Student Support Manager

About the role

Te Awa Kōtui Waikato Students' Union Inc is seeking a Student Support Manager to join our Student Services team. This is a full-time position that plays a vital role in our mission to support and advocate for the wellbeing of our student community. Leading a small team, the Student Support Manager will be responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing support programmes and services that address the diverse needs of our students. This role is instrumental in creating a supportive environment where students can thrive both academically and personally.

What you'll be doing

• Provide support and guidance to students experiencing personal, academic, or financial difficulties
• Develop and implement student support initiatives and programmes that address mental health, wellbeing, and pastoral care needs
• Coordinate with internal departments and external service providers to ensure students have access to appropriate resources and referral pathways
• Manage the day-to-day operations of student support services and maintain detailed records of student interactions
• Train and supervise support staff and volunteers to ensure consistent, high-quality service delivery
• Develop and deliver workshops and awareness campaigns on key student wellbeing topics
• Advocate for student needs and concerns with relevant university departments and external stakeholders
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of support programmes and make recommendations for improvements
• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with professionalism and discretion
• Contribute to policy development relating to student support and wellbeing

What we're looking for

• A qualification or equivalent experience in a relevant field such as advocacy, social work, counselling, psychology, education, pastoral care or student services
• Demonstrated knowledge of student wellbeing issues, mental health support, and crisis intervention
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work empathetically with diverse student populations
• Excellent organisational and project management abilities with the capacity to manage multiple priorities
• Experience in programme development and evaluation
• Proficiency with relevant computer systems and database management
• The ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team
• A commitment to confidentiality and professional boundaries
• A strong understanding of the higher education environment and student culture
• Preferred experience in a tertiary education setting or student-focused organisation

What we offer

Working at Te Awa Kōtui Waikato Students' Union Inc, you will become part of a dedicated team committed to making a positive impact on students' lives. While our remuneration is modest additional benefits can include professional development opportunities and a flexible, collaborative work environment that values your contributions. We are committed to promoting work-life balance and fostering an inclusive workplace culture where all team members feel valued and supported. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are committed to creating an accessible recruitment process. If you require any adjustments or alternative formats of key information at any stage of the recruitment process, please don't hesitate to contact us.

About us

Te Awa Kotui Waikato Students' Union Inc is a student-led organisation dedicated to supporting and representing the interests of students at the University of Waikato. We are committed to enhancing the student experience through advocacy, representation, community building, and the provision of comprehensive support services. Our mission is to create an inclusive and supportive environment where every student can succeed. We pride ourselves on our collaborative approach, strong values, and commitment to student wellbeing. By working with us, you'll be contributing to an organisation that genuinely makes a difference in students' lives and helps shape the future leaders and professionals of New Zealand.

Apply now

If you meet the above criteria and are passionate about supporting student wellbeing, we would like to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience. Join our team and make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students.