Media Adviser

Theuniversityofauckland; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 93,000 - 118,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid/remote working

5 weeks annual leave

Up to 6.75% superannuation

Parental leave support

Wellbeing services

Job summary

University of Auckland is seeking a talented Media Adviser to share stories about research, teaching excellence and societal impact. You will identify compelling stories, transform complex ideas, and connect journalists with the experts needed for effective external communications.

Ideal candidates are in communications, journalism or media relations, with strong writing, media content development and relationship-building skills.

Qualifications

• Curious and collaborative communications professional with storytelling focus.
• 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 and interest in digital channels.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Writing & storytelling

Media relations

Stakeholder management

Judgement & discretion

Experience in large organisations

Digital communications

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 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.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | 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

He kōrero mōu | About you

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

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 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 cent