Kaiāwhina Matua | Executive Assistant and Office Manager of the Dean, FHSS

• Do you enjoy being at the heart of a busy, high-performing team?
• Can you think two steps ahead to anticipate the needs of your manager?

• Are you an exceptional EA or PA who thrives in a fast-paced environment and can manage multiple priorities?

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role 

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is currently recruiting a Kaiāwhina Matua - Executive Assistant and Office Manager, Office of the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (FHSS) on a permanent, full-time basis.

You will provide high-quality executive services, administrative support, and office management oversight to ensure the Dean is well supported and the office is managed effectively and efficiently.

Ō pūmanawa - About you

We're looking for a proactive, highly organised professional who can anticipate needs, build strong relationships, and provide seamless executive and operational support to the Dean.

You will be an experienced Executive Assistant and Office Manager adept at thinking two steps ahead to anticipate the needs of your manager. You will be a motivated, customer-focused individual with proven experience in successfully managing internal and external relationships. You take pride in delivering exceptional support and can juggle competing priorities while maintaining impeccable attention to detail.

No two days will be the same. From managing complex schedules and coordinating meetings to supporting operational, financial, and HR processes, you'll be a key contributor to the success of the Dean's Office and the wider Faculty. This role offers variety, challenge, visibility, and the opportunity to make a real impact.

Key requirements:

• Proven experience as an Executive Assistant or Personal Assistant within a large and/or complex organisation.
• Outstanding organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a busy environment.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Experience coordinating meetings, preparing agendas, and taking accurate and professional minutes.
• Advanced computer literacy and confidence working with a range of digital systems and tools.
• Experience supporting financial and HR administration processes.
• The ability to provide administrative support across a range of HR-related activities and processes.
• A proactive, solutions-focused mindset and a genuine commitment to improving systems, processes, and office efficiency.

Role Description: Click here to see further information, including salary details.

If this link is not available, click 'apply' to view this on the University careers page.

Close date for vacancy: 12 October 2026.

Contact details for vacancy: If you have any questions regarding this role please get in touch with Professor Averil Coxhead, Dean FHSS ([email protected]).

How to apply: Please ensure you are applying for this role directly on our careers page and not via email. Candidates must submit supporting documents along with their resume, such as a cover letter.

We can only consider applicants who are citizens or residents of New Zealand or Australia or on a current working visa. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we may progress with suitable applicants prior to the application closing date. Applications from recruitment agencies are not accepted.

About Us

Mō Te Herenga Waka - About Our University

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is renowned for its high-quality research and exceptional teaching. We attract people from around the world. Our university campus spans Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington - the creative, scientific and political centre of Aotearoa New Zealand - and our students thrive on the connections we have made here.

Explore the many benefits of working at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. Find out where you fit in our strategic direction and learn more about our research expertise.