Position Title: Senior Academic Staff Member/Programme Manager – Social Work
Location: Tauranga
Team: Social Work
Position Type: Full time, permanent
Mō Tēnei Tūranga Mahi | About the Role
We are seeking a passionate and experienced Senior Academic Staff Member (0.8FTE) / Programme Manager (0.2FTE) to lead and deliver high-quality education in our Social Work programme. This dual role combines academic leadership with programme management, ensuring excellence in teaching, learner success, and strategic programme development.
You will manage the planning, delivery, and continuous improvement of the Social Work programme, while also teaching and mentoring learners and kaimahi. This role is pivotal in supporting Toi Ohomai’s commitment to bicultural practice, equity, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
The salary for this position will range between $85,000 and $130,000, based on a combination of the Senior Academic Staff Member band ($85,000–$110,000) and the Programme Manager band ($110,000–$130,000). The final salary will be weighted to reflect the 0.8 FTE / 0.2 FTE split and determined according to skills and experience. This role reports to the Head of School – Health and Social Practice and is based at our Windermere Campus in Tauranga.
Ngā mahi | Key Responsibilities
• Lead the strategic and operational delivery and development of the Social Work programmes, ensuring academic quality, compliance, and alignment with organisational goals.
• Deliver engaging, culturally responsive teaching and assessment across Social Work courses.
• Mentor and support academic staff to enhance teaching practice and learner outcomes.
• Build strong relationships with iwi, hapū, industry, and community stakeholders to ensure programme relevance and growth.
• Champion a learner-centred approach, embedding Mātauranga Māori and inclusive practices.
• Contribute to research, innovation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
He kōrero mōu| About you
To thrive in this role, you will bring:
· A Master’s degree in Social Work (required).
· Current registration with the Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB).
· A minimum of 5 years’ qualified experience in the social work field within the New Zealand context.
· Proven experience in tertiary education, programme leadership, and team management.
· Strong understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and commitment to Māori success.
· Excellent communication, relationship-building, and organisational skills.
· Experience working in bicultural and inclusive environments.
· A strong alignment with our values of Toitūtanga, Manaakitanga, Whanaungatanga, and Kotahitanga, which guide how we work together, care for others, build relationships, and pursue excellence
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds. If you don’t meet every requirement but feel you have the passion and potential to succeed, we encourage you to apply. We value diverse experiences—including those gained through whānau, community, or mahi aroha (volunteering)—and invite you to share your story in your cover letter.
Let your personality, passion, and potential shine. We’re looking for real people with real drive—not perfection.
Mō Mātou | About us
Toi Ohomai is a vibrant and future-focused tertiary institute with campuses in Rotorua (Mokoia), Tauranga (Windermere), and regional locations in Tokoroa, Taupō, Whakatāne, and Waipā.
Our purpose is to partner with iwi, industry, and communities to deliver innovative education, and our vision is to empower people and their communities.
We are committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and strive to create a culturally safe and inclusive environment for all learners.
We aim to be:
· Learner-centred, tailoring education to enhance employability
· Innovative, embracing new technologies and practices
· Collaborative, working with iwi, industry, and government
· Sustainable, financially responsible and environmentally conscious
We are committed to giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, ensuring our services reflect and respond to the aspirations of Māori ākonga, their whānau, iwi, and Māori communities. This commitment is embedded in our strategic direction and is reflected in our pursuit of a culturally confident and competent workforce across all levels of our organisation.
Join us in shaping a future where education uplifts, connects, and transforms.
Me pēhea te tono | How to apply
Toi Ohomai is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable persons. Applicants must have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa and will undergo relevant pre-employment checks.
If this opportunity excites you, we’d love to hear from you. We review applications as they arrive and may contact shortlisted candidates before the closing date.