Cultural Collections Adviser

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 more than 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 collaborative environment where people are empowered to make a meaningful difference.

Within Te Kāhu Tauira | Student and Scholarly Services, the Cultural Collections team plays an important role in preserving, promoting, and providing access to unique documentary heritage collections that support teaching, learning, research, and community engagement across the University.

Our team is passionate about connecting people with rare and significant collections while fostering curiosity, discovery, and lifelong learning through meaningful engagement with cultural heritage materials.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

We are looking for a knowledgeable, collaborative, and passionate Cultural Collections Advisor to join our Cultural Collections team.

This is a unique and rewarding opportunity to work primarily with rare books, published heritage materials, and special collections that support world-class teaching, learning, and research activities across the University.

As a Cultural Collections Advisor, you will contribute to the management, preservation, and promotion of published collections while supporting students, researchers, academics, and external users to discover and engage with these valuable resources.

Work spans a variety of activities including collection care, research support and teaching engagement, exhibition creation, and collection promotion, helping bring Cultural Collections to life for diverse audiences.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working with heritage collections, building relationships, and sharing knowledge in ways that inspire curiosity and learning.

You will be joining a supportive and collaborative team that values scholarship, innovation, partnership, and accessibility.

Key responsibilities include:

• Responsibility for the development, management, preservation, and accessibility of the published collections
• Providing research consultations and advisory services to students, staff, researchers, and external clients
• Lead coordination of exhibitions, displays, and promotional activities to showcase Cultural Collections holdings
• Delivering teaching sessions and supporting learning activities using Cultural Collections materials
• Working collaboratively with academic faculties and internal teams to support teaching, learning, and research partnerships
• Supporting metadata accuracy and collection discoverability across systems and databases
• Contributing to projects and initiatives across Cultural Collections and wider University services
• Promoting Cultural Collections through digital and in-person engagement activities

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the stewardship and promotion of collections that hold significant cultural, research, and educational value.

This is a full-time, 37.5 hours per week role on a permanent contract. The salary range for this role is $73,400 - $90,700 per annum depending on experience and qualifications.

For more information, please review the Position Description.

He kōrero mōu | About you

You are someone who is passionate about heritage collections, research, and connecting people with knowledge and history.

You bring strong relationship-building skills, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to communicate confidently with a wide range of audiences. You enjoy working both independently and collaboratively, managing multiple projects, and contributing positively to a team environment.

Most importantly, you value accessibility, partnership, and creating engaging experiences that encourage learning, discovery, and connection.

Ngā pūkenga motuhake | Important skills and experience

• Experience working with documentary heritage collections, rare books, or published materials
• Strong understanding of library procedures, collection management, handling and preservation practices
• Experience delivering research support, advisory services, or learning engagement activities
• Ability to manage multiple projects and build effective working relationships
• Confidence using databases and library management systems such as Alma

The following would be beneficial:

• Cataloguing knowledge and experience
• Experience developing exhibitions, workshops, and/or promotional materials
• Knowledge of te reo Māori and tikanga Māori

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

The University of Auckland is New Zealand's leading University and maintains significant computational, laboratory, and analytic facilities. Auckland is frequently rated as one of the world's most liveable cities. 

The University is committed to providing an excellent working environment through the following:

• Flexible employment practices (including working from home and flexible hours)
• Up to 6.75% company superannuation scheme
• A competitive salary with five weeks' annual leave

In addition, we also offer career development programs, discounted car parking, a generous parental leave allowance, childcare, and other discounts on internal and external services. 

For more information, please visit Staff Benefits.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications must be submitted online by the closing date of 28/06/2026 to be considered. Please include your cover letter and CV highlighting how you can meet the abovementioned skills and experiences.

Please note that we may close the advert earlier if we find a suitable candidate.

Please reach out to William Hamill - [email protected] for a confidential conversation. Please note we are happy to answer your questions, but we do not accept applications by email.

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