Head of Department - Applied Management and Information Technology

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Future Skills and Otago Polytechnic seek a visionary Head of Department: Applied Management and Information Technology at Auckland International Campus to lead strategy, curriculum innovation, research and industry engagement across the department, aligning with AIC's mission to develop highly employable graduates and an experiential, AI-enabled learning environment. The role combines academic leadership, staff development, programme review and accreditation, and external partnerships while maintaining a balanced workload of research, teaching and curriculum development. Ideal candidates hold a PhD, proven leadership in higher education, success in implementing experiential learning and digital transformation, strong stakeholder relationships, and financial and resource management skills. To apply, submit CV and a tailored cover letter that demonstrates strategic impact, measurable outcomes from curriculum innovation, and evidence of industry partnerships, accreditation success, and inclusive leadership.

Auckland International Campus (AIC) is a high profile international education partnership between Future Skills and Otago Polytechnic. We are passionate individuals dedicated to our vision to develop New Zealand’s most employable graduates, supported by our mission to build capability for a global workforce. At AIC, we shape not just minds, but futures and our people play an essential part in shaping a supportive, empowering, and inspiring learning environment.

AIC is seeking an experienced and visionary Head of Department – Applied Management & Information Technology to provide strategic academic leadership across learning and teaching, research, curriculum innovation, industry engagement, and programme development.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of applied higher education within an institution committed to innovation, experiential learning, AI-enabled education, and graduate success. You will lead a team of passionate academics while driving continuous improvement, industry engagement, and academic excellence.

About the Role

As Head of Department, you will:

• Lead the strategic direction and academic performance of the Applied Management & Information Technology department.
• Develop and implement departmental plans aligned with AIC's vision, values and strategic priorities.
• Drive curriculum innovation by embedding experiential learning, authentic assessment, and responsible use of AI and digital technologies.
• Foster a high-performing research culture that supports scholarly activity, applied research, external partnerships, and industry collaboration.
• Ensure academic quality, continuous improvement, regulatory compliance, and alignment with partner institution requirements.
• Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing academic team through effective recruitment, induction, coaching, performance development and succession planning.
• Build and strengthen strategic relationships with industry, professional bodies, community organisations, and external partners to enhance student outcomes and graduate employability.
• Contribute to new programme development, academic planning, and institutional initiatives that support AIC's future growth.

This role also includes an academic workload comprising research, teaching, and curriculum development, balanced with leadership, staff development, and departmental management responsibilities.

About You

• A PhD in a relevant discipline.
• Significant experience in academic leadership within the tertiary education sector.
• Demonstrated success in learning and teaching, curriculum innovation, and programme development.
• Experience leading programme review, accreditation, regulatory quality assurance, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• A strong commitment to experiential learning, learner capability development, and student success.
• A proven ability to build productive relationships with industry, professional bodies, and external stakeholders.
• Experience leading organisational change, strategic initiatives, or major academic projects.
• An understanding of AI-enabled learning, digital transformation, and emerging technologies in higher education.
• Strong people leadership skills, including staff recruitment, mentoring, coaching, capability development, and performance management.
• Excellent strategic thinking, communication, and relationship management skills.
• Financial and resource management capability.
• Cultural competence and the ability to work effectively with diverse learners, staff, and communities.

Why Join AIC?

At AIC, you'll be part of an institution committed to academic excellence, innovation, and preparing graduates for the future workforce. We value collaboration, continuous learning, and empowering our people to make a meaningful impact.

We offer:

• Professional development funding and support for one professional membership.
• Tuesday after Easter Monday as an additional paid leave day.
• Staff social club events and team-building activities.
• Flexible working arrangements where operationally possible.
• Opportunities to lead innovative educational initiatives and contribute to the future direction of higher education.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV together with a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.