Scholarship Advisor

About the Role

Join our small, high-performing team at Te Mata Kairangi and take charge of your own portfolio of scholarships in this rewarding part-time opportunity. As a Scholarship Advisor, you'll provide high-level administrative support for scholarship processes while offering expert advice to students, staff, funders, and external stakeholders. This role combines meaningful work supporting student success with the autonomy to manage your own workflow in a supportive, tight-knit team environment.

You'll interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds, contribute to a culture of continual improvement and innovation, and play a vital role in helping students access educational opportunities through scholarships, awards, and prizes at all levels of study.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and administer your own comprehensive portfolio of scholarships, awards, and prizes
• Provide expert advice and guidance to students, academic staff, administrators, and external funding partners
• Process scholarship applications, assessments, and award distributions with meticulous attention to detail
• Maintain accurate financial records and execute complex financial procedures related to scholarship funding
• Analyze and manipulate data to generate reports, track outcomes, and support decision-making processes
• Interpret and work within established policies and procedures while identifying opportunities for process improvement
• Deliver exceptional customer service to all stakeholders, ensuring timely and professional responses to inquiries
• Collaborate with team members to ensure seamless service delivery and knowledge sharing
• Support the strategic development of scholarship programs and initiatives
• Maintain confidential student and financial information in accordance with privacy regulations
• Coordinate with various university departments to facilitate scholarship administration
• Assist in the development and implementation of new scholarship processes and systems

Requirements

• University degree or equivalent relevant work experience in administration, finance, or related field
• Excellent administrative skills with demonstrated experience in planning, organization, and project coordination
• Strong computer literacy including advanced data manipulation capabilities and financial software proficiency
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with a professional approach
• Sharp attention to detail and accuracy in handling complex information and documentation
• Proven ability to interpret and work effectively within fixed policies and procedures
• Demonstrated commitment to delivering high-quality customer service in a professional environment
• Experience working with people from varying cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds with appropriate sensitivity
• Problem-solving skills and ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities
• Strong analytical skills and experience working with complex information systems
• Empathy, sound judgment, and cultural awareness essential for student-facing role
• Ability to meet strict deadlines while maintaining quality standards
• Legal right to live and work in New Zealand in accordance with Immigration regulations

What We Offer

• Competitive salary commensurate with skills, knowledge, and experience
• Part-time position (0.5 FTE, 18.75 hours per week) offering excellent work-life balance
• Opportunity to work on the modern Hillcrest Campus
• Supportive, collaborative team environment with opportunities for professional development
• Meaningful work contributing to student success and educational access
• Comprehensive benefits package typical of university employment
• Exposure to diverse communities and international perspectives
• Professional development opportunities within a world-class educational institution

About Te Mata Kairangi

Te Mata Kairangi is responsible for the strategic leadership and provision of services and administrative support for all scholarships, awards, prizes, and higher research degree qualifications at Te Whare Wananga o Waikato, the University of Waikato. Our team consists of two specialized units: one providing high-quality service and advice for scholarships at all study levels, and another managing the University's doctoral qualifications. This position sits within our dedicated Scholarships Team.

The University of Waikato stands proudly on the world stage as a provider of future-focused, international education and an active research institution. We pride ourselves on the quality of our engagement with the communities we serve, the provision of world-class education, and the national and international impact of our research. Our policies are guided by the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and equal opportunity for all.