Position Description

General Manager

Reports to: Te Tira Ahu Pae Board

Direct reports:

Representation Manager
HR Manager
Finance Manager
Lead Advocate
Design and Communications Lead
Clubs’ and Events Lead
Senior Administrator
Managing Editor
Radio Manager
MUSA Shop Manager

Function: Leadership

Location: Auckland, Manawatū, or Wellington

Internal relationships:

All staff

Background:

Te Tira Ahu Pae is the students’ association for Massey University. It represents and provides services to all Massey University students studying via Distance domestically or internationally, or from the three physical campuses, located in Auckland, Manawatū, and Wellington. The association has a Tripartite Presidentship (referred to as the Tripartite), which is composed of a General/Distance President, Manawhakahaere (Māori President), and Pasifika President, who work in partnership with equal oversight. Te Tira Ahu Pae governs and delivers services to Massey University students throughout the country. Its role is to ensure that equivalent and equitable services are delivered to all students.

Job Purpose:

The General Manager will provide strategic leadership and drive the change process as directed by the Board, ensuring that structural and procedural improvements are seamlessly embedded into the Association’s daily operations and service delivery. They will oversee all aspects of the Association’s operations, ensuring full compliance with Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa, Massey University, agreements and relevant legislation.

In alignment with Board directives, the General Manager will lead the execution of the Association’s strategic initiatives. They will manage and support the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), ensuring it is effectively resourced with appropriately skilled people to deliver high-quality services to students. Additionally, the General Manager will oversee the delivery of Advocacy, Clubs, and Events across campuses, fostering positive student engagement, participation, and support.

Area of Focus and Expected Outcomes:

Management

Actively support and encourage the SLT to achieve positive outcomes within their delegated areas.
Develop a positive team culture that encourages collaborative working styles.
Work with the Board and Representative Manager to understand and develop reporting requirements for Student Representatives.
Work with the teams to ensure good practice has been developed and implemented that allows teams to work together across various locations.
Empower the SLT to manage their teams to ensure positive leadership across the Association.

Strategic Development and Delivery

Support and assist the Board to develop and implement strategy and direction.
Report to the Board on delivery of the strategic plans at regular intervals.
Ensure services remain relevant to students and clearly demonstrate how student voice informs and shapes service delivery.
Collaborate closely with the Representation Manager to ensure student representatives’ knowledge and ideas are effectively integrated into service delivery.

Business Planning

Lead the development and implementation of the Annual Operating Plan, ensuring alignment with the Board-approved Strategic Plan and inclusive engagement of the SLT and their direct reports.
Present the Annual Operating Plan to the Board for approval.
Ensure timely delivery of Annual Operating Plan outcomes in accordance with established deadlines.
Regularly report progress to the Board and maintain open and transparent communication.
Prepare supporting documentation for Board meetings, highlighting areas of risk within the organisation, and suggestions for business improvement.
Lead the preparation of annual budgets, incorporating proposed capital expenditure plans for consideration and approval.
Ensure timely completion of all annual and statutory reporting, clearly reflecting the financial outcomes of the Association.
Lead the Audit in partnership with the Treasurer and Finance Manager.

Policy Development

Identify policy gaps and develop recommendations for Board review and approval as needed.
Implement approved policies as required.
Schedule regular reviews of operational practices to ensure policies are adhered to.
Ensure the establishment and consistent compliance with financial policies across all operations.

Business Unit Management

To manage the business unit costs and resources effectively and efficiently, including Radio Control, Massive Magazine, Properties and MUSA shop.
Ensure business units owned by Manawatū members are clearly defined, appropriately allocated, and able to be accurately accounted for and reported on.

Operational Management

Oversee the day-to-day operational aspects of the Association, ensuring the Association is meeting all compliance and legal requirements.
Take ownership for ensuring the quality, performance, and achievement of the Association’s objectives are consistently delivered to the required standards.
Oversee and review financial reports to ensure effective cash flow management and maintain ongoing liquidity.
Ensure financial objectives and requirements are met, with Association spending consistently demonstrating value for money for Massey University and its students.
Identify financial trends and manage the change as necessary to limit or eliminate risk.
Foster strong relationships with key stakeholders, including Massey University, ensuring a positive understanding of the Association and the student-focused outcomes it delivers.
Manage sponsorship and funding across the Association to ensure all other revenue streams are included in the finance strategy.
Ensure all contractual obligations held by the Association are understood, fulfilled, and appropriately monitored.

People Leadership

Provide clear direction, knowledge, and guidance across the team to ensure expectations are understood and outcomes are successfully achieved.
Provide mentorship to the SLT as needed to support effective management of their respective teams.
Work in close partnership with the HR Manager to cultivate a high-performance culture while ensuring full legislative compliance
Embed effective consultation and communication as cultural norms to promote staff engagement and alignment with strategic goals.
Ensure the Association is staffed with appropriately skilled personnel to support efficient and effective team operations.
Ensure employee safety and well-being are proactively managed and embedded into organisational practices.

Te Tiriti Applications

Lead and support initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.
Lead the integration of Te Tiriti o Waitangi aspirations into the overall strategy development process.
Ensure the provisions of Te Tiriti are included in all policies and strategies developed by the Association.
Ensure operational staff actively apply Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles in their roles, actions, and decision-making processes.
Support staff in gaining a strong understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and their responsibilities in honouring its principles.
Promote the understanding, value, and application of tikanga Māori and Pasifika practices to foster culturally safe and inclusive environments.

Massey University Partnerships

Ensure operational services meet the requirements of the Massey University Service Level Agreement (SLA).
Develop and maintain strong working relationships with key contacts at Massey University.

Other responsibilities

Undertake additional duties as required, in line with operational needs or as directed by the Board.
Adhere to organisational standards, policies, and procedures, to ensure consistency and quality of service.

Person Specification:

Skills, Experience and Knowledge Required

A relevant tertiary qualification is essential.
Proven successful change management experience at an organisation-wide level.
Proven leadership capability and skills at a senior level.
Proven management experience across not-for-profit organisations.
Proven ability to plan, coordinate, and manage complex organisations.
Sound judgement and problem-solving skills with a pragmatic approach to generating solutions.
Strong relationship building, influencing and interpersonal skills.
Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to respond swiftly and effectively to changing circumstances.
Knowledge of, or the ability to quickly learn, public sector funding processes.
High level of financial literacy.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Computer and IT literate and competent with Microsoft 365 applications supported in the Teams environment.
Sound understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Tikanga Māori, particularly within the education sector.
Full and valid New Zealand Driver’s Licence.

Personal Attributes

Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and integrity.
Strong strategic focus and foresight.
Strong results orientation with tenacity to achieve results in a demanding environment.
Ability to constructively partner with and positively influence others.
Analytical thinker.
Excellent time management, planning and organising ability.
Ability to work autonomously, under pressure and to deadlines.
High level of personal confidence.
Flexible and adaptable.
Strong drive to achieve results and accept accountability for delivering results.
Willingness to undertake travel if required.
Willingness to work flexible and extended hours when required.

Applications close: November 20th, 2025. Applications will be assessed as they are received. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early should a suitable candidate be identified prior to the advertised closing date.

Te Tira Ahu Pae

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