Senior Manager Student Counselling & Mental Health
- Auckland University of Technology
- New Zealand, AUK
- Jul 3, 2026
Job Description:
- Rewarding role directly supporting the health & wellbeing of students
- Great organisation and team environment with staff benefits
- Fantastic new purpose-built health and counselling centre (Mōwai)
- Based at AUT's City Campus
Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is bold and unapologetically different, centred on students and grounded in Knowledge that Works driven by talented, progressive people. We are New Zealand’s newest university, ranked 5-stars by QS Universities 2025 and a place of opportunity where more than 26,000 students with talent and potential succeed, supported by a community of more than 4,000 staff based primarily across three Auckland campuses. Built on collaboration, shared purpose and the values of Pono (fact, truth, reality, integrity), Tika (acting accordingly, doing what is needed, ethical expression), and Aroha (empathy, care, compassion). AUT offers an innovative, forward-thinking environment where committed people work together to improve outcomes for students, communities, and the world.
AUT recognises the importance of Te Tiriti, Māori and Pacific knowledge, leadership, and contribution across our university and is committed to creating environments where these communities can thrive. We embrace diversity in all its forms and are proud to welcome people of all ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, religious and political beliefs, socio-economic situations and accessibility needs.
AUT’s award-winning Student Services and Administration directorate is dedicated to delivering exceptional student-centred experiences across the entire learner journey, from enrolment through to graduation and beyond. Bringing together high impact services in student administration, wellbeing and support, governance, systems, and operational delivery, the directorate works collaboratively with academic and professional teams to enable student success and institutional effectiveness. It offers professionals the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in a large, diverse university environment - combining purpose led work, continuous improvement, and a strong focus on equity, service excellence and positive outcomes for students and staff.
To learn more about Student Support Services at AUT, please click here: https://www.aut.ac.nz/student-life/support-services
The Opportunity | Te Whiwhinga mahi
A fantastic opportunity has become available to lead AUT's Student Counselling and Mental Health service within an integrated student wellbeing environment.
We are seeking a strategic, insightful, and future-focused leader to guide an outstanding multidisciplinary team. Working collaboratively across the wider student services portfolio, you will lead the development and implementation of initiatives that continuously enhance the quality, accessibility, and effectiveness of support for our students.
Our counselling services operate across AUT's three campuses, with this position based at the City Campus.
The successful candidate will bring significant leadership experience in youth mental health, counselling, social work, community health, or a related field, gained within an NGO, statutory agency, or comparable organisation. You will be comfortable working with a high degree of autonomy, thrive as part of an innovative and collaborative leadership team, and be passionate about improving student wellbeing and enabling educational success.
About you | Ko wai koe
As a talented health management professional with a proven ability to build and lead effective teams and services, you will bring insight, empathy, energy, and a collaborative approach to delivering outstanding outcomes for our community.
To be successful in this role, you will have:
- A Tertiary qualification in Psychology, Counselling, Mental Health, Social Work or similar
- A relevant professional membership with a current practicing certificate (APC)
- Clinical experience in community mental health services, experience of working in youth mental health would be an advantage
- Prior experience of leading a team in a mental health services/social services/clinical setting is essential
- Developed collaborative practice within the health or social service sectors
- Sound judgement and critical thinking enabling effective decision making
- In-depth experience in risk management
- A minimum of five years’ experience of service management
- Minimum two years’ supervision of frontline mental health support staff
- A proven commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and engagement with diverse communities
- A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Supportive of AUT’s Te Aronui journey (https://www.aut.ac.nz/about/maori/auts-commitment-to-Te-Tiriti-o-Waitangi).
As a professional member of staff at AUT, you’ll help keep us moving forward. From improving our services and streamlining our systems to supporting the experiences of students and staff across our campuses. By working collaboratively, solving problems and driving practical improvements, you’ll play a vital role in helping us operate smoothly, raise our profile, and evolve what we do, every day.
You will bring an open, engaging, and collaborative approach, with the flexibility to respond to changing requirements, and actively contribute to a positive and collegial environment. You will demonstrate cultural humility, awareness, and respect when engaging with indigenous peoples and culturally diverse communities. Experience supporting indigenous, equity, or inclusion focused initiatives is highly desirable.
What we offer | Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou
At AUT, you’ll be part of a values-led university that supports you to thrive in your role and career. We offer:
- Flexible working and a strong, caring culture that supports belonging.
- Recognition frameworks that reflect your contribution and how you live our values.
- The tools and trust to make a meaningful difference every day.
- Māori and Pacific development programmes that strengthen our shared purpose.
- Cultural capability uplift development programmes for all staff
- Professional development and funded study pathways to keep you moving forward
- Free gym membership
How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono
Along with your CV - please ensure to submit a cover letter which a) explains why this role (and AUT) is of interest, and b) addresses how you feel you meet some, or all, of the key criteria listed above.
Please feel free to add any further comments you feel may also support your application. All applications must be submitted through the online application process.
Further Information | Pārongo Anō
- Start Date: ASAP
- Salary Ranges | Ngā Utu: $114,000 - $135,000
- For further information: Contact Caroline Cranston, AUT Recruitment Consultant – [email protected]
Closing Date | Te rā aukati: 16 July 2026 at 5pm
Job Reference | Tohutoro Mahi: 96013
*Full-time denotes 37.5 hours per week
Nā tō rourou, nā taku rourou ka ora ai te iwi.
