Radhika Kumar
New Zealand,AUK
Summary
Strategic and results-driven educational leader with 12+ years of experience in vocational education, specializing in health and counseling programs. Demonstrated expertise in program development, stakeholder engagement, financial management, and leading high-performing teams. Passionate about delivering high-quality education and fostering student success through innovative teaching and learning practices. Skilled at navigating change, driving continuous improvement, and ensuring alignment with industry and regulatory standards. Committed to advancing Te Tiriti Waitangi and promoting culturally responsive educational practices. Experienced in educational leadership, curriculum development, and faculty management. Utilised strategic planning to enhance academic programs and foster a collaborative culture. Proven track record of driving improvements and supporting student and staff growth.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of School – Health and Counselling
Manukau Institute of Technology | Te Pūkenga
01.2022 - Current
- Provide strategic leadership for the school, ensuring alignment with institutional goals.
- Develop and oversee programme delivery, ensuring financial sustainability and academic excellence.
- Lead a high-performing team, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and student success.
- Strengthen relationships with industry stakeholders to enhance employability outcomes for students.
- Manage school budgets, monitoring financial performance and ensuring cost-effective programme delivery.
- Implement robust quality assurance processes to maintain compliance with accreditation and regulatory standards.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance educational outcomes and programme relevance.
- Champion Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and promote bicultural competency within the school.
- Organised and allocated resources required to meet needs of 900 students and 35 instructors.
- Managed budget allocations to optimize resource utilization and efficiency.
- Improved faculty performance with professional development programs.
- Implemented policies to enhance school operations and improve student outcomes.
- Led strategic initiatives to foster academic excellence and innovation.
Academic Lead – Quality and Curriculum
Manukau Institute of Technology | Te Pūkenga
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Managed quality assurance and curriculum development across health and counselling programmes.
- Led internal and external moderation processes, ensuring compliance with academic standards.
- Engaged with external monitors and advisory committees to maintain programme quality.
- Developed online tools to streamline programme monitoring and student outcomes tracking.
- Supported academic teams in curriculum innovation and assessment redesign.Managed quality assurance and curriculum development across health and counselling programmes
- Led internal and external moderation processes, ensuring compliance with academic standards
- Engaged with external monitors and advisory committees to maintain programme quality
- Developed online tools to streamline programme monitoring and student outcomes tracking
- Supported academic teams in curriculum innovation and assessment redesign
- Nominated for the “Living the Values Award” in 2021
- Successfully developed and implemented an online graduate destination tracking tool
- Improved internal and external moderation processes, enhancing programme integrity
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
Programme Lead / Senior Lecturer
Manukau Institute of Technology | Te Pūkenga
01.2012 - 01.2018
- Managed academic delivery, student engagement, and quality assurance for health programmes.
- Led curriculum design, assessment moderation, and programme evaluation.
- Coached and mentored faculty members, fostering a culture of excellence in teaching and learning.
- Engaged with industry stakeholders to enhance employability pathways for graduates of bridging programme.
- Delivered engaging lectures to promote deep understanding of complex subjects.
- Enhanced student learning by developing comprehensive course materials and resources.
- Guided students to achieve academic excellence, providing tailored support and mentorship.
- Developed innovative teaching methodologies for improved student engagement and retention.
Education
Master of Higher Education - Higher Education
University of Auckland
Auckland, New Zealand01.2021
Certificate in Tertiary Teaching - Tertiary Teaching
Manukau Institute of Technology
Auckland, New Zealand01.2015
Certificate in NCALE Vocational - Adult Literacy And Numeracy
Manukau Institute of Technology
Auckland, New Zealand01.2014
Postgraduate Certificate in Education - Educational Psychology
University of The South Pacific
Suva, Fiji Islands01.2006
Bachelor of Science - Physics And Chemistry
University of The South Pacific
Suva, Fiji Islands01.2003
Skills
- Strategic Leadership & Change Management – Visionary leadership, programme development, accreditation management, and driving institutional growth through innovation
Operational & Financial Management – Budget oversight, resource allocation, policy implementation, and continuous improvement
Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Management – Industry collaboration, student engagement, enrolment growth, and fostering Māori cultural capability
People Leadership & Talent Development – Staff recruitment, coaching, performance assessment, and professional development
Academic Quality & Student Success – Curriculum development, programme evaluation, crisis management, and student retention strategies
Accomplishments
Achievements:
- Exceeded 2023 budgeted EFTS target for the school.
- Increased Māori ākonga enrolments by 1.5% and improved Māori student success rates by 3%.
- Led successful programme accreditation renewals and approvals for programme type changes.
- Established new MoUs for external moderation and clinical placements.
- Implemented an industry feedback mechanism to ensure curriculum relevance and continuous improvement.
- Developed and executed marketing strategies in collaboration with the marketing team.
- Navigated the challenges of COVID-19 and natural disasters, ensuring minimal disruption to education delivery.
- Effectively managed a team of 35 staff members.
- Nominated for the “Living the Values Award” in 2021 & 2015.
- Successfully developed and implemented an online graduate destination tracking tool.
- Improved internal and external moderation processes, enhancing programme integrity.
- Awarded Teaching Champion of the Month (2020).
- Nominated for “Living the Values Award” (2015).
- Successfully implemented programme improvements, increasing student pass rates and retention.
Professional Affiliations And Committees
- Member, Te Pūkenga Social Services Steering Committee
- Active contributor to MIT Academic Committees & Programme Advisory Groups
Hobbies and Interests
- Research and innovation in education
- Baking and culinary arts
- Spending quality time with family
Languages
English
Full Professional
Hindi
Professional Working
Timeline
Head of School – Health and Counselling
Manukau Institute of Technology | Te Pūkenga
01.2022 - Current
Academic Lead – Quality and Curriculum
Manukau Institute of Technology | Te Pūkenga
01.2020 - 01.2021
Programme Lead / Senior Lecturer
Manukau Institute of Technology | Te Pūkenga
01.2012 - 01.2018
Master of Higher Education - Higher Education
University of Auckland
Certificate in Tertiary Teaching - Tertiary Teaching
Manukau Institute of Technology
Certificate in NCALE Vocational - Adult Literacy And Numeracy
Manukau Institute of Technology
Postgraduate Certificate in Education - Educational Psychology
University of The South Pacific
Bachelor of Science - Physics And Chemistry
University of The South Pacific
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