Director: Learner Success - Otago

Fulltime, Permanent

Tēnā koutou katoa

Ko wai mātou | About us as an organisation

At Te Kura Matatini ki Otago/Otago Polytechnic, we are committed to attracting, developing and retaining kaimahi (staff) who are passionate, creative, future-focused and dedicated to help set the direction for quality vocational and applied learning to meet tomorrow’s needs.

We are guided by our values and we are proud to be Rainbow Tick certified. We aspire to create a working environment that is inclusive and meets the aspirations of mana whenua ensuring equity for Māori and increasing access for all.

Mō te tūraka mahi| About the role

This is an exciting senior leadership opportunity to lead our Learner Success team and make a meaningful impact on the educational journey of our ākonga (learners).

Reporting to the Deputy Executive Director: Learner Experience and Partnerships, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across a broad portfolio of learner support services, ensuring every ākonga has access to the services, resources and support they need to thrive.

You will:

• Lead the development and delivery of integrated learner support services for on-campus and distance ākonga.

• Champion the ākonga voice and ensure it informs decision-making and service improvement.

• Lead the implementation, monitoring and reporting of the Disability Action Plan.

• Partner with academic leaders, mana whenua, community organisations and learner representatives to enhance learner success outcomes.

• Drive initiatives that improve learner engagement, retention, achievement and completion.

• Provide strategic leadership that aligns with Otago Polytechnic's commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, equity and learner wellbeing.

• Contribute to organisational strategy and foster a high-trust, high-performing culture.

Ko wai koe | About you

You are an inspirational and collaborative leader with extensive experience supporting learner success, wellbeing and achievement. You combine strategic thinking with practical implementation and are passionate about creating environments where all learners can succeed

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Proven senior leadership experience in learner support, pastoral care, academic learning support, career development or a related field.

• Strong relationship-building, communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Demonstrated experience leading teams, implementing strategy and driving organisational change.

• A high level of cultural competence and commitment to equitable outcomes for Māori, Pasifika and diverse learner communities.

• A strong understanding of the tertiary education sector and the factors that contribute to learner success.

• Experience working collaboratively across complex organisations and with multiple stakeholders.

• A relevant bachelor's degree and significant experience in a human services profession.

The successful applicant will uphold our organisation's commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi by continuously developing and applying their understanding of our obligations and partnerships under Te Tiriti. You will be committed to creating inclusive environments that recognise and respond to the needs of Māori, Pasifika and disabled learners and their whānau.

You will have demonstrable health and safety best practices and enjoy being part of a team who support each other.  You will easily be able to build and maintain relationships and communicate well via email, phone and face-to-face.

Tono ināianei | Apply now

For specific information contact Shaun Tahau 0800 762 786 or shaun.tahau@op.ac.nz

For a position description or to apply click on the link.

Applications close 5pm, Wednesday 12 August 2026.