Executive Assistant - Auckland Bioengineering Institute

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An experienced Executive Assistant is sought by the Auckland Bioengineering Institute to provide executive, secretarial and project‑coordination support to the Director and senior leadership. Based at City Campus this permanent full‑time role demands expert diary management across time zones, coordination of international travel, and active involvement in strategic planning, delivery tracking and high‑quality reporting. You will act as a trusted partner building relationships with staff and external stakeholders while maintaining discretion in a fast paced intellectually engaging environment. To apply tailor your CV and a cover letter to show senior‑level support, project coordination and advanced MS Office skills and apply online by 3 February 2026; interviews mid February; start 16 March 2026. Hybrid, Band F salary.

Job Description

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

Based at the City Campus (70 Symonds Street), the Auckland Bioengineering Institute (ABI) is seeking a professional and highly experienced Executive Assistant to provide executive, secretarial, and project‑coordination support to the Director and senior leadership team.

This is a pivotal role for an accomplished Executive Assistant who enjoys working in a fast‑paced, complex environment and brings maturity, confidence, and strategic awareness to their work. You will be closely involved in supporting the Director’s internal and external engagements, both nationally and internationally, and coordinating key strategic and operational initiatives across the Institute.

Working alongside the senior leadership team, you will support annual and strategic planning activities, track progress against agreed priorities, prepare high‑quality reports and presentations, and ensure initiatives move forward effectively. You will act as a trusted partner to the Director and a central point of coordination helping remove roadblocks and keeping people, priorities, and processes aligned.

Key aspects of the role include:

• Providing high‑level executive and secretarial support, including complex diary management across multiple time zones
• Coordinating a busy national and international travel schedule for the Director
• Supporting strategic and annual planning activities, including tracking delivery against agreed priorities
• Coordinating and monitoring well‑defined, Director‑aligned projects and initiatives
• Preparing high‑quality reports, presentations, and correspondence to support data‑informed decision‑making
• Building strong working relationships with staff, senior leaders, and external stakeholders, while working autonomously and with discretion

This is a permanent, full‑time position (37.5 hours per week). The salary range for this role is Band F: $73,400 – $90,700 per annum, dependent on skills and experience.

The role offers hybrid working, with a minimum of three days on campus per week, and flexibility to work around the Director’s needs.

The preferred start date is 16 March 2026, with a comprehensive onboarding period, including two weeks of training. Interviews are anticipated to take place in the second week of February 2026.

For more detailed information on the role accountabilities and requirements, please review the position description.

He kōrero mōu | About you

You are a highly experienced Executive Assistant with the confidence, judgement, and communication skills to operate effectively at executive level. You bring a strong sense of professionalism and pride in the quality of your work, and you thrive in a fast‑paced and intellectually engaging environment.

You will ideally demonstrate:

• Significant experience supporting a senior executive in a large or complex organisation
• Strong project coordination or project support experience within a dynamic environment
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly, professionally, and with influence at executive level
• Excellent organisational skills and sound judgement, with the ability to manage competing priorities
• Advanced Microsoft Office capability and confidence preparing reports and presentations
• Strong interpersonal skills, confidence engaging with senior stakeholders, and a proactive, professional approach

You are articulate, professional, and people‑focused, and are motivated by enabling leaders and teams to perform at their best.

Mō tō mātou rōpū | About the team

The Auckland Bioengineering Institute (ABI) is a multidisciplinary research institute within the University of Auckland, known for combining world‑class research with real‑world impact in health and biomedical engineering.

ABI is a highly collaborative, close‑knit, and supportive community, with strong national and international connections. The team brings together engineers, scientists, clinicians, and professional staff who work closely across functions to achieve shared goals.

The team values excellence, innovation, citizenship, and strong customer service, and takes pride in working in a way that is respectful, inclusive, and outcomes‑driven. You will be joining a team that is energetic, supportive, values initiative, and enjoys working together in a dynamic and engaging environment.

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 Aotearoa’s largest employers.

We offer 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% employer superannuation
• A competitive salary and five weeks’ annual leave

In addition, we offer career development programmes, discounted car parking, generous parental leave, childcare, and other internal and external staff discounts.

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 3 February 2026 (NZST) to be considered. Please include your CV and cover letter outlining how you meet the skills and experience outlined above.

For a confidential conversation or job related question not covered in the advertisement or position description  please contact Nina Pettersson-Fox at [email protected].

Please note that applications will not be accepted by email.

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