Programme Lead - Master of Business Innovation & Leadership

Programme Lead - Master of Business Innovation and Leadership (MBIL)

Open to part-time or full-time applications.

Whitecliffe

Whitecliffe is one of the leading art, design, IT, and fashion schools in Aotearoa. Since 1984 we've focused on one thing, turning creativity into a career! At Whitecliffe it's about you - your ideas, your style, your future. We're here to help you grow as an individual and give you the tools to succeed. Our values - Integrity, Courage, Creativity, Belonging and Respect form the bedrock of our commitment to collaborative synergy.

About MBIL at Whitecliffe

Whitecliffe's Master of Business Innovation and Leadership (MBIL) programme represents our commitment to developing the next generation of bold innovators and robust leaders. Our programme empowers both aspiring entrepreneurs and established professionals to drive creative change and business innovation, shaping the future of commerce and industry.

We foster an environment where business acumen and innovation intersect with emerging technologies, design thinking, and real-world application. Our students engage with authentic business challenges through our 'doing it for real' approach, ensuring graduates are industry-ready and equipped to lead transformative change in their chosen fields.

Our commitment to educational excellence is reflected in our industry partnerships, iwi and community connections, and a curriculum grounded in applied learning, experimentation, and strategic innovation practices.

About You

We are seeking a Programme Lead to provide academic leadership for our Master of Business Innovation and Leadership programme.

You will have expertise in business innovation, entrepreneurship, and/or leadership development with a passion for creating learning experiences that bring out the innovative potential in our students. You will thrive in an environment of constant evolution, see experimentation and risk-taking as essential learning tools, and are committed to preparing students for careers in innovation and/or entrepreneurship.

You will be an inspiring leader and educator, capable of managing lecturing faculty, driving curriculum development, and maintaining industry partnerships. You will have experience in programme management, academic quality assurance, and student support within business and tertiary education contexts. Your approach will be collaborative, working effectively with diverse stakeholders across academic and industry groups while ensuring teaching excellence and maintaining academic standards.

Skills and Qualifications

• Postgraduate degree (Master's or PhD) in Business, Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Leadership, or related discipline and demonstrated experience in teaching/leading business innovation, entrepreneurship, or leadership programmes


• Prior programme/curriculum development and co-ordination experience in business education


• Professional experience in business innovation, entrepreneurship, startup development, or senior leadership roles


• Comprehensive understanding of higher education quality frameworks and processes


• Experience with experiential learning models, design thinking methodologies, and real-world project facilitation


• Knowledge of business validation processes, MVP development, and stakeholder engagement strategies


• Experience with work-integrated learning models and industry partnership development
  

Personal Attributes:

• Inspiring educator and mentor


• Entrepreneurial mindset with practical business experience


• Strong facilitation and coaching capabilities


• Quality problem-solving and strategic thinking skills


• Commitment to fostering collaboration, risk-taking, and respect for diverse perspectives


• Ability to guide students through failure as a learning opportunity

"The essence of our values is that we are better together. Integrity, Courage, Creativity, Belonging and Respect are the cornerstones of our commitment to how we work with each other." If you share similar values, then Whitecliffe could well be the place where you really thrive."

If this sounds like you and you'd like to find out more, please APPLY NOW!