Professional Experience Coordinator – Early Childhood Education

• Collaborative working environment
• Opportunities to grow partnerships across the ECE Sector
• Contribute to the next generation of teachers

Ngā kōrero mō te tūranga – About the role

We are seeking an experienced and passionate leader to oversee the professional experience component of our Early Childhood Education (ECE) programmes. This pivotal role provides leadership and coordination across Hamilton, Tauranga, and NET programmes - ensuring high-quality placements, strong partnerships with ECE centres, and meaningful learning experiences for student teachers.

You will work closely with centre leaders, teachers, academic staff, and students to support every aspect of professional experience—from placement and visiting to associate teacher development and documentation. You'll also contribute to teaching, assessment, and evaluative visits, and play an active role in the recruitment and selection of future ECE teachers.

If you are committed to nurturing the next generation of early childhood educators and building strong connections between education and practice, we'd love to hear from you.

Salary will be in the range of $97,532 to $111,169 per year based on skills, knowledge and experience brought to the position. This is a full-time role (37.5 hours a week), based on our Hillcrest Campus.

For more information on the role please see the position description. For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Wendy Carss, Senior Lecturer,  All applications must be submitted through the online portal, emailed applications will not be accepted.

Ko wai koe? – Who are you?

You'll bring a strong background in Early Childhood Education, with a Master's degree and a recognised New Zealand teaching qualification. You'll have current or eligible teacher certification, deep knowledge of Te Whāriki, and proven experience in ECE teaching, mentoring, and evaluative visiting.

You're an effective communicator and collaborator, confident leading professional development and contributing to teaching excellence. A commitment to bicultural practice, equity, and innovation in teaching is essential, along with strong organisation and leadership skills.

If you're passionate about shaping the next generation of ECE teachers and building strong partnerships across the sector, we'd love to hear from you.

Ko wai mātou? – Who are we? 

Te Wānanga Toi Tangata Division of Education provides innovative approaches to both education and educational research.  Te Kura Toi Tangata School of Education offers quality academic programmes at undergraduate level, and a range of programmes from across both taught and research postgraduate. Our programmes are research-informed and delivered through high quality academic staff catering for domestic and international students. As a leader of education in New Zealand, we are committed to enhancing education through teaching, research and professional services. 

He aha ngā take me tono mai ai koe? – Why should you apply for this position?

We want you to be part of our success  Our University stands proudly on the world stage as a provider of future-focused, international education and an active player in global research. Our rankings reflect these strengths. Working with us means you'll enjoy a satisfying work environment with many benefits.

The University of Waikato is distinctive for the diversity of its staff and students and encourages applicants with the relevant capabilities from all backgrounds to apply. Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in NZ in accordance with the NZ Immigration regulations which can be found here. 

Ko te Tangata – For the People

The University of Waikato prides itself on the quality of its engagement with the communities that it serves, the provision of a world-class education and the national and international impact of its research. Our policies are guided by the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and equal opportunity for all. 

E herea ana te Whare Wānanga ki te kaupapa kia whakaratohia te mea angitū ōrite ki ngā tāngata katoa.

Applications Close on Monday 8th December 2025

Requisition number: 1003139