Senior Client Support Specialist

High Performance Support Coordinator

Waipapa Taumata Rau | University of Auckland

Te Whiwhinga mahi | About the Role

We are seeking a dedicated and passionate High Performance Support Coordinator to support and enhance the experience of more than 300 high-performing student-athletes at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland. This is a meaningful and rewarding role at the heart of one of New Zealand's most dynamic performance sport environments, where sport and academic excellence intersect.

Working within the Performance Sport team, you will coordinate key aspects of the University's High Performance Programme, helping student-athletes navigate the unique demands of balancing top-level sporting pursuits with academic success. You will be a trusted point of contact for students, a skilled relationship-builder with staff and sporting organisations, and a champion for student wellbeing and development.

This is a permanent, full-time position (37.5 hours per week), offering a genuinely rewarding opportunity for someone who is enthusiastic about sport, education and student success.

Ngā Haepapa | Responsibilities

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Coordinating and delivering core elements of the High Performance Programme, including student engagement, communications and programme administration
• Providing tailored advice, advocacy and support to student-athletes across academic, personal development and wellbeing areas
• Developing and facilitating workshops, events and initiatives that promote connection, recognition and the holistic development of high-performing students
• Supporting the planning and delivery of national and international inter-tertiary sporting events and competitions
• Building and maintaining strong, productive relationships with academic staff, coaches, sporting organisations and student support services
• Assisting with programme reporting, budget administration and ongoing continuous improvement initiatives
• Acting as an advocate for student-athletes, ensuring they have access to the resources, services and support networks they need to thrive both on and off the field

He kōrero mōu | About You

You are a motivated, people-centred professional with a genuine passion for student success and an in-depth understanding of the challenges and opportunities unique to high-performing student-athletes. You thrive in collaborative environments, enjoy building meaningful relationships across a wide range of stakeholders, and take pride in creating programmes and initiatives that make a real difference.

You are highly organised, able to manage competing priorities with ease, and bring excellent attention to detail to everything you do. As a confident communicator, you are comfortable engaging with diverse groups — from students and coaches to academic leaders and sporting bodies — and you know how to tailor your approach to suit different audiences and needs.

E rapua ana mātou | We Are Seeking

• A relevant tertiary qualification and demonstrated experience supporting students, athletes or participants in a performance, education or wellbeing setting
• Experience in a similar role within a sport or performance-focused environment, ideally with exposure to the tertiary education sector
• A strong understanding of the student-athlete experience and the complex demands of balancing academic and high-performance sporting commitments
• Proven ability to build and sustain effective, trust-based relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders
• Excellent organisational, communication and event coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• A solid knowledge of the tertiary education sector and a genuine commitment to supporting student success, wellbeing and development

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What We Offer

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland is New Zealand's leading university, committed to excellence and meaningful service to our communities. With more than 6,000 academic and professional staff, we support a vibrant and diverse community of over 47,000 students. Guided by our values, we work collaboratively to advance knowledge, foster equity and inclusion, and contribute to New Zealand's social, cultural and economic wellbeing.

We offer a supportive and inclusive workplace that invests in your growth and recognises your contributions. Staff benefits include:

• Competitive salary and five weeks of annual leave
• Discounted public transport for permanent and long-term fixed-term staff
• Superannuation/KiwiSaver contributions, matched up to 6.75%
• Flexible working arrangements, including working from home and flexible hours
• Leading and inclusive parental leave provisions
• Career development opportunities and a range of additional benefits, including discounted insurance, memberships and on-site amenities

**Equity