Senior Adviser, Pacific Engagement

Victoria University of Wellington; Wellington; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Victoria University of Wellington invites applications for a Senior Adviser, Pacific Engagement to lead an integrated programme of engagement, communications, and events that strengthen the University’s relationships with Pacific communities across Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific.

The role sits in Vaka Tangata Moana, Office of the Assistant Vice-Chancellor Pasifika, and requires a strong track record in relationship-building and strategic communications.

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience in stakeholder engagement, relationship management, communications, partnerships, or a related field.
• Demonstrated understanding of Pacific communities and the diversity that exists across peoples of and from the Pacific.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with proven experience in building strong networks with a variety of people, services and organisations.
• Proven event management experience, and the ability to organise events that deliver on agreed objectives.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Project management including defining project scope, drafting plans, identifying opportunities and risks and ensure accountability.
• Proven ability to navigate complex situations with diplomacy and confidence.
• A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent experience.
• Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the values of the University.

Responsibilities

• Strategic oversight of the University’s engagement with peoples of and from the Pacific.
• Design and deliver high-profile events that strengthen connection, visibility, and impact.
• Lead strategic communications that amplify Pacific voices, stories, and achievements.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Relationship management

Communications

Partnership development

Event management

Project management

Diplomacy

Education

Tertiary qualification

Job description

Victoria University of Wellington is New Zealand’s globally ranked capital city university and one of New Zealand’s oldest and most prestigious tertiary institutions with a proud tradition of academic excellence.Our...

Can you help connect communities, build partnerships, and advance Pacific aspirations?

Are you passionate about making a difference working with and alongside our Pacific peoples?

Do you have 5+ years' of experience in stakeholder engagement, relationship management, communications, or a related field?

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington has an exciting opportunity to join our team as a Senior Adviser, Pacific Engagement within Vaka Tangata Moana - Office of the Assistant Vice-Chancellor Pasifika on a permanent, full-time basis.

This is a chance to contribute to work that matters. The Senior Adviser, Pacific Engagement will play a key part in advancing the University's Pacific Strategic Outcomes Framework by building meaningful relationships, amplifying Pacific voices, and strengthening engagement across Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific.

Working as part of Vaka Tangata Moana - Office of the Assistant Vice-Chancellor Pasifika, the Senior Adviser, Pacific Engagement will lead an integrated programme of engagement, communications, and events to strengthen the University’s relationships with peoples of and from the Pacific. Specifically, you will develop and deliver high-impact initiatives that celebrate Pacific excellence, raise the visibility of Pacific achievement, and create opportunities for the University to build enduring partnerships with Pacific peoples.

Key responsibilities:

Strategic oversight of the University’s engagement with peoples of and from the Pacific.

Design and deliver high-profile events that strengthen connection, visibility, and impact.

Lead strategic communications that amplify Pacific voices, stories, and achievements.

You are an exceptional relationship builder who understands the importance of meaningful partnerships and authentic engagement. You bring strategic thinking, cultural confidence, a strong work ethic, and the ability to work across diverse environments and stakeholders. Whether engaging with parents or senior government representatives, you are able to build trust, create opportunities, and connect people around a shared purpose.

Key requirements:

5+ years’ experience in stakeholder engagement, relationship management, communications, partnerships, or a related field.

Demonstrated understanding of Pacific communities and the diversity that exists across peoples of and from the Pacific.

Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with proven experience in building strong networks with a variety of people, services and organisation.

Proven event management experience, and the ability to organise events that deliver on agreed objectives.

Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Project management including defining project scope, drafting plans, identifying opportunities and risks and ensure accountability.

Proven ability to navigate complex situations with diplomacy and confidence.

A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent experience.

Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the values of the University.

Close date for vacancy: 27 September 2026.

Contact details for vacancy: If you have any questions regarding this role, please get in touch with Assistant Vice-Chancellor Pasifika, Emma Dunlop-Bennett ([e-mail]).

We can only consider applicants who are citizens or residents of New Zealand or Australia or on a current working visa. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we may progress with suitable applicants prior to the application closing date. Applications from recruitment agencies are not accepted.

About Us

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is renowned for its high-quality research and exceptional teaching. We attract people from around the world. Our university campus spans Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington - the creative, scientific and political centre of Aotearoa New Zealand - and our students thrive on the connections we have made here.