Head of Department - Information Technology

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UP Education seeks a Head of Department, Information Technology, at Auckland Institute of Studies to provide academic leadership across IT programmes while staying connected to teaching. You’ll shape curriculum, lead programme reviews, advance research, develop staff, ensure NZQA alignment, and build industry partnerships, all while managing resources and performance. The role blends strategic oversight with classroom involvement and a collaborative, high performing culture. Essential: Master’s in IT or CS, proven leadership of degree programmes, tertiary teaching, curriculum development and quality assurance knowledge. Desirable: PhD, NZ tertiary experience, active research and industry links. Tips for applicants: tailor your CV to evidence leadership impact, curriculum reform, and stakeholder collaboration, and include a concise cover letter that aligns with AIS values and student outcomes. Apply with CV and cover letter.

Company Description

Lead, inspire and shape the future of Information Technology education

Are you an experienced academic leader ready to take the next step in your career?

We’re looking for a Head of Department – Information Technology to provide academic leadership across our IT programmes at Auckland Institute of Studies (AIS).

This is an opportunity to combine academic leadership, people development, programme quality, research and teaching in a role where you can make a genuine impact. You’ll lead and support academic staff, help shape contemporary programmes, strengthen teaching and learning, and ensure our students receive a high-quality educational experience that prepares them for their future careers.

If you enjoy bringing people together, developing academic capability and contributing to the strategic direction of an education provider, we’d love to hear from you.

Job Description

About the role

Reporting to the Director of Academic Delivery, you’ll take responsibility for the academic leadership and ongoing success of the Information Technology department.

Rather than stepping away entirely from the classroom, you’ll remain connected to teaching and students while taking a broader leadership role across programme quality, curriculum, research, staff development and regulatory requirements.

You’ll work closely with academic colleagues and senior leadership to ensure our programmes remain relevant, engaging and aligned with both NZQA requirements and evolving industry needs.

Your role will include:

• Providing leadership, direction, mentoring and support to academic staff
• Creating a positive, collaborative and high-performing academic environment
• Maintaining high standards of teaching, learning and student outcomes
• Leading programme reviews, curriculum development and continuous improvement
• Supporting the development of contemporary learning materials and e-resources
• Ensuring programmes meet NZQA approval, accreditation, moderation and monitoring requirements
• Contributing to the development and introduction of new programmes
• Supporting research activity and professional development across the department
• Maintaining your own research activity and academic profile
• Teaching within relevant IT courses as required
• Managing departmental resources, priorities and performance against agreed objectives
• Building relationships with industry, government, education and other external stakeholders
• Contributing to senior leadership discussions, academic committees and working groups
• Helping ensure students experience a supportive, challenging and engaging learning environment

Qualifications

What you'll bring

We’re looking for an established academic or education leader who combines strong academic credentials with the ability to lead people, programmes and continuous improvement.

Essential requirements:

• A Master’s degree or higher in Information Technology, Computer Science or a closely related discipline
• Demonstrated experience in the academic leadership or management of degree-level programmes
• Successful tertiary teaching experience within a relevant discipline
• Experience in curriculum review, development and continuous improvement
• Strong understanding of academic quality assurance and regulatory requirements
• Demonstrated ability to lead, support and develop academic staff
• Strong communication, relationship-building and stakeholder management skills
• The ability to balance academic quality, student outcomes and operational priorities

Highly desirable:

• A PhD or doctoral qualification in a relevant discipline
• Previous experience working within the New Zealand tertiary education environment
• Strong knowledge and practical experience of NZQA requirements, including programme approval, accreditation, moderation and monitoring
• An established research record, with a PBRF ranking or contribution to PBRF activity being advantageous
• Experience developing or launching new tertiary programmes
• Strong connections with the IT industry, professional bodies or wider education sector

Additional Information

Why join AIS?

This is more than a programme management role. It’s an opportunity to influence the academic direction of an established tertiary education provider while remaining connected to the students, educators and industry your work ultimately supports.

You’ll have the opportunity to:

• Lead and develop an academic team and help others perform at their best
• Shape IT education through curriculum development and new programme initiatives
• Influence academic quality and strategy as part of the Institute's wider leadership
• Stay connected to teaching and research within your area of expertise
• Build industry and education partnerships that strengthen our programmes and student outcomes
• Make a meaningful contribution to the experience and future careers of our students

About Auckland Institute of Studies

Auckland Institute of Studies (AIS) is one of New Zealand’s first Private Training Establishments (PTEs), with a proud 36-year history in tertiary education. AIS was rated Category 1 in its most recent External Evaluation and Review (EER), reflecting its commitment to quality education and positive outcomes for learners.

Based in Auckland, we are committed to creating a supportive and engaging learning environment where students from diverse backgrounds can develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed for their future careers.

The role is primarily based at our St Helens Campus in Auckland, with flexibility to work across other AIS Auckland locations where required.

Ready to lead the next chapter?

If you’re an experienced academic looking for an opportunity to broaden your impact beyond the classroom while continuing to contribute to teaching, research and student success, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now with your CV and cover letter outlining your academic leadership, teaching and programme experience.

Questions about your identity help us appreciate the diversity of individuals looking to work with us, ensuring we’re attracting applications from people with identities and perspectives that are as diverse as our students. 

We are an equal opportunity employer. As part of our commitment to equity, we work to ensure a fair and consistent interview process. We celebrate diversity and we are committed to an inclusive work environment.