Tumuaki | Head of School, Geography Environment & Earth Science

• Have you got a demonstrated commitment to quality tertiary teaching, research, and engagement?
• Do you have a PhD in a relevant discipline such as Geography, Environmental Sciences or Studies, Geology, Geochemistry or Geophysics?
• Are you a dynamic academic leader who can engage in effective strategic planning and initiative development while also creating a collegial team environment?

Mō Te Herenga Waka - About our University

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is a global-civic university with our marae at our heart. This iho draws off our heritage and is further defined by our tūrangawaewae, in particular Wellington, Aotearoa, and the Asia-Pacific, all of which are expressed in our position as Aotearoa New Zealand's globally ranked capital city university.

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is currently seeking a Tumuaki - Head of School for Te Kura Tātai Aro Whenua - School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences on a full-time, fixed-term basis, starting in February 2025. The successful applicant will be appointed to a permanent academic position and will return to that position once their the three-year term as Tumuaki - Head of School has been completed.

We are looking to recruit a dynamic academic leader with relevant disciplinary knowledge who can develop the strategic direction of the School as part of Te Wāhanga Pūtaiao - Faculty of Science. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a large and energetic school that boasts international research and teaching expertise within a world-leading university. The University has an excellent research culture, and Te Kura Tātai Aro Whenua - School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences is recognised as being within the top echelon of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences in New Zealand. The School hosts research laboratories in: geochemistry (including clean-lab, (LA) ICP-MS, TIMS and electron microprobe), cosmogenic dating, sedimentology, palynology, petrology, and environmental analysis.

Key responsibilities:

• Member of Te Wāhanga Pūtaiao - Faculty of Science Leadership Team.
• Provide strategic advice to the Amo Pūtaiao - Dean of Science in areas of assigned responsibility.
• In conjunction with Te Wāhanga Pūtaiao - Faculty of Science Leadership Team, contribute to the development of a strategic plan for the Faculty.

Ō pūmanawa - About you

The successful applicant will have:

• A PhD in a relevant discipline.
• A demonstrated record of commitment to, and performance in quality tertiary teaching, research, engagement, and academic leadership.
• A sound knowledge of the University environment and education sector.
• A strong commitment to equity, diversity and bicultural practice in teaching, research, and engagement.
• Proven ability to engage in effective strategic planning and initiative development.
• Proven advocacy and promotion skills.
• Proven commitment to working collaboratively with colleagues and team building.
• Evidence of ability to assist the University to meet its obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Ētahi kōrero hai āwhina i a koe - Why you should join our team

The University is transforming as the tertiary sector embraces and responds to challenges, including reorganisation of the sector and the research funding environment. This is a unique opportunity to lead the strategic development of a world-leading School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences, situated within the capital city of New Zealand. As Wellington is home to parliament, key government agencies and judicial courts, it provides exciting opportunities to develop research and professional partnerships with Government and NGOs.

There are many benefits to working at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington, including being part of New Zealand’s top research university.

Role description - Click here to see further information.

Close date for vacancy: 29 October 2024.

Contact details for vacancy: If you have any questions regarding this role please get in touch with Professor Nicola Nelson, Dean of Science at (nicola.nelson@vuw.ac.nz). But applicants should follow all steps listed below.

Important - Application steps and information

Download and complete the University Application Form, please include the position title and reference number (Tumuaki - Head of School, #1987). Then, please combine your cover letter, CV, and the University Application Form into a single file (preferably in pdf format). Click Apply and follow the process to enter your contact details and attach your combined file (CV, cover letter and the University Application Form) using the “CV/Resume” button.

If you are unable to combine your documents or have further supporting documents, please email these to erecruit@vuw.ac.nz stating the reference number and position title from the advert in the subject line.