Doctoral Partnerships Manager

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The University of Auckland is hiring a permanent full-time Doctoral Partnerships Manager to build and manage partnerships with universities, research institutes and companies to enhance opportunities for PhD students. The role sits at the intersection of graduate research, industry and global partnerships, guiding programmes, providing executive support to the Pro Vice-Chancellor Global and Graduate Research, and collaborating with the Research & Innovation Office and School of Graduate Studies. Key duties include overseeing joint graduate schools and international exchanges, developing industry linked PhD opportunities, and embedding robust project management processes. Requirements: postgraduate qualification, doctoral preferred, strong project management and stakeholder engagement, excellent written and verbal communication, and an autonomous work style. Salary 98,700–121,900; 37.5 hours; City Campus with hybrid options. Apply online by 1 July 2026; include cover letter and CV. Tips: tailor your letter to show leadership in partnerships, give concrete examples of delivering strategic initiatives and managing complex programmes, highlight collaboration with R&I Office, and demonstrate how you would advance the doctoral experience. For queries contact Heidi Collins.

Job Description

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

This is a newly created role and an exciting opportunity to build and manage partnerships with other organisations including universities, research institutes, and companies to create enhanced opportunities for PhD students.

As the Doctoral Partnerships Manager, you will play a key role in shaping and embedding new programmes and processes, working at the intersection of graduate research, industry, and global partnerships.  You will work closely with the Pro Vice-Chancellor (PVC) Global and Graduate Research, providing executive level support across doctoral partnerships, including international and industry-partnered research and research internships. You will work closely with teams in the School of Graduate Studies and Research and Innovation Office, and assist in developing briefing papers, including consultation and background research, and supporting key projects as required. 

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing strategic oversight and management of joint graduate schools (JGS), dual and joint PhD programmes, doctoral research internships, and international exchanges
• Developing new industry linked PhD opportunities and strengthening both domestic and global partnerships
• Establishing and embedding effective processes and project management frameworks to support partnership delivery
• Working closely with the Research & Innovation Office (R&I) and School of Graduate Studies to design and implement internal processes
• Taking ownership of initiatives and independently driving projects forward to deliver outcomes

This is a permanent, full-time (37.5 hours per week) position, band H with a salary range of $98,700 – $121,900 per annum, depending on experience and qualifications.  Based at the City Campus (Alfred Nathan House), the position supports flexible hybrid working

For more information on the role, please view the Position Description.

Mō tō mātou rōpū | About the team

You will be part of a close knit and supportive team within the Research & Innovation Office’s Researcher Development and Doctoral Experience team, embedded within the School of Graduate Studies.  The team offers a collaborative environment with strong support and a shared commitment to enhancing the doctoral experience.

He kōrero mōu | About you

You are proactive and driven and thrive in a fast-paced environment and enjoys building something meaningful from the ground up. You are comfortable working autonomously, taking ownership, and driving initiatives forward while maintaining strong stakeholder relationships.

Skills and experience that are required:

• Proven experience in a relevant field such as tertiary education, research programmes, or partnerships development
• Strong project management skills and the ability to deliver strategic initiatives
• Experience developing or managing partnerships, agreements, or collaborative programmes
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and deliver outcomes
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to build effective working relationships
• A postgraduate qualification is required; a doctoral qualification is desirable.

Additional Information

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university. We employ more than 5,400 academic and professional staff to support over 41,000 students, making us one of NZ’s largest employers.

We offer you the opportunity to join a dynamic, world-class institution in one of the world's most desirable cities.

The University is committed to providing an excellent working environment through the following:

• Flexible employment practices (including working from home and flexible hours)
• Up to 6.75% company superannuation scheme (subject to eligibility)
• A competitive salary with five weeks' annual leave

For more information, please visit Staff Benefits.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications must be submitted online by the closing date of Wednesday 1 July 2026 to be considered. Please include your cover letter and CV highlighting how you can meet the abovementioned skills and experience.

For queries related to the role, please contact Heidi Collins – [email protected].  Please note we are happy to answer your questions, but we do not accept applications by email.

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Equity

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment.  For further information on services for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQIATakatāpuiMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other personal circumstances go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz