Student Care Manager

Job Description:

Te Ratonga Ākonga me te Whakapā | Student Care
Located in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand

• Lead a critical student wellbeing function at one of New Zealand's leading universities
• Influence strategic initiatives that improve student outcomes
• Work alongside passionate professionals committed to making a difference
• Permanent position

Kia hiwa rā, kia hiwa rā!
He hiahia, he pūkenga nōu ki te mahi a te Student Care Manager? Nāia te pōwhiri nā Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha kia tono mai i te tūranga nei.

Āu Mahi | What You Will Do
The University of Canterbury (UC) is seeking an experienced and compassionate Student Care Manager to lead our Student Care team and drive a holistic, student-centred approach to wellbeing, pastoral care, crisis response, and outreach support. This is a unique opportunity to shape the student experience and contribute to the success, persistence, and wellbeing of students across our diverse university community.

You will lead a team of Student Care professionals, oversee case management practices, coordinate crisis response frameworks, and champion initiatives that enhance student wellbeing and engagement. Working collaboratively across the University, you will help develop policies, programmes, and services that support students throughout their academic journey, while ensuring compliance with pastoral care obligations and sector best practice.

Mōu | Who You Are
You are a highly experienced people leader with a passion for student wellbeing and a proven ability to navigate complex situations with professionalism, empathy, and sound judgement.

To be successful in this role, you will bring:
• A tertiary qualification in Counselling, Social Sciences, Health, Education, or a related discipline.
• At least 10 years' relevant experience in student support, counselling, mental health services, or similar environments.
• Significant experience in case management, crisis intervention, and risk assessment.
• Demonstrated success leading, coaching, and developing teams.
• Strong strategic planning, project management, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving abilities.
• Knowledge of ethics, confidentiality, and professional boundaries in support services.
• An understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and bicultural practice in Aotearoa New Zealand.
• A commitment to inclusivity, student success, and culturally responsive practice.
• An alignment with our organisation's values and culture, promoting a positive and inclusive work environment.

Ngā Painga o UC | Why UC
At UC, being part of our team means more than just a job. We are committed to supporting our kaimahi | staff’s career and wellbeing with benefits designed to help our kaimahi grow and feel connected, supported and valued.
We offer a range of benefits, for more information, please visit us: https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/about-uc/work-at-uc/benefits-working-uc . (For more information about Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury, please visit https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/ )

The closing date for this position is: Sunday 2 August 2026 (midnight, NZ time)

Pēhea te tono mai | How You Apply
Applications for this position must be submitted via our careers website and should include a cover letter and resume.

Please note, we do not accept applications by email, however we are happy to answer your queries in relation to the application process, please forward these to [email protected]

You must have Aotearoa New Zealand or Australian citizenship/permanent residency to be considered for this role.
Please note, this is an onsite position.

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