and lead the University’s organisational development strategy and programmes, aligned to Te Pūmanawa Tāngata - HR Delivery Plan and Te Tiriti o Waitangi Statute.
- Design and embed initiatives that strengthen employee experience, belonging, and leadership capability across all levels of the organisation.
- Deliver a refreshed EDI framework and people-centred complaints framework that enhances trust, inclusion, and safety.
- Partner with Finance, Te Tai Matihiko - Digital Solutions, and other key functions to ensure OD strategy aligns with systems, structures, and workforce planning.
- Lead a team of OD professionals, fostering collaboration, cultural confidence, and innovation in everything you deliver.

**Ō pūmanawa - About you**

We are looking for a strategic and relational leader who can connect the dots between people, purpose, and performance. You will bring:

- Deep experience in organisational development, change, or HR strategy, ideally in a complex organisation.
- Proven ability to lead transformational change that shifts culture, improves capability, and strengthens engagement.
- A high level of cultural competence, with demonstrated leadership embedding Te Tiriti o Waitangi and cultural safety in practice.
- Confidence working across diverse groups, with the ability to influence at all levels.
- Strong delivery skills - you can move from strategy to action, turning ideas into impact.
- Courage, empathy, and a belief in the power of inclusive leadership and shared growth.

**Close date for vacancy**:01 September 2025.

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

At Te Herenga Waka, you will be part of a dynamic and forward-thinking people team helping shape the future of Aotearoa’s capital city university. In Te Pūmanawa Tāngata, we are on a journey to redesign how we support, grow, and care for our people.

This is a rare opportunity to lead with purpose, contribute to system-wide transformation, and work alongside others who are committed to equity, learning, and innovation.