With your food basket and my food basket, the people will thrive.
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Job Description:
- Rewarding role directly supporting the health & wellbeing of students
- Great organisation and team environment with staff benefits
- Fantastic new purpose-built health and counselling centre (Mōwai)
- Based at AUT's City Campus
Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is bold and unapologetically different, centred on students and grounded in Knowledge that Works driven by talented, progressive people. We are New Zealand’s newest university, ranked 5-stars by QS Universities 2025 and a place of opportunity where more than 26,000 students with talent and potential succeed, supported by a community of more than 4,000 staff based primarily across three Auckland campuses. Built on collaboration, shared purpose and the values of Pono (fact, truth, reality, integrity), Tika (acting accordingly, doing what is needed, ethical expression), and Aroha (empathy, care, compassion). AUT offers an innovative, forward-thinking environment where committed people work together to improve outcomes for students, communities, and the world.
AUT recognises the importance of Te Tiriti, Māori and Pacific knowledge, leadership, and contribution across our university and is committed to creating environments where these communities can thrive. We embrace diversity in all its forms and are proud to welcome people of all ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, religious and political beliefs, socio-economic situations and accessibility needs.
AUT’s award-winning Student Services and Administration directorate is dedicated to delivering exceptional student-centred experiences across the entire learner journey, from enrolment through to graduation and beyond. Bringing together high impact services in student administration, wellbeing and support, governance, systems, and operational delivery, the directorate works collaboratively with academic and professional teams to enable student success and institutional effectiveness. It offers professionals the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in a large, diverse university environment - combining purpose led work, continuous improvement, and a strong focus on equity, service excellence and positive outcomes for students and staff.
To learn more about Student Support Services at AUT, please click here: https://www.aut.ac.nz/student-life/support-services
The Opportunity | Te Whiwhinga mahi
A fantastic opportunity has become available to lead AUT's Student Counselling and Mental Health service within an integrated student wellbeing environment.
We are seeking a strategic, insightful, and future-focused leader to guide an outstanding multidisciplinary team. Working collaboratively across the wider student services portfolio, you will lead the development and implementation of initiatives that continuously enhance the quality, accessibility, and effectiveness of support for our students.
Our counselling services operate across AUT's three campuses, with this position based at the City Campus.
The successful candidate will bring significant leadership experience in youth mental health, counselling, social work, community health, or a related field, gained within an NGO, statutory agency, or comparable organisation. You will be comfortable working with a high degree of autonomy, thrive as part of an innovative and collaborative leadership team, and be passionate about improving student wellbeing and enabling educational success.
About you | Ko wai koe
As a talented health management professional with a proven ability to build and lead effective teams and services, you will bring insight, empathy, energy, and a collaborative approach to delivering outstanding outcomes for our community.
To be successful in this role, you will have:
- A Tertiary qualification in Psychology, Counselling, Mental Health, Social Work or similar
- A relevant professional membership with a current practicing certificate (APC)
- Clinical experience in community mental health services, experience of working in youth mental health would be an advantage
- Prior experience of leading a team in a mental health services/social services/clinical setting is essential
- Developed collaborative practice within the health or social service sectors
- Sound judgement and critical thinking enabling effective decision making
- In-depth experience in risk management
- A minimum of five years’ experience of service management
- Minimum two years’ supervision of frontline mental health support staff
- A proven commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and engagement with diverse communities
- A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Supportive of AUT’s Te Aronui journey (https://www.aut.ac.nz/about/maori/auts-commitment-to-Te-Tiriti-o-Waitangi).
As a professional member of staff at AUT, you’ll help keep us moving forward. From improving our services and streamlining our systems to supporting the experiences of students and staff across our campuses. By working collaboratively, solving problems and driving practical improvements, you’ll play a vital role in helping us operate smoothly, raise our profile, and evolve what we do, every day.
You will bring an open, engaging, and collaborative approach, with the flexibility to respond to changing requirements, and actively contribute to a positive and collegial environment. You will demonstrate cultural humility, awareness, and respect when engaging with indigenous peoples and culturally diverse communities. Experience supporting indigenous, equity, or inclusion focused initiatives is highly desirable.
What we offer | Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou
At AUT, you’ll be part of a values-led university that supports you to thrive in your role and career. We offer:
- Flexible working and a strong, caring culture that supports belonging.
- Recognition frameworks that reflect your contribution and how you live our values.
- The tools and trust to make a meaningful difference every day.
- Māori and Pacific development programmes that strengthen our shared purpose.
- Cultural capability uplift development programmes for all staff
- Professional development and funded study pathways to keep you moving forward
- Free gym membership
How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono
Along with your CV - please ensure to submit a cover letter which a) explains why this role (and AUT) is of interest, and b) addresses how you feel you meet some, or all, of the key criteria listed above.
Please feel free to add any further comments you feel may also support your application. All applications must be submitted through the online application process.
Further Information | Pārongo Anō
- Start Date: ASAP
- Salary Ranges | Ngā Utu: $114,000 - $135,000
- For further information: Contact Caroline Cranston, AUT Recruitment Consultant – [email protected]
Closing Date | Te rā aukati: 16 July 2026 at 5pm
Job Reference | Tohutoro Mahi: 96013
*Full-time denotes 37.5 hours per week
Nā tō rourou, nā taku rourou ka ora ai te iwi.
With your food basket and my food basket, the people will thrive.
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