Strategic Communications Adviser

Company Description

Job Description

With more than 47,000 students and over 6,000 staff, Waipapa Taumata Rau is New Zealand's leading university and a globally connected organisation dedicated to advancing understanding, transforming lives and shaping futures. As part of our newly established Communications function, we're boosting our strategic communications capabilities to help shape and enhance the reputation of the University in the eyes of its most important audiences.    

Find out more about the ways we are transforming how we engage with our internal and external audiences across our Marketing, Recruitment, Communications and Engagement functions. 

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity  

We're looking for a talented Strategic Communications Adviser to join the University of Auckland's Communications team. This is an opportunity to work on some of the University's most important communications priorities, working closely with the Strategic Communications Lead to shape how we communicate our impact and strengthen our reputation both nationally and internationally 

Working alongside experienced communications professionals, you'll turn complex information into clear, engaging stories, support strategic initiatives, and help manage communications in high-profile and time-sensitive situations. 

Key areas of focus:  

• Taking a data and insights led approach to developing strategic communications to support the University's priorities, reputation, and long-term positioning.  

• Creating high-quality content including leadership communications, institutional announcements, and strategic messaging.  

• Supporting communications related to the University's global reputation and rankings.  

• Contributing to issues and crisis communications activities, helping ensure timely, accurate, and coordinated responses.  

• Partnering with subject matter experts and stakeholders across the University to develop compelling communications solutions.  

• Helping ensure communications are clear, consistent, accessible, and aligned to organisational standards. 

This is a full-time, permanent opportunity. The full salary range for this role is $87,000 - $118,000 per annum   

We have a structured salary framework with three zones for those developing into the role (developing), fully effective (target) and contributing beyond what is expected of the role (upper). Appointments are typically made within the target range of $93,201 – $107,500 per annum, depending on skills, experience, and internal equity. We welcome conversations about your expectations and what matters to you in your overall package. Any offer will be made within the advertised range and guided by fairness, consistency, and our commitment to pay equity.  

For more detailed information about the role and requirements, please refer to the position description 

kōrero mōu | About you  

You’ll be someone who is motivated in using communication to make complex ideas accessible, build understanding, and help tell stories that matter. 

We're particularly interested in people who bring:  

• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with the ability to translate complex, technical, strategic, or sensitive information into clear and engaging communications.  

• Experience developing content for senior leaders and stakeholders, with a strong understanding of audience, tone, and messaging.  

• Demonstrated ability to support issues management and crisis communications, remaining calm and effective under pressure while managing competing priorities and tight deadlines.  

• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships and work collaboratively with a diverse range of subject matter experts, leaders, and teams.  

• Experience in using data and insights to inform communications planning, messaging and measurement. 

• Cultural competency and experience in shaping communications for diverse audiences, with a strong understanding of Te Ao Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. 

• Sound judgement and attention to detail, with a commitment to accuracy, consistency, and delivering work to a high professional standard. 

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer  

Our scale creates opportunities that few organisations can offer. From research and innovation to education, reputation and community engagement, you'll work across a diverse range of communications challenges while contributing to initiatives that have real and lasting impact for staff, students, our communities and the world.   

Beyond the work itself, you'll be joining a vibrant and inclusive community. From staff networks and cultural communities to social clubs, volunteering opportunities, wellbeing initiatives and campus events, there are countless ways to connect, contribute and build meaningful relationships across the University.  

We also offer:  

• A commitment to work/life balance with a 37.5 hour working week, flexible hours and hybrid/remote working patterns  

• A competitive remuneration package with up to 6.75% super, annual salary increase with performance-based multiplier  

• Time to recharge and disconnect with 5 weeks' annual leave and additional leave buy/sell scheme,   

• Support for parents and carers with subsidised on-site childcare (including Kōhanga Reo), gender-neutral parental leave up to 9 weeks’ full pay, on-site parenting and feeding spaces  

• A commitment to the wellbeing of our people with confidential access to a range of EAP services, including mental health counselling, financial guidance, neurodiversity coaching and rongoā services, a world-class on-site fitness centre, access to student specialists across our supervised training clinics, discounted health insurance.   

• The opportunity to grow with access to an extensive programme of professional, leadership and cultural development, including digital capability coaching, specialised leadership development programmes, and Te Ao and Te Reo Māori learning programmes for staff  

• The opportunity to build your career with one of New Zealand's most diverse and complex organisations  

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply  

Please submit an application online by the closing date of 1 October 2026. Please include your cover letter and your CV highlighting your interest in the role, your capabilities and relevant experience.    

Reasonable accommodations - We are committed to building a more equitable and inclusive workforce and workplace, so we encourage applicants to reach out to discuss any reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process, including alternative ways to submit applications.  

Whānau and support people - Should you be invited to an interview for this role, your whānau members and/or support people will be welcome to join you. The recruiter or hiring manager will provide more information about this as part of the interview arrangements.  

Qualifications

Additional Information

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