Warden/Tautiaki - University Flats

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UNIVERSITY FLATS | WHARE MAHA KĀIKA TAHI
CAMPUS AND COLLEGIATE LIFE SERVICES | TE URU KAHIKA

The University of Otago is New Zealand's first and oldest University. It has a strong teaching and research tradition and well-established national and international linkages.

UniFlats is a residential flatting community which provides around 700 rooms in more than 180 separate properties.

The UniFlats mission is to provide and strengthen high-quality accommodation for international, postgraduate, and other students at the University of Otago, creating a safe, inclusive, and academically supportive living environment. Grounded in the principles of Manaakitanga (care, respect, and generosity of spirit), UniFlats fosters a collegial community that promotes wellbeing and belonging while working in partnership across the University to contribute meaningfully to positive student outcomes.

The role | Te mahi

The Warden of University Flats provides leadership and operational oversight of a large, residential accommodation portfolio with full accountability for service delivery, financial performance, regulatory compliance, risk management, and the leadership of a multidisciplinary staffing team.

Key responsibilities include portfolio-wide budget management, resource allocation, systems and process optimisation, resident selection and allocations, maintaining property and safety standards, and ensuring a high-quality residential experience aligned with University strategy.

The Warden drives operational excellence while cultivating a culture of accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement across the Uniflats community.

UniFlats is a busy year-round operation of strategic importance, particularly in providing accommodation for international students. As a result, the Warden will collaborate closely with the International Office and Student Services.

We seek an experienced leader who is adept in building and leading a culture of high-quality service delivery, sustainable innovation, consistency and continuous improvement.

Your skills and experience | Kā pūkeka me kā wheako

Our ideal candidate will\: 
•    Have a track record in outstanding leadership, management, budget and organisation skills.
•    Have the ability to perform effectively and professionally in a complex and challenging environment.
•    Be familiar with a culture of working with International and Postgraduate students.
•    Have strong administrative, organisational and financial skills.
•    Have highly developed communication skills, using multiple media.
•    Be able to prioritise resources to competing priorities effectively.
•    Contribute more widely to the Campus and Collegiate Life Services Division.

A relevant degree level tertiary qualification or commensurate experience is essential, with a preference for a candidate who has had experience working with tertiary students.

Further details | Pūroko

This is a full-time (37.5 hours per week) permanent position, based in Ōtepoti, Dunedin.

The appointment range for this role is $107,320 to $115,834. Top of range $124,348.

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Children’s Act 2014. Candidates who successfully make the final stages of the recruitment process will be required to undergo a police safety check.

Confidential enquiries can be directed to Dr Sean McCallaghan, Senior Warden of Colleges, Campus & Collegiate Life Services Division via the contact information below.

Application | Tono

To submit your application (including CV and cover letter) please click the apply button below. Applications quoting reference number 2601304 will close on Sunday, 6 September 2026.

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

Additional Information

Contact: Dr Sean McCallaghan    Tel\: 021 2791130

Position details: Job Description

Further Information: Department Website

Create an email with a link to this vacancy: Create email

Location: About Dunedin