Student Engagement Coordinator - Sustainability

About the University

The University of Otago is New Zealand’s longest-established university and has a strong reputation for teaching and research, alongside extensive connections within New Zealand and internationally. It is also among the South Island’s largest employers.

Otago sees universities as having a vital leadership role in addressing sustainability challenges at both local and global levels. The university aims to drive meaningful change toward a more sustainable future and to be recognised as a leader in sustainability practice and research. Sustainability principles and practices are being woven into work across all campuses and activities.

About the Role

As the Engagement Coordinator in the Sustainability Office, you will design, coordinate, promote, and support initiatives that build a strong sustainability culture among students. The role contributes directly to Tī Koūka, the university’s Sustainability Strategic Framework.

You will act as a coordination hub for student engagement activity across the university, helping improve awareness and understanding of sustainable practices, strengthening community belonging, and supporting a wider shift in sustainability culture at Otago.

You will be part of a small, high-performing team that is actively driving positive change. This is an exciting time to join as the university prepares to launch its major staff and student engagement programme, Green Impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and deliver student-facing sustainability engagement initiatives.
• Support projects and interventions that encourage sustainable behaviour and participation.
• Help build awareness and understanding of sustainability practices across the university community.
• Contribute to strengthening student belonging through engagement activities.
• Work collaboratively with a small team to support transformational sustainability outcomes.

Skills and Experience

• Proven experience leading engagement programmes with measurable social and environmental results.
• Strong ability to develop and maintain productive relationships with stakeholder groups.
• Confidence in managing several projects at once and delivering them successfully.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with others.
• Good IT capability and confidence using social media.
• An eye for visual presentation and design.
• Ability to research information and analyse it critically.
• Experience in the tertiary sector or familiarity with a university setting is preferred.
• Knowledge of current approaches to sustainability communication, engagement, and behaviour change would be an advantage.

Role Details

This is a full-time role of 37.5 hours per week and is fixed term from July 2026 to June 2027. The position is based in Ōtepoti, Dunedin.

The salary range for this role is $69,931 to $74,609, with the top of the range at $80,285.

Eligibility

Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand.

Application Information

To apply, submit a CV and cover letter and quote reference number 2601018. Applications close on Sunday, 12 July 2026. Applications may be assessed as they are received, and the university may close the vacancy earlier than the stated closing date.

Contact

For more information or to discuss the role confidentially, contact Ray O’Brien.