Department of Public Health - Te Tari Haurora Tumūa Tanui
University of Otago, Wellington Ōtākou Whakauhu Waka, Pōneke

• Unique opportunity to shape the future of public health in Aotearoa, New Zealand, and on the global stage
• Situated in the beautiful and culturally rich capital city of Wellington

University of Otago - Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka

The University of Otago - Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka has been a renowned place of learning and discovery for more than 150 years. We strive to become an even more successful, globally influential university, committed to upholding the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi as we advance outstanding research and research-informed teaching to enable transformative learning and student experiences. Our vision - Ko te Aronga is for our people and knowledge to transform lives, connect communities and nurture the environment in Aotearoa, the Pacific, and the world.

We are currently seeking a visionary and strategic leader to become our new Head of Department and Professor for the Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington. In this role, you will be advancing the Department's commitment to excellence in teaching, learning and research for which it has become renowned.

The University of Otago's capital city campus offers a wide range of postgraduate qualifications in health sciences, as well as excellent undergraduate study opportunities in radiation therapy, medicine, and final year physiotherapy. We are proud to be Wellington's medical school, and of the role we play in making a difference to the health of New Zealanders and the world. Our community consists of top-quality academics and postgraduate students from New Zealand and overseas, with a strong record of research with real world impact.

The role - Te mahi

This role will be instrumental in advancing our Department's reputation for high-quality education and research. The Head of Department will provide strong leadership within a collaborative environment, and will foster a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion. They will uphold the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and lead the Department in achieving the goals of the University's Māori and Pacific Strategic Frameworks.

As a successful leader in your field, as the Head of Department, you will further enhance our standing as a leading Public Health Department. You will address the challenges and seize the opportunities presented to a progressive Department, driving forward our research excellence and student success. Collaboration and external engagement are expected, and the Head of Department will ideally have a track record of meaningful engagement with other professions, local and international communities, government, business, and other key stakeholders.

This role is a key member of the Health Sciences Division, Wellington Campus Leadership team, contributing to the Division's strategy and the broader advancement of the goals set out in the University's strategic documents - Pae Tata and Vision 2040.

Skills and experience - Kā pūkeka me kā wheako

This position offers an exciting and unique opportunity to shape the future of Public Health education in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

To be considered for appointment, candidates will ideally have:

• distinguished academic credentials with a strong record of research and teaching in public health
• evidence of leadership in a university setting with the ability to enhance the academic and research reputation of a leading public health department
• knowledge/awareness of values and key aspects of Te Ao Māori, and commitment to respect and uphold those values, guided by our Māori leadership, partners, and mana whenua in the Wellington region
• proven ability to build meaningful relationships and drive external engagement with a wide variety of stakeholders
• strong academic management and leadership skills that foster an inclusive, collegial culture
• experience of supervising postgraduate research theses.

While the University has a strong preference for making an appointment at the level of Professor, it is open to making an appointment to the level of Associate Professor if that rank is appropriate for the most suitable candidate.

Further details - Pūroko

This is a permanent, full-time (1.0 FTE) position, located in Wellington.

The interview programme is scheduled to take place from Wednesday, 21 May to Friday, 23 May 2025. Please note in your cover letter whether you are available on these dates.

Applications quoting reference number 2500362 will close on Sunday, 30 March 2025.

APPLICATION INFORMATION

To view all current vacancies and to apply online go to: www.otago.ac.nz/jobs

Equal opportunity in employment is University policy. E tautoko ana Te Whare Wananga o Otago i te kaupapa whakaorite whiwhinga mahi.