Tumuaki | Head of School, School of Architecture

• Are you an academic leader in Architecture Landscape Architecture Interior Architecture Building Science or Construction ready for a three-year term as Head of School
• Do you hold a PhD in a relevant field and have a strongunderstanding of the University environment and education sector
• Can you lead teams foster an inclusive culture and contribute strategically to the Universitys goals

Krero m te tranga - About the role

TeHerenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is currently recruiting a permanent full-time academic staff member to also take on the role of Tumuaki - Head of School in a 3-year fixed-term appointment. This role sits within Te Kura Waihanga - School of Architecture in Te Whanga Waihanga-Hoahoa - Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation.

The appointment will be made at the level of Ahorangi - Professor or Ahonuku - Associate Professor commensurate with the successful candidates experience and qualifications.

The successful candidate will be seconded to theposition of Tumuaki - Head of School for 3 years after which they will continue in their substantive academic position.

Key responsibilities:

• Strategic and academic leadership: Contribute to the strategic planning and direction of the Faculty and School ensuring alignment with the Universitys goals and Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations. Provide academic leadership to support excellence in teaching learning and research performance.
• School management and staff development: Lead and manage School operations including staffing budgeting and facilities. Foster a positive and inclusive work environment supporting staff development performance and wellbeing in accordance with University policies.
• Engagement and representation: Represent and promote the School within the University and externally both nationally and internationally. Develop and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders partners and other academic units.
• Health safety and professional development: Ensure effective health safety and wellbeing practices across the School. Engage in professional development to enhance leadership capabilities and maintain high personal standards in teaching and research.

pmanawa - About you

The successful applicant will have:

• A PhD in a relevant discipline or equivalent professional experience.
• Expertise in one of the following disciplines: Architecture Landscape Architecture Interior Architecture Building Science or Construction.
• A demonstrated record of commitment to and meritorious performance in tertiary teaching research and academic leadership.
• A sound knowledge of the University environment and education sector.
• A strong commitment to diversity inclusivity equity and bicultural practice in teaching research and engagement.
• Proven ability to engage in effective strategic planning and initiative development.
• Proven experience in leading managing and developing others including team building group facilitation and mediation.
• Proven advocacy and promotion skills.
• Proven commitment to working collaboratively with colleagues.
• Evidence of ability to assist the University to meet its obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• Evidence of effectively managing financial resources.

Role Descriptions: If these links are not available click apply to view these on the University careers page. Click the below links to see further information including salary details.

Tumuaki - Head of School

Ahorangi - Professor

Ahonuku - Associate Professor

Close date for vacancy:30 October 2025.

Contact details for vacancy:If you have any questions regarding this role please get in touch with Prof Robyn Phipps Dean Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation ().

How to apply: Please ensure you are applying for this role directly on our careers page and not via email. Candidates must submit supporting documents along with their resume such as a cover letter. Applicants who do not have residency or citizenship and require a visa to work at the University must clearly indicate their visa status in their application and understand that if they do not have a current relevant visa they will need to secure this independently.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and we may progress with suitable applicants prior to the application closing date. Applications from recruitment agencies are not accepted.