Doctoral Partnerships Manager

The Opportunity: Doctoral Partnerships Manager

This is a newly created role offering an exciting opportunity to build and manage partnerships with organizations such as 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 programs and processes, working at the intersection of graduate research, industry, and global partnerships. You will provide executive-level support across doctoral partnerships, including international and industry-partnered research and research internships, working closely with the Pro Vice-Chancellor (PVC) Global and Graduate Research.

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.

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.

About You

You are proactive and driven, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and enjoy 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 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.

What We Offer:

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university, employing over 5,400 staff to support over 41,000 students.

• Opportunity to join a dynamic, world-class institution in a desirable city.
• 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.

How to Apply:

Applications must be submitted online by the closing date of Wednesday 1 July 2026. Please include your cover letter and CV highlighting how you meet the required skills and experience. For queries, contact Heidi Collins – [email protected] (applications by email are not accepted).

Equity:

The University is committed to fulfilling its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment.