Employer & Alumni Development Specialist

Role overview

Te Pokapū Rapuara | Centre for Employability & Career Development is recruiting an Employer and Alumni Development Specialist in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand. This is a fixed-term, full-time role for 18 months, ending on 23 Dec 27, with a 37.5-hour work week and a Salary Band 5 range of $95,784 to $116,911.

What you will do

This role offers the chance to create and deliver initiatives that bring students, alumni, and employers closer together. You will shape programmes that improve employability outcomes and strengthen the university’s relationships with its employer and alumni networks.

You will work in a project-led way, moving initiatives from initial discovery and business case development through implementation and ongoing refinement. Key deliverables include setting up an alumni mentoring programme, leading an employer survey and employability report, and developing a signature industry engagement event.

By collaborating across the university and with external stakeholders, you will collect and use employer and alumni insights to guide programme design. The goal is to make these initiatives practical, sustainable, and meaningful while helping students better understand industry expectations and career pathways.

Who you are

You are someone who builds relationships easily and thinks strategically. You have a strong track record in business development, stakeholder engagement, and programme delivery, and you are comfortable bringing together different groups to turn ideas into effective outcomes.

Additional information

This position is an onsite role. Applications are due by Sunday, 14 June 2026 at midnight New Zealand time. Submissions will be assessed as they come in, and interviews may be arranged before the closing date. Applicants must include both a cover letter and a resume. Applications sent by email will not be accepted, although queries about the hiring process may be sent to WorkatUC@canterbury.ac.nz. To be eligible, candidates must hold New Zealand or Australian citizenship, New Zealand permanent residency, or a valid New Zealand work visa.

Why UC

University of Canterbury highlights a people-focused environment built around its values of Whanaungatanga, Tiakitanga, and Manaakitanga. Staff benefits are intended to support wellbeing, connection, and career growth.

Benefits mentioned include annual leave, university holidays, superannuation support, flexible working options, development opportunities, a supportive culture, retail and travel discounts, on-campus staff discounts, and access to campus facilities and eateries at reduced rates.

Benefits and conditions

• Fixed-term appointment for 18 months, ending 23 Dec 27
• Full-time hours: 37.5 per week
• Salary band 5 with pay between $95,784 and $116,911
• 4 weeks of annual leave plus 5 university holiday days
• Employer superannuation contribution of up to 6.75% for staff over 9 months
• Flexible work arrangements
• Professional development support
• Supportive workplace culture
• Retail, entertainment, and travel discounts
• Discounted on-campus staff pricing
• Access to UC facilities such as UC RecCentre and the Staff Club at reduced rates
• Onsite cafés and eateries available

How to apply

Applications must be submitted through the university careers website, and the hiring team requests a cover letter and resume. Email applications are not accepted.