Director: Student Accommodation - Otago
Full-time, permanent
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
As Director: Student Accommodation, you'll be responsible for the overall leadership and operation of Te Pā Tauira, Otago Polytechnic’s Student Village, ensuring an outstanding residential experience for our ākonga (learner) community. You'll lead a dedicated accommodation team, oversee budgets and business performance, manage risk and compliance requirements (including the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021), and foster a welcoming environment where residents feel supported, connected, and able to thrive to academic success.
This role balances both strategic and hands-on leadership. From leading accommodation operations and summer-stay programmes to supporting resident wellbeing and building strong relationships with whānau, kaimahi (staff), and community partners, you'll play a key role in shaping the future of student accommodation at Otago Polytechnic.
As our Student Village is 24/7, the Director: Student Accommodation will be required to be onsite on some evenings and weekends. You will be required to participate in a shared after-hours escalation roster. If the on-call staff are unable to resolve an issue, you will be responsible for managing and escalating it as required.
Ko wai koe | About you
To be successful in this role, you'll bring:
Proven leadership experience within accommodation, hospitality, service, education, or a related sector.
Strong operational and strategic planning capability.
Experience leading and developing high-performing teams.
A commitment to pastoral care, wellbeing, and creating inclusive communities.
Sound business acumen, including financial and operational management.
Excellent communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills.
An empathy for young adults
A collaborative approach and experience working as an effective Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner.
A relevant degree-level qualification in hospitality, business, education, administration, or a related field.
The successful applicant will uphold our organisation’s commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi by continuously developing and upholding your understanding of our obligations and connection with Te Tiriti as an individual and as an organisation
Through recognition, empowerment and inclusion, you will give greater acknowledgement to the unmet needs of Māori, Pasifika and disabled people and their whanau.
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.
The successful applicant will need to undergo a police check.
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, Tuesday 11 August 2026.
