Head of School of Health Equity and Innovation

Lead transformative education and research that champions equity, innovation, and community partnership

Are you an academic leader with a strong commitment to equity, cultural safety, and innovation in health? Do you want to shape the future of health education and workforce development across Aotearoa?

This is an outstanding opportunity to lead the School of Health Equity and Innovation at the University of Waikato

Ngā kōrero mō te tūranga – About the role

As Head of School of Health Equity and Innovation, you will provide academic, strategic, and operational leadership for a School dedicated to advancing health equity and driving innovation in education, research, and community engagement.

The role is central to cultivating a culturally grounded, transdisciplinary environment that responds to regional, national, and global health priorities. You will oversee the development of new undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, and ensure the School’s teaching, research, and community partnerships reflect the aspirations of Māori, Pacific, and underserved communities.

As part of the Division of Health’s Senior Leadership Team, you will work closely with the Pro Vice-Chancellor, other Heads of School, and Associate Deans to foster collaboration across disciplines and strengthen the Division’s profile as a national leader in equity-focused health education and innovation.

The position is based in Hamilton, with regional, national, and international engagement expected.

Salary will be commensurate with seniority, experience, and the mana you bring to the role. The tenure and FTE for this position will be confirmed with the successful candidate, with flexibility to accommodate the right appointee.  For more information about the role, please see the position description. For a confidential kōrero, please contact Prof Jo Lane, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Division of Health at joseph.lane@waikato.ac.nz. 

All applications must be submitted through the online portal, emailed applications will not be accepted.

Ko wai koe? – Who are you?

You will be an academic of standing, holding a PhD or equivalent qualification in a health-related field. Ideally, you will already hold the title of Associate Professor or Professor, with a record of scholarly excellence and credibility in your discipline.

You bring deep knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application in health education and leadership, coupled with proven experience leading diverse academic teams and working alongside iwi, Pacific communities, health sector agencies, and innovation networks.

Your experience will demonstrate excellence in curriculum development, research-led teaching, and the integration of cultural safety and equity principles into education. You will also be recognised for building impactful partnerships with community and sector stakeholders, and for securing external research income and collaborations that influence health system transformation.

As a leader, you are collaborative, inclusive, and innovative – someone who can foster a positive academic culture, support staff and student success, and drive new opportunities that reflect both University priorities and community aspirations.

Ko wai mātou? – Who are we? 

The Division of Health at the University of Waikato is committed to achieving better, fairer health outcomes across Aotearoa. Our programmes span Biomedical Sciences, Health Promotion, Human Performance Science, Midwifery, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Sport Development and Coaching.

The School of Health Equity and Innovation leads scholarship in Māori and Pacific health, provides strategic leadership in cultural safety, and educates a culturally grounded, future-focused health workforce. 

It delivers key undergraduate programmes including the Bachelor of Health degree and Health Promotion major, while also developing interprofessional postgraduate programmes that prepare graduates to champion access, inclusion, and social justice.

He aha ngā take me tono mai ai koe? – Why should you apply for this position?

This is a rare opportunity to lead a School that will have a lasting impact on health equity, education, and workforce innovation across Aotearoa. You will influence the next generation of health leaders and contribute to research and partnerships that directly address the most pressing health challenges of our time.

At the University of Waikato, we value integrity, creativity, diversity, and our enduring partnership with Māori. We are committed to a workplace that is inclusive and mana-enhancing, and we welcome applications from candidates with the skills, authority, and vision to help us achieve our goals.

Our rankings reflect these strengths. Working with us means you’ll enjoy a satisfying work environment with many benefits.

The University of Waikato is distinctive for the diversity of its staff and students and encourages applicants with the relevant capabilities from all backgrounds to apply. Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in NZ in accordance with the NZ Immigration regulations which can be found here. 

Ko te Tangata – For the People

The University of Waikato prides itself on the quality of its engagement with the communities that it serves, the provision of a world-class education and the national and international impact of its research. Our policies are guided by the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and equal opportunity for all. 

E herea ana te Whare Wānanga ki te kaupapa kia whakaratohia te mea angitū ōrite ki ngā tāngata katoa.

Applications Close on Friday October 24, 2025

Requisition number: 1002997