Stakeholder Engagement Adviser

University of Waikato; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 88,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Waikato in Hamilton seeks a communications-savvy relationship builder to join the International and Engagement Office as Stakeholder Engagement Adviser. You’ll engage with stakeholders and partners to understand priorities and connect them with opportunities across the University.

This role blends strategic communications and relationship management to strengthen sponsorships, employer engagement and public reputation, turning relationships into meaningful collaboration across

Qualifications

• Background in communications, business, or management.

Responsibilities

• Engage with stakeholders and partners to understand priorities and connect them with opportunities across the University.
• Plan engagement, bring people together, and develop clear communications.
• Strengthen sponsorship partnerships and coordinate stakeholder activities.
• Build employer and industry connections and contribute to Waikato’s reputation and rankings.

Skills

Strategic communications

Relationship management

Stakeholder engagement

Sponsorships

Employer engagement

Writing

Education

Background in communications, business, or management

Job description

• Unique blend of strategic communication and stakeholder engagement
• Manage partnerships that create value for the University and our communities
• Competitive salary based in a campus workplace in Hamilton

The University of Waikato is looking for a communications-savvy relationship builder to join our International and Engagement Office. As Stakeholder Engagement Adviser, you’ll engage with stakeholders and partners to understand their priorities and to connect them with opportunities across the University.

This dynamic role blends strategic communications and relationship management to enhance our visibility and reputation.You will help turn relationships into meaningful collaboration, from strengthening sponsorship partnerships and coordinating stakeholder activities to building employer and industry connections. You will also support engagement that raises awareness of Waikato’s strengths and contributes to our reputation and global rankings. Working with colleagues across the University, you will plan engagement, bring the right people together and develop clear communications.

Salary will be in the range of $87,624 - $100,214 per year based on the skills, knowledge and experience brought to the position. This is a full-time role (37.5 hours a week), based on our Hillcrest Campus.

Ko wai koe? – Who are you?

You’re an exceptional communicator and natural relationship builder, with a passion for strategic engagement that makes a real impact. With a background in communications, business, or management, you bring hands‑on experience in managing stakeholder relationships and crafting content that resonates across audiences and channels.

You can bring people together across teams, manage several relationships and priorities at once, and follow through on commitments. Your writing is clear and persuasive, whether you are preparing a stakeholder briefing, tailoring a message or explaining complex research projects to an external audience. Experience with sponsorships, employer engagement or reputation initiatives would be valuable. Experience in a tertiary education or public sector environment would be an advantage. Most importantly, you bring energy, clarity, and a collaborative spirit to everything you do.

Ko wai mātou? – Who are we?

The University of Waikato is a globally connected university with strong regional, national and international relationships with campuses in Hamilton and Tauranga. We are committed to building strong and enduring relationships that enhance the University’s reputation, reach and impact across New Zealand and internationally.

The International and Engagement Office leads and supports a broad portfolio of activity that strengthens the University’s connections, profile and global reach. This includes international recruitment, global and domestic engagement, sponsorship, transnational education, overseas experiences and global rankings. Within the Office, the Engagement team works across the University and with a diverse range of external partners to develop meaningful relationships