Director Research and Postgraduate Studies
Fulltime, permanent
Tēnā koutou katoa
Are you an accomplished researcher and empowering leader who thrives on building capability, fostering excellence, and shaping impactful research cultures? Otago Polytechnic | Te Kura Matatini ki Otago is seeking a visionary Director: Research and Postgraduate Studies to lead our research portfolio and drive transformation outcomes for kaimahi, ākonga, industry and our communities.
Ko wai mātou | About us as an organisation
At Otago Polytechnic | Te Kura Matatini ki Otago/, we are committed to attracting, developing, and retaining kaimahi (staff) who are enthusiastic, 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
As our Director Research and Postgraduate Studies, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across all research and postgraduate activities at Otago Polytechnic. You will design, implement, and champion research strategies, policies, systems and communities of practice that strengthen research quality, grow our research outputs, and enhance the impact of our work locally, nationally, and internationally.
A key aspect of this role includes leading and nurturing Māori research in partnership with the Kaitohutohu Office—supporting Māori academics and research-active kaimahi, strengthening Māori-centred methodologies, ensuring strong adherence to Māori research ethics, and contributing to a thriving Māori research culture across the Polytechnic.
You will also represent Otago Polytechnic in national and international forums, influence research policy, and build powerful networks to enhance our postgraduate offerings and strengthen our research reputation.
This is a pivotal leadership role that reports directly to the Deputy Executive Director: Academic Delivery and provides guidance and direction to our Research and Postgraduate Studies team.
Ko wai koe | About you
You will be an active and successful researcher with a strong research profile and a demonstrated commitment to empowering and inclusive leadership, ideally within a tertiary education context. You will hold a postgraduate qualification by research, with a doctorate expected, and bring credibility as a research leader across postgraduate and applied research environments.
Your research expertise will include a strong understanding of diverse research methodologies, including Kaupapa Māori research, and a clear commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and ethical research practice. You will bring cultural competence and experience working in partnership with mana whenua to support Māori research capability and aspirations. Through recognition, empowerment, and inclusion, you will also give greater acknowledgement to the unmet needs of Māori, Pasifika and disabled people and their whanau.
Key to success in this role will be your:
· extensive strategic tertiary education experience, and in research specifically
· understanding of Te Ao Māori in tertiary education and research
· stakeholder engagement and relationship management at an executive level
· commercial acumen, ability to close the deal, and history in optimising revenue growth
· commitment to quality and continuous improvement and a history of success in delivering key outcomes
· high level of resilience, agility, and the ability to work effectively under pressure in an ever-changing and ambiguous environment.
You 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.
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 a confidential discussion or further information please email Chris Williamson at chris.williamson@op.ac.nz
For a position description or to apply please click on the link.
Applications close 5pm, Wednesday 13 May 2026.
Applications for this role will take you to the advertisers site.
