Cohort Relationship Coordinator - Māori (Waikato Based) - 11 month fixed term

Company Description

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading University. With over 6000 academic and professional staff supporting over 46,000 students, we are one of NZ’s largest employers. We have eight academic faculties and 11 service divisions creating a diverse, dynamic and complex organisational culture that demands excellence.

Job Description

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

This is a meaningful and community-focused role based in the Waikato region where you’ll be part of a nationally significant research initiative—Growing Up in New Zealand, the country’s largest longitudinal study of children. As a Cohort Relationship Coordinator – Māori, you’ll be instrumental in maintaining strong, culturally respectful relationships with Māori families in the study cohort.

You’ll work within a passionate and collaborative team to ensure participants feel valued, informed, and supported throughout their involvement in the study. Your work will involve direct engagement through phone calls, face-to-face visits, and community outreach, helping to gather high-quality data that informs policy and improves outcomes for Māori children and families.

This role offers a unique blend of research support and community engagement. You’ll have the opportunity to contribute to equity-focused research and strengthen connections with Māori communities.

Please note: This role requires flexibility to work evenings (up to 7pm) and availability on weekends, as participant engagement activities may occur outside standard business hours.

This is a full time, fixed term (11 month) position.

The salary range for this role is $62,400 – $73,000 depending on skills and experience.

For more detailed information, please view the Position Description

He kōrero mōu | About you | Our ideal candidate

We’re looking for someone that has an in-depth understanding of Māori culture with strong connections to this community. You’ll be passionate about working with Māori communities and have well-developed communication and coordination skills. You’ll be confident working independently and collaboratively, with a proactive and empathetic approach.

Essential:

• Relevant qualification or equivalent experience
• Full, clean NZ driver’s license
• High cultural awareness and sensitivity when engaging with Māori families
• Experience using CRM systems and managing data
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Preferred:

• Previous experience working with Māori families and youth
• Experience in community engagement or large-scale studies

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

The University of Auckland offers a stimulating and supportive environment that promotes a healthy work-life balance through:

• Five weeks’ annual leave per annum.
• Up to 6.75% employer superannuation contribution.
• Additional parental leave payments and discounted onsite childcare, parking, and various leisure and recreation services.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications must be submitted online, by the closing date of 5 December 2025 to be considered. Please include your cover letter and your CV highlighting how you can meet the skills and experiences detailed above.

Please reach out to Karleen Edmonds via [email protected] for any questions. Please note we are happy to answer your questions, but we do not accept applications by email.

**We reserve the right to close applications early if a suitable candidate is found** 

Additional Information

Equity

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment.  For further information on services for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQIATakatāpuiMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other personal circumstances go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz