Academic, Arts, Cultural and Sports Manager
Role Description - please click here
Full Time – Dunedin, Otago
Salary 80-90k,
Selwyn College/ Te Maru Pūmanawa is looking for a Manager to assist with the effective and efficient provision of a collegiate experience for residents of Te Maru Pūmanawa and the wider associated community. Core to this will be responsibility for coordinating the delivery of an effective academic, cultural, arts and sport programme including event organisation for residents and supporting with pastoral care.
About us and the role:
Selwyn College is an Anglican owned accommodation provider for primarily first year university students at Otago University. We actively encourage an inclusive, academic residential community, where mutual care, valuing and promoting the physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing of all our members is key.
What you will be doing:
- Providing strong leadership for Selwyn College residents, alongside the Warden and other senior staff, to ensure a sustained positive community and culture;
- Coordinating of the College’s events and activities programme, with support of the Deputy Warden and other senior staff;
- Developing an atmosphere of academic excellence in the college through coordination of the College’s academic programme;
- Assist the Warden and other senior staff with the provision of excellent pastoral care of its residents.
- Understanding and nurturing the College’s special character, culture and Anglican Church ethos, including it’s three tikanga foundations (Māori, Pasifika, Pakeha);
- Liaison with relevant University departments regarding resident scholastic matters;
- Assisting with the housing, safety and support of College residents and guests;
- Maximising technology opportunities to meet the College’s needs (e.g. communication and residential management platforms);
- Adhering to all legislative requirements, including but not limited to Health and Safety, Pastoral Care and Privacy legislation.
What we are looking for:
Essential
- Tertiary qualification or recognised qualification relevant to the role, or equivalent relevant experience.
- Experience in the tertiary sector and/or familiarity with a university/polytechnic education environment.
- Experience providing support to young adults in an academic or learning environment
Preferred
- Experience working with young adults in a leadership role.
- Experience supporting young adults in a tertiary education setting.
- Experience addressing complex social situations involving young adults, including mental health, harassment and behavioural issues.
- Previous experience in a pastoral care or support role.
Skills/Pūkeka
Essential
- Knowledge in planning and organising events, workshops, or activities.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to build rapport with residents and staff.
- Empathy and understanding of the needs of residents in a tertiary setting
- An ability to quickly develop an understanding of residential collegiate life and the University environment and culture.
- Good leadership skills in guiding young academics within a scholastic living environment.
- Excellent organisational ability.
- Capacity to perform effectively and professionally in complex and challenging situations, including mental health and resident wellbeing incidents.
- Ability to liaise constructively with a wide range of academics.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively, especially during busy periods.
- Competence in using software and technology (e.g., StarRez) to manage documentation and communications.
Attributes/Āhuataka
- Warm, caring and empathetic personality.
- Self-motivated and resourceful with initiative; and
- Flexible and adaptable
Special Requirements
- Hold a current, clean full driver’s license.
- During the academic year, work hours generally include evenings and weekends. Outside of the academic year, shifts may move to daytime hours as required.
- Staff must comply with the Public Records Act 2005 and Privacy Act 2020, including participating in relevant training.
- Staff are also required to comply with the Children’s Act 2014 and the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021, including undergoing police safety checks.
If you are interested in applying for the role, please email a cover letter and CV to our Warden: Ziggy Lesa; [email protected].
Applications close Friday 09 January 2026.