Available Executive Officer Positions

Please note: All officers will be expected to be available for a regular fornightly executive committee meeting (ideally in-person on Kelburn campus) to coordinate PGSA activities. Currently these roles are 100% volunteer, but honorarium may be offered on a case by case basis.

Why join the PGSA Executive?
Make a real, positive impact on postgraduate life!
Build leadership, communication, and governance experience.
Be part of a supportive team of fellow postgraduates.

Want to learn more?
Check out the job descriptions below for all the details.

Interested? Become a nominee!
Email pgsa@vuw.ac.nz by 11:59 on September 14th with:

  • Your name

  • Your programme of study and planned completion date

  • The role(s) you are nominating yourself for

  • A short statement (max. 250 words) about why you’re interested and any plans you would implement as part of the PGSA

Time commitment:
Approximately 5 hours/week

Secretary

The Secretary ensures PGSA runs smoothly by:

  • Preparing agendas & minutes

  • Managing the official inbox and correspondence

  • Organising PGSA records & documents

  • Supporting PGSA’s internal processes including but not limited to recruitment of volunteers

Ideal for: those who enjoy administration or governance, are looking to develop their organizational skills.

Treasurer

  • The Treasurer maintains the financial health of the association by:

  • Tracking expenses & approving reimbursements

  • Maintaining financial records on Xero

  • Preparing simple financial reports

  • Supporting annual financial statements (with guidance)

  • Presenting opportunities for additional funding for PGSA initiatives 

Ideal for: anyone wanting experience in finance, budgeting, or non‑profit governance. Support with budgeting and financial procedures for incorporated societies can be provided if necessary.

Vice President - Community

PGSA’s Vice President of Community will lead PGSA’s events, wellbeing initiatives, and community‑building activities in collaboration with the Events committee

Key responsibilities:

  • Overseeing PGSA events including breakfast socials, hikes, working bees, and off-campus socials.

  • Supporting the Events Committee to run independent events and provide a varied social calendar

  • Strengthening Postgraduate connections within and across all three campuses

Ideal for: people looking to develop their project management experience, organizational skills, and host fun, unique social events for the entire postgraduate community.

Vice President - Representation

PGSA’s Vice President of Representation will work with the PGSA representation committee to recruit and retain postgraduate representatives on faculty and university boards.

Key responsibilities:

  • Recruiting and appointing postgraduate representatives for any vacant boards

  • Monitoring an online form used by representatives to submit their reports on relevant postgraduate topics.

  • Coordinate advocacy efforts around postgraduate resources and support services.

Ideal for: people passionate about advocacy work, representing the student voice, and interested in learning about high-level university administration.

Vice President - Connections

The Vice President of Connections will facilitate communication between postgraduates, staff, and the University by coordinating the PGSA’s communications committee.

Key responsibilities:

  • Overseeing PGSA’s social media, newsletter, website, and events calendar.

  • Supporting the Communications Committee to ensure PGSA initiatives are broadcast in a timely manner.

  • Helping improve PGSA’s outreach to all postgraduate students and visibility on all three campuses

  • Brainstorming new ways for PGSA to effectively communicate postgraduate issues to staff and the university.

Ideal for: Anyone interested in marketing, expressing their creative side or looking to develop their communication skills

Vice President - Academics & Research

The Vice President of Academics & Research will work to advocate for and protect postgraduates in issues affecting their study.

Key responsibilities:

  • Leading the Academic & Research Committee

  • Planning PGSA events to recognize postgraduate academic achievements

  • Contributing to PGSA academic initiatives & resources

Ideal for: those passionate about improving postgraduate academic life or interested in organizing academic focused events such as symposia.