Universities New Zealand – Te Pōkai Tara is the sector voice for all eight New Zealand universities. It represents their collective views nationally and internationally and champions the quality of education they deliver and the contribution they make to New Zealand economically, socially and culturally. Universities New Zealand has statutory responsibilities, including academic quality assurance and administering scholarships.
The Secretary General is responsible for leading Universities New Zealand, with a specific focus on supporting the Vice-Chancellors’ Committee. Responsibilities include identifying issues and promoting Vice-Chancellor engagement on matters affecting universities.
View the position description here
To be successful in this position, you will bring:
• A track record of building and maintaining positive relationships across government, universities and key agencies to provide a foundation for influence and impact
• Experience supporting senior governance roles, ensuring statutory responsibilities are met, and providing proactive advice on the impact of government initiatives and sector developments
• Experience managing complex stakeholders and overseeing committees and sector groups
• Demonstrated staff leadership experience and the ability to build teams and organisational culture
• Experience in monitoring, policy analysis and sector-wide advice
• Demonstrated operational leadership, including planning, resource allocation, budgeting, contract negotiation, performance and organisational prioritisation
• Experience operating in complex, politically aware environments and exercising sound judgement at pace
• A commitment to accuracy, accountability and professionalism in meeting statutory responsibilities
• A relevant university qualification, preferably at postgraduate level.
About us
Universities NZ (UNZ) assists the Vice Chancellors at the interface between public policy and higher education. We support them in contributing to policy issues, engaging in dialogue between government and the universities, and developing unified, well argued responses to matters that may impact university autonomy, financial viability, research, teaching or student learning.
How to apply
Applications close: 22 June 2026. For further information, email Madeleine Setchell, Acting Secretary General, at Secretary.General@universitiesnz.ac.nz
To apply, please email your CV and cover letter outlining your suitability for the position.