Women’s Football Coach

Contract for Services – Independent Contractor

February 2026 – until December 2026 with possibility of extension

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university and the country’s largest with over 40,000 students.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

We are seeking an experienced and energetic Women’s Football Coach to deliver a high‑quality training and performance programme for the University of Auckland Women’s Football team, supporting preparation for national representative competition held September–October 2026.

2026 is a qualification year for the 2027 FISU Football World Cup.

If the successful coach leads the team through qualification, the contract may be extended by an additional year to support preparation for and participation in the World Cup.

The Women’s Football programme is a developing programme that participated in World Cup qualification for the first time in 2024. This presents a valuable opportunity for a coach to establish foundational structures, embed strong team culture, and shape the programme’s long‑term success within a high‑performance tertiary sport environment.

This engagement offers a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of women’s football at Waipapa Taumata Rau, while empowering student‑athletes within a high‑performance, values‑led university setting.

Based at Hiwa, Waipapa Taumata Rau | University of Auckland’s state‑of‑the‑art recreation centre in the heart of the city campus, you’ll have access to premium facilities and a vibrant community dedicated to athletic and personal excellence.

As the coach, you will be expected to lead:

• A fair and transparent trials process and final squad selection.
• A structured training plan and campaign environment that empowers student leadership, prepares the squad for national competition, and builds strong team culture that aligns with an overarching vision and philosophy specific to our representative teams.
• Coaching oversight that provides clear direction while empowering student leadership, ownership, and responsibility.
• Innovative and engaging training sessions that reflect passion, creativity, and high performance.
• A supportive environment that prioritises student wellbeing alongside athletic development and performance.
• Effective collaboration with the team manager, strength and conditioning support, and Sport & Recreation staff.
• A tournament‑ready team prepared for a successful championship performance.

This role seeks candidates with experience in:

• High‑performance football coaching (minimum three years at school, club, or higher level).
• Athlete development, performance planning, and implementation of innovative coaching methods.
• Building foundational systems and creating inclusive, supportive, and high‑functioning team environments.
• Supporting athlete welfare and working effectively with diverse student‑athletes.
• Clear communication and collaborative engagement within a multi‑stakeholder environment.

Contracting Details

This is a contract‑for‑service arrangement.

The successful contractor will operate as an independent contractor, not an employee, and will invoice for services provided.

• Time commitment: Approximately 4 hours per week
• Contract period: February 2026 until December 2026, with the possibility of extension
• Tournament: Tertiary Football Cup (September - October 2026) TBC
• Rate: Minimum $50 per hour, negotiable depending on experience
• Further information: Please view the attached Position Description for Contractors

• An OFC / NZF C Licence or above is preferred, though not essential.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What We Offer

• Complimentary membership to Hiwa Recreational Facilities for the duration of the contract for services.
• All tournament related travel costs covered, including flights, accommodation, meals, and ground transport, where required as part of championship participation.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Please submit your application online by Friday, 6 February 2026 (NZST)

Your application should include:

• A brief cover letter outlining your interest in this contract opportunity and how your skills and experience align with the service requirements.
• Your updated CV.

If you have any questions about the engagement, you are welcome to contact Jake McRae at [email protected]

Please note: while enquiries are welcome, all applications must be submitted online through the recruitment portal (Smart Recruiters).

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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