Event and Operations Manager – Engagement & Protocol

About the role

The University is seeking an experienced Event and Operations Manager to lead the delivery of high‑profile, strategically significant events across its portfolios. Reporting to the Event Services Manager, you will support the Office of the Vice‑Chancellor and Alumni Relations & Development, providing strategic leadership for donor, alumni, protocol and flagship events.

Key responsibilities

• Lead a team of four, setting direction, developing capability and embedding best‑practice event management.
• Design, plan and execute large‑scale donor and alumni events in New Zealand and overseas.
• Manage event budgets, logistics and supplier relationships.
• Develop and nurture strategic relationships with senior executives and external partners.
• Contribute to a major philanthropic campaign over the next 24 months.

Required profile

• 10+ years delivering engagement and campaign‑style events.
• 5+ years in managerial and strategic event roles.
• Experience in a university or large complex organisation is advantageous.
• Proven ability to oversee multiple projects while maintaining professionalism and humour.
• Passion for team development and resilient leadership.

Required skills

• AV production capability.
• Lighting design expertise.
• Staging and set‑up coordination.
• Supplier management for high‑profile events.

What we offer

• Permanent full‑time position (37.5 hours/week).
• Salary range $98,000–$110,000 NZD, negotiable based on experience.
• Opportunity to work at a top‑100 global university and shape high‑impact events.