Adviser Communications

University of Otago; Dunedin; On-site; NZD 81,000 - 86,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5 weeks' annual leave

6.75% superannuation

Job summary

University of Otago seeks an experienced Communications Adviser to support the Division of External Engagement portfolio, delivering proactive and tailored communications to internal and external audiences. You will provide expert advice, create content, and coordinate with central Communications Services teams to enhance the University’s reputation.

Reporting to the Team Leader, Divisional Communications, you will work within a client portfolio, enjoy a collaborative, fast-paced environment and

Qualifications

• Public relations, journalism or business communications experience.
• Crafting and producing high quality communications for diverse audiences.
• Strategic advice and support for senior leaders and managers.
• Collaborative work across marketing and communications teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide relevant, proactive and customised communications content and advice.
• Coordinate with central Communications Services teams as needed.
• Support the Division of Health Sciences portfolio communications.
• Work semi-autonomously under experienced management guidance.

Skills

Public relations

Journalism

Business communications

Strategic advice

Job description

COMMUNICATION SERVICES | RATONGA PĀRONGORONGO

EXTERNAL ENGAGEMENT DIVISION | TE RINGA TORO

Who we are | Ko wai mātou

Ranked within the top 1% of universities in the world, the University of Otago - Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka has a strong teaching and research tradition and a well-established national and international reputation. We recognise that staff are the key to our success.

The Communications Advisory Service is part of the University’s Communications Services. Our members are highly experienced communicators from a range of backgrounds with a strong and positive team culture. We're always busy, telling great stories and supporting our inspiring staff and students as they learn, teach and research.

Our purpose is to connect the University, internally and externally. We use a range of tools and channels to provide information to our audiences which enhances and protects the University’s reputation, raises its profile, and attracts quality students and external funding.

The role | Te mahi

Reporting directly to the Team Leader, Divisional Communications, but embedded within a client portfolio, Communications Advisers provide our portfolio leaders with expert advice and support that strengthens the University’s positive public profile and outstanding reputation, while creating and placing content for internal and external audiences.

You will be responsible for providing relevant, proactive and customised communications content, advice, expert opinion and information to clients, as well as facilitating communications support from central Communications Services teams (media, internal and social) as required.

This role covers the Division of Health Sciences portfolio.

Each of our portfolios offers a rewarding workload due to the broad nature of the activities the University undertakes, and the proactive nature of our roles. This is a chance to work within a wider team of communications experts, working semi-autonomously under the guidance of experienced management and with great colleagues.

Your skills and experience | Kā pūkeka me kā wheako

We are looking for an experienced communications professional, with demonstrated experience in:

• Public relations, journalism or business communications roles.
• Crafting and producing high quality communications for a range of messaging purposes.
• Providing strategic advice and support to senior leaders and managers.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues across marketing and communications functions to deliver tailored and seamless services.

You will be an articulate and engaging communicator, with a strong customer service orientation and sense of team spirit.

Further details | Pūroko

This is a full-time (37.5 hours a week), fixed term position (December/January 2026 to July 2027) based in Ōtepoti, Dunedin.

The appointment range for this role is $80,749 to $85,649 per annum. Top of the range is $100,776.

We offer competitive salary, 5 weeks' annual leave, a 6.75% superannuation scheme, and the ability to achieve real work/life balance.

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this position.

For further information, or to discuss the role in confidence, please contact Andrea Jones, Team Leader, Divisional Communications, via the contact details below.

Application | Tono

Applications quoting reference number 2601533 will close on Wednesday, 4 November 2026.

Applications may be reviewed as submitted. The University reserves the right to close this vacancy at any time.