Media Adviser

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

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid/remote working patterns

5 weeks annual leave

6.75% superannuation

On-site childcare support

Parental leave with pay

Job summary

University of Auckland is seeking a talented Media Adviser to share the University's stories. The role focuses on proactive media engagement, external communications, and shaping the university's reputation through compelling content.

You will collaborate with academics, researchers and communications colleagues to identify stories and connect journalists with experts. Applicants should bring experience in journalism, media relations or communications, strong writing and storytelling skills, and

Qualifications

• Fresh perspective in journalism, media relations or communications.
• Ability to turn complex ideas into compelling content.
• Experience in proactive media engagement and external communications.

Responsibilities

• Develop and pitch stories that build the University's profile and influence.
• Write media releases, media responses, key messages and external communications content.
• Build strong relationships with journalists, editors and media outlets.
• Identify opportunities to showcase research breakthroughs, student success stories and institutional achievements.
• Prepare briefing materials and support University spokespeople for media engagement.
• Monitor media coverage, emerging issues and sector trends.
• Contribute to integrated external communications across traditional, digital, social and emerging channels.
• Support communications during significant issues, incidents or high-profile events.

Skills

Writing skills

Storytelling

Media content creation

Relationship management

Stakeholder engagement

Digital & emerging channels

Job description

University of Auckland – Auckland, North Island

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 creating knowledge, transforming lives and shaping futures. As part of our newly established Communications function, we're investing in the future of communications practice.

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.

TeWhiwhingamahi | The opportunity

At Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, our research, teaching and people are helping shape the future of Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond. We're looking for a talented Media Adviser to help share those stories.

This is an exciting opportunity for a communications, journalism or media relations professional who enjoys uncovering compelling stories, building strong media relationships, and contributing to the reputation of one of New Zealand's most recognised and respected institutions. You'll play a key role in promoting the University's research, teaching excellence, student success and societal impact through proactive media engagement and external communications.

Working closely with academics, researchers, professional staff and communications colleagues, you'll identify stories that deserve attention, transform complex ideas into compelling content, and connect journalists with the experts and insights they need.

Key areas of focus

• Develop and pitch stories that build the University's profile, reputation and influence
• Write media releases, media responses, key messages and external communications content
• Build strong working relationships with journalists, editors and media outlets
• Identify opportunities to showcase research breakthroughs, student success stories and institutional achievements
• Prepare briefing materials and support University spokespeople for media engagement
• Monitor media coverage, emerging issues and sector trends
• Contribute to integrated external communications activity across traditional, digital, social media and emerging channels
• Support communications activity during significant issues, incidents or high-profile events

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.

You'll be a curious and collaborative communications professional with a passion for great storytelling.

We're particularly interested in people who bring

• Outstanding writing and storytelling skills
• Experience developing media content and communications materials
• Strong relationship‑building and stakeholder management capability
• SOUND judgement and professionalism when dealing with sensitive issues
• Experience in complex organisations
• An interest in digital and emerging communications channels

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.

What we 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 with 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

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, LGBTQIATakatāpui-MVP-FAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other personal circumstances go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz