Executive Communications Strategist for Leadership (Remote)

University of Auckland; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 87,000 - 118,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

37.5 hour working week

Hybrid/remote work patterns

Competitive remuneration with up to 6.

Job summary

University of Auckland seeks an exceptional writer and communicator to join the Communications team as Executive Communications Adviser, partnering with the Vice-Chancellor and senior leaders to deliver high‑quality communications that shape priorities, elevate reputation and engage audiences across Aotearoa and beyond.

This full‑time, permanent role is ideal for someone who thrives in complex environments, crafting messages with impact and working closely with executives on speeches, briefings,

Qualifications

• Proven experience delivering executive, corporate, strategic, or senior leadership communications within a large and complex organisation.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with ability to adapt style and messaging for diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience drafting speeches, leadership messages and other executive communications.
• Strong judgement and political awareness for navigating sensitive, confidential, and high-risk issues.
• Cultural competency with Te Ao Māori and Te Tiriti Waitangi.
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building with senior leaders and subject matter experts.

Responsibilities

• Development and delivery of executive communications for the Vice-Chancellor and senior leadership team.
• Drafting speeches, messages, briefings, statements, talking points, presentations, and other high-profile communications.
• Working directly with senior leaders to shape messaging, tone, and communication approaches.
• Supporting executive communications during issues, incidents, and crisis situations.
• Ensuring executive messaging aligns with the University's strategic priorities and institutional narrative.
• Building trusted relationships with senior leaders and subject matter experts across the University.
• Managing a dynamic workload balancing planned communications with emerging priorities and time-sensitive requests.

Skills

Executive communications

Speech writing

Editing

Stakeholder management

Crisis communications

Te Ao Māori literacy

Job description

University of Auckland seeks an exceptional writer and communicator to join the Communications team as Executive Communications Adviser, partnering with the Vice-Chancellor and senior leaders to deliver high‑quality communications that shape priorities, elevate reputation and engage audiences across Aotearoa and beyond.

This full‑time, permanent role is ideal for someone who thrives in complex environments, crafting messages with impact and working closely with executives on speeches, briefings,