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.

Our core ethical values are respect, responsibility, fairness, integrity, and empathy. These core ethical values are demonstrated in our commitment to sustainability, wellbeing, inclusivity, equity, diversity, collegiality, and openness. With, and as, tangata whenua, we value Te Tiriti o Waitangi, rangatiratanga, manaakitanga, kaitiakitanga, whai mātauranga, whanaungatanga, and akoranga.

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is currently seeking a Head of School of Psychology. The successful applicant will be appointed to a permanent academic position and will return to that position once completing the three-year fixed-term Head of School role.

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 the Faculty of Science and wider Division of Science, Health, Engineering, Architecture and Design Innovation. The Head of School will be an effective and supportive member of the Faculty of Science Management Team and report to the Dean 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 the School of Psychology is recognised as being within the top echelon of psychology departments in New Zealand. It is ranked among the top 100 schools of psychology in the world in both the QS and Times Higher Education metrics. The School hosts research laboratories in many of psychology’s speciality areas: social, cultural, developmental, clinical and forensic psychology, as well as behaviour analysis, and cognitive, affective and behavioural neuroscience. It is also home to the Victoria University of Wellington Psychology Clinic.

Importantly, the School of Psychology has a strong commitment to equity and diversity, and specifically to bicultural practice in research and teaching consistent with the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Ō pūmanawa - About you

The successful applicant will have the following: •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 •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 digital services, responds to the impacts of Covid, and sees record research funding. This is a unique opportunity to lead the strategic development of a world-leading School of Psychology, 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.

Please go to our careers site to view the role description.

Contact details for vacancy: If you have any questions regarding this role please get in touch with Professor Louise Dixon, Acting Dean of Science at louise.dixon@vuw.ac.nz but applicants should follow all steps listed below.

Important - Application steps and information

For applicants who are not NZ Citizens or Permanent Residents, we recommend you check the NZ Immigration website for updates related to Covid19 restrictions on entry to New Zealand: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/covid-19

Download and complete the University Application Form

Click the apply now button at the base of the advert, follow the process to enter your contact details and add your CV in the online form.

Please include a cover letter in your application, telling us why you're a great fit for this position then email the completed application form, cover letter and any other supporting documentation to erecruit@vuw.ac.nz stating the reference number and position title from the advert in the subject line.

Applications close Sunday, 7 November 2021.

Reference 2443.