Alumni and Graduation Lead
Tēnā koutou katoa
Ko wai mātou | About us as an organisation
At Te Kura Matatini ki Otago/Otago Polytechnic, we are committed to attracting, developing and retaining kaimahi (staff) who are passionate, creative, future-focused and dedicated to help set the direction for quality vocational and applied learning to meet tomorrow’s needs.
We are guided by our values and we are proud to be Rainbow Tick certified. We aspire to create a working environment that is inclusive and meets the aspirations of mana whenua ensuring equity for Māori and increasing access for all.
Mō te tūraka mahi | About the role
This is an exciting opportunity to lead two highly visible and impactful areas of Otago Polytechnic.
As our Alumni and Graduation Lead, you will oversee the end-to-end planning and delivery of our graduation ceremonies, ensuring every event celebrates learner achievement and reflects the mana and professionalism of Otago Polytechnic. You will coordinate event logistics, stakeholder engagement, communications, risk management, budgeting, and event-day operations to create memorable experiences for graduates, whānau, staff, and guests.
Alongside graduation delivery, you will lead the development and growth of our alumni engagement programme. Working collaboratively across the organisation, you will strengthen lifelong connections with alumni through relationship management, communications, engagement initiatives, database management, storytelling, and alumni-focused activities that showcase graduate success and strengthen connections between alumni and the Polytechnic
Ko wai koe | About you
You will be a highly organised and proactive professional who enjoys managing multiple priorities, building strong relationships, and bringing complex projects and events together successfully.
To be successful in this role, you will have:
- Experience coordinating or managing events from planning through to delivery.
- Strong project management and organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing deadlines and priorities.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
- Confidence working with data, maintaining accurate records, and using business systems.
- Sound financial administration skills, including budget monitoring and invoice processing.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt quickly when circumstances change.
- A degree qualification in Events, Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
- The ability to work collaboratively across a diverse range of teams and stakeholders.
- Experience in tertiary education and familiarity with reporting or data analytics tools would be advantageous.
This role is ideal for someone who combines exceptional organisational skills with creativity, relationship-building capability, and a passion for delivering outstanding experiences. Occasional evening work is required to support graduation ceremonies and events.
The successful applicant will uphold our organisation’s commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi by continuously developing and upholding your understanding of our obligations and connection with Te Tiriti as an individual and as an organisation
Through recognition, empowerment and inclusion, you will give greater acknowledgement to the unmet needs of Māori, Pasifika and disabled people and their whanau.
You will have demonstrable health and safety best practices and enjoy being part of a team who support each other. You will easily be able to build and maintain relationships and communicate well via email, phone and face-to-face.
Tono ināianei | Apply now
For specific information contact Gus Geary 0800 762 786 or gus.geary@op.ac.nz
For a position description or to apply please click on the link.
Applications close 5pm, Wednesday 26 August 2026.
Applications for this role will take you to the advertisers site.