The University of Canterbury (UC) has begun a search for a new Professor in Sport Leadership, a major academic appointment intended to bolster the university's expertise in the growing sport and health sectors. The full-time, permanent position within Te Kaupeka Oranga | Faculty of Health is based in Christchurch and seeks an academic with a significant national and international reputation.
The successful applicant will be tasked with shaping the next generation of sport leaders. The role involves extensive teaching duties at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, including the development of new curriculum. Core teaching areas will focus on strategic leadership, management principles, and organisational behaviour tailored specifically for the sport industry.
Beyond the lecture theatre, the professor will be a key figure in driving the Faculty of Health's research ambitions. The university expects the appointee to lead a "coherent and ambitious research agenda" that aligns with national and international priorities in sport. This includes championing a culture of research excellence, fostering inter-disciplinary projects, and securing external funding to support new initiatives.
Mentorship and supervision are also critical components of the position. The professor will be expected to supervise masters' and PhD students, contributing to their proven record of guiding candidates to completion, while also mentoring new supervisors within the faculty.
Senior academic role requires extensive experience
The university is seeking a highly motivated individual with a completed PhD in Sport Leadership or Sport Management. The job description emphasises the need for a candidate who can demonstrate outstanding teaching ability, a track record of high-impact research, and the ability to forge meaningful partnerships across the wider sport industry.
Crucially, applicants must have established networks within New Zealand's sport, government, and community sectors. The role demands proven experience in coordinating university courses and a strong history of leading programmes related to diversity, inclusion, and women's leadership.
A key requirement highlighted by the university is an active commitment to biculturalism. The appointee must be dedicated to upholding the values and protocols guided by mana whenua, Ngāi Tūāhuriri, and to valuing te reo Māori in their work. This reflects a broader institutional commitment to embedding the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Role seen as vital for city's sporting future
The appointment comes as Christchurch cements its reputation as a major hub for national and international sport. The recent Super Rugby round at Te Kaha delivered a reported $13.1 million windfall for the city, highlighting the economic power of major sporting events. Developing world-class leadership is seen as essential to building on this momentum and securing future opportunities, much like how Toronto launches sports tech hub with federal and city funding.
The investment in sport leadership at an academic level contrasts with challenges faced by other sectors, such as the live music industry, which has seen several New Zealand music festivals disappear in recent years amid rising costs and shifting consumer habits. The focus on sport underscores a strategic direction for both the university and the city.
The new professor will join the Faculty of Health, a multidisciplinary department that offers a wide range of qualifications. Its programmes include Health Sciences, Nursing, Social Work, Counselling, and Child and Family Psychology, providing a rich environment for cross-disciplinary collaboration. The faculty's work aligns with national health and sport strategies, such as those outlined by Sport New Zealand, which focus on participation, well-being, and high performance.
How to apply
The salary for the professorship is listed on a scale from $178,257 to $224,115 per annum. The university offers generous annual leave and professional development opportunities as part of its package.
Applications must be submitted via the University of Canterbury's careers website by midnight on 26 June 2026. Prospective candidates must provide a cover letter, a one-page research statement, a one-page teaching philosophy, and a resume that includes a full list of research publications.
The university noted that this is an onsite position in Christchurch. While email applications are not accepted, queries about the role can be directed to Sarah-Kate Millar. This appointment represents a significant opportunity for a leading academic to influence the direction of sport education and research, contributing to institutional, national, and global priorities in the field.
