Joseph (Sepha) Edward Vitale
Papatoetoe,New Zealand
Summary
I’m a people-focused and community-driven leader with experience supporting students through every stage of university life. My passion lies in creating spaces where residents feel seen, supported, and inspired to grow especially first-year, Pasifika and LGBTQ+ students finding their place at university. I bring empathy, organisation and cultural understanding to everything I do, leading teams, delivering meaningful programs and fostering a community where everyone feels they belong.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Resident Coordinator
University of Auckland Accommodation
01.2025 - Current
- Lead a team of 13 Resident Advisors across seven buildings, providing mentoring, pastoral support, and professional development.
- Coordinate daily operations including welfare checks, maintenance follow-ups, and building inspections to ensure resident safety and satisfaction.
- Plan and deliver 25+ community programs annually, such as Lantern & Origami Night, Winter Wonderland, Family Easter Event, and Family Trick or Treat, fostering inclusion and engagement.
- Organised and directed the Pasifika Dance Troupe for the AUSA x AUPISA Fiafia Night, representing University Accommodation and promoting Pasifika pride and unity.
- Oversaw move-in and move-out operations, maintaining high occupancy and smooth turnover processes.
- Managed event and operational budgets, ensuring accurate reconciliations and effective use of financial resources.
- Launched sustainability initiatives including the CPSV Green Team and Sprouting Connections gardening project, empowering residents to lead sustainable practices.
- Strengthened communication between RAs, residents, and staff through clear operational systems (Teams) and weekly updates.
- Collaborated with university departments and external partners to deliver wellbeing, academic, and cultural events (CDES, SaVy, Campus Care, UoA Events)
- Supported crisis and welfare management through on-call duties, ensuring prompt and compassionate responses.
- Championed Pasifika engagement and community initiatives, strengthening belonging and cultural celebration among residents.
Resident Advisor
University of Auckland Accommodations
02.2023 - 12.2024
- Facilitated conflict resolution among residents, promoting a harmonious living environment.
- Organized community-building events to enhance resident engagement and collaboration.
- Provided ongoing support and guidance for residents in personal and academic matters.
- Conducted regular safety inspections to ensure compliance with housing regulations.
- Maintained accurate records of resident interactions and incident reports for transparency.
- Mentored new resident advisors on best practices for community development and support strategies.
- Developed strong relationships with residents, fostering a supportive and inclusive living community.
- Facilitated roommate agreements at the beginning of each semester to set clear expectations for shared living spaces.
Operations Supervisor
Nestle
04.2017 - 11.2021
- Supervised daily operations to ensure efficient workflow and adherence to safety protocols.
- Coordinated team activities, optimizing resource allocation and minimizing downtime.
- Implemented process improvements that increased productivity and reduced operational costs.
- Monitored key performance indicators, ensuring compliance with company standards and policies.
- Resolved operational issues promptly, maintaining high levels of service quality and customer satisfaction.
- Managed daily operations for optimal performance, ensuring smooth workflows and timely completion of tasks.
- Enhanced team productivity by providing ongoing training, coaching, and mentoring to staff members.
Receptionist
Small Business Enterprises Corporation
07.2011 - 10.2011
- Cash Handling, Customer service both on phone and facing, Organising and time Management, Data entry
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biological Sciences
University of Auckland
Auckland, NZ03-2027
Tertiary Foundation Certificate - undefined
University of Auckland
01.2021
Foundation Certificate in Science - undefined
National University of Samoa
01.2010
Pacific School Senior Certificate - undefined
Samoa College
01.2009
School Certificate - undefined
Samoa College
01.2008
Skills
- Leadership & Team Management – Experienced in supervising, mentoring and supporting teams of Resident Advisors to deliver high-quality pastoral care and community programs
- Student Welfare & Pastoral Support – Skilled in providing empathetic guidance, crisis response and wellbeing support to diverse student populations
- Event Planning & Community Engagement – Proven ability to design and deliver large-scale and cultural events that enhance connection and belonging among residents
- Administrative & Operational Coordination – Proficient in managing budgets, processing financial reconciliations, and ensuring smooth residence operations
- Conflict Resolution & Mediation – Trained in handling sensitive situations professionally and promoting positive conflict outcomes
- Communication & Interpersonal Skills – Strong communicator who builds trust and maintains effective relationships with students, staff and university partners
- Cultural Competency & Inclusion – Committed to fostering inclusive environments, with active leadership in Pasifika engagement and cross-cultural initiatives
- Crisis Management & On-Call Response – Experienced in handling emergency situations with calm, discretion and sound judgment
- Project & Time Management – Able to manage competing priorities, oversee multiple events and administrative tasks efficiently
- Sustainability & Community Development – Passionate about resident-led sustainability projects and creating meaningful community impact Also focusing on more engagement from the Pasifika and International residents
Certification
- Nestle 2012-2021
- Certificate in Food and Related Products Processing Level 2
- Certificate for Leader in Kawa 2 reduce Downtime - Terminator Project
- Certified DMAIC minor stop project team member - level4
- Certified Trainer
- Process Picture Map – Work Instruction Expert
- Centre lining Expert
- Minor Stop Expert
- Tagging Expert
- C.I.L Expert
Timeline
Resident Coordinator
University of Auckland Accommodation
01.2025 - Current
Resident Advisor
University of Auckland Accommodations
02.2023 - 12.2024
Operations Supervisor
Nestle
04.2017 - 11.2021
Receptionist
Small Business Enterprises Corporation
07.2011 - 10.2011
Tertiary Foundation Certificate - undefined
University of Auckland
Foundation Certificate in Science - undefined
National University of Samoa
Pacific School Senior Certificate - undefined
Samoa College
School Certificate - undefined
Samoa College
Bachelor of Science - Biological Sciences
University of Auckland