Job Description
Do you have experience in the New Zealand publishing sector particularly within a university environment?
Are you a strategic thinker with sound judgement, and a passion for literary and scholarly publishing?
Have you got proven leadership and people management capability?
Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role
Te Herenga Waka University Press (THWUP) is seeking an experienced publishing leader to join the University as Publisher on a permanent, full-time basis.
The successful applicant will commence in the role on 01 February 2027.
The role provides strategic, editorial and operational leadership for the Press and is responsible for maintaining THWUP's reputation as a leading publisher of literary and scholarly works in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Reporting to the Dean, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, you will lead the publishing programme, oversee editorial and production activities, manage a team of five staff, and represent THWUP across the University and wider literary community.
Key responsibilities:
- Leading the strategic planning and development of the THWUP publishing programme.
- Identifying and developing opportunities for publication, collaboration and external funding.
- Overseeing editorial, production and publishing operations.
- Providing leadership and direction to the THWUP team.
- Managing budgets, planning and business continuity activities.
- Representing THWUP within the University and across the literary and publishing sectors.
- Supporting the promotion and profile of THWUP publications and events.
Ō pūmanawa - About you
We are seeking someone with experience in the New Zealand publishing sector, particularly within a university environment.
Key requirements:
- Strong editorial and publishing expertise across the publishing lifecycle.
- Proven leadership and people management capability.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
- Strategic thinking, sound judgement, and a passion for literary and scholarly publishing.
Role Description: Click here to see further information, including salary details.
If this link is not available, click 'apply' to view this on the University careers page.
Close date for vacancy: 18 November 2026, 5 pm.
Contact details for vacancy: If you have any questions regarding this role, please get in touch with Professor Averil Coxhead, Dean of Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (averil.coxhead@vuw.ac.nz).
How to apply: Please ensure you are applying for this role directly on our careers page and not via email. Candidates must submit supporting documents along with their resume, such as a cover letter.
We can only consider applicants who are citizens or residents of New Zealand or Australia or on a current working visa. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we may progress with suitable applicants prior to the application closing date. Applications from recruitment agencies are not accepted.
About Us
Mō Te Herenga Waka - About Our University
Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is renowned for its high-quality research and exceptional teaching. We attract people from around the world. Our university campus spans Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington - the creative, scientific and political centre of Aotearoa New Zealand - and our students thrive on the connections we have made here.
Explore the many benefits of working at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. Find out where you fit in our strategic direction and learn more about our research expertise.
Posted: 2026-11-05