Centre Manager - Creation Care

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CENTRE FOR CREATION CARE
THEOLOGY | MĀTAI WHAKAPONO KARAITIANA

About our team/Mō te tīma

The University of Otago has marked a significant milestone in the establishment of New Zealand’s first Centre for Creation Care, led by its Mātai Whakapono Karaitiana – Theology programme.

The newly established Centre will be a vibrant hub for research, learning, and community engagement, inspiring students and researchers to respond to environmental challenges through the lens of creation care. Alongside theological research and teaching, students will gain hands-on experience through fieldwork and a 13-week internship with environmental organisations. Offering courses across a range of qualifications, including a Diploma for Graduates in Creation Care, the Centre will also foster collaboration in areas such as climate finance, agriculture, energy, green hydrogen, and food waste innovation, equipping graduates to make a meaningful difference in the world.

The role/Te mahi

We are seeking a Centre Manager in Creation Care, for a five-year fixed-term appointment, to provide strategic leadership for this new and exciting initiative at the intersection of theology, environmental stewardship, and public engagement. You will help shape the Centre’s vision, build meaningful partnerships, and grow its impact across the church, community, and wider academic sector. 

You will play a key role in advancing the Centre’s mission through stakeholder engagement, fundraising, programme development, and the promotion of research-informed resources that support creation care in practice. You will also contribute to teaching, undertake research leading to publication, and help create opportunities for students to connect their learning with real-world environmental initiatives through internships and community engagement.

Skills and experience/Kā pūkeka me kā wheako

We are looking for an inspiring and collaborative professional who is passionate about creation care and eager to contribute to the growth of a vibrant new centre. You will bring strong relationship-building skills, a commitment to environmental stewardship, and the ability to engage effectively with churches, community organisations, researchers, students, and funding partners. 

With a combination of strategic thinking and practical delivery, you will be motivated to help advance the Centre’s vision through teaching, outreach, research support, and partnership development. You will bring:

•    A postgraduate qualification in Christian Theology or a related field.
•    Teaching experience in a tertiary or related context is desirable.
•    Experience in creation care, environmental sustainability initiatives, or related areas of practice.
•    Strong communication, relationship-building, and stakeholder engagement skills.
•    Excellent organisational and project management abilities, with the capacity to work collaboratively across diverse groups and sectors.
•    Experience in leadership, fundraising, tertiary teaching, research collaboration, or grant applications would be an advantage.

Further details/Pūroko

The is a part time, (30-34 hours per week), fixed-term position from 1 November 2026 to 31 October 2031, based in Ōtepoti, Dunedin.

The appointment range for this role is $97,377 to $137,444 (pro rata). The appointment level will be determined by the candidate’s academic achievements, skills, and experience.

You must be eligible to work in New Zealand to apply for this position.

The University of Otago is a workplace that values and utilises diverse and inclusive thinking, people, and behaviours. This means that the contributions of staff with diverse backgrounds, experiences, skills, and perspectives are valued and respected.

For further information, or to discuss the role in confidence, please contact the Head of Programme, Professor Murray Rae via the contact details below.

Application/Tono

To submit your application (including CV and cover letter) please click the apply button. Applications quoting reference number 2601174 will close on Thursday, 27 August 2026, 11.59PM (NZST).

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, the University reserves the right to close this vacancy at any time.

Additional Information 

Note\: As a part-time position, the salary range for this role will be the pro-rata equivalent of the annual full-time salary range listed.

Contact: Professor Murray Rae    Tel\: +64 3 479 5393

Position details: Information Statement

Guidelines for Academic Positions: Guidelines

Further Information: Department Website

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Location: About Dunedin