Dame Jacinda Ardern has a new job in Australia

New Zealand’s former prime minister will work with students and researchers on leadership, public health, civic trust and global challenges.

Former New Zealand Prime Minister, Dame Jacinda Ardern, has a new job at the University of Sydney.

Dame Jacinda will join the uni as a Professor of Practice from October, 2026, a press release said on Tuesday.

She will host guest lectures, masterclasses and mentoring, the uni said.

Professor Mark Scott AO, Vice-Chancellor and President at University of Sydney, with Dame Jacinda Ardern. Stefanie Zingsheim

“I’ve found myself especially focussed on the question of leadership since leaving office – and how we can better support and encourage the kind of leadership needed to tackle our many global challenges,” Dame Jacinda said in a statement.

“I’m looking forward to working alongside the brilliant students, faculty, and wider University of Sydney community, as we share experiences, explore and develop ways to better serve our communities, and help solve the issues facing so many today.”

Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Mark Scott said he admired the courage and humanity Dame Jacinda served her public role with.

“Dame Jacinda led New Zealand through events of profound consequence and her leadership demonstrated that empathy and resolve do not compete with one another; each can strengthen the other,” he said.

“For our students, the opportunity to learn from Dame Jacinda is exceptional, they will meet not only a former Prime Minister, but a thoughtful teacher with a great deal to share about public leadership and service.”

Dame Jacinda, husband Clarke Gayford and eight-year-old daughter, Neve Gayford, moved to Australia earlier this year. They had been previously living in the US where Ardern was working for Harvard University.

In March 2025, Ardern joined Oxford University's Blavatnik School of Government as a Distinguished Fellow and member of the world leaders circle.

Dame Jacinda recently released a memoir, A Different Kind of Power, and a children's book, Mum's Busy Work.

She retired from politics in January 2023, after more than five years as prime minister and the leader of the Labour party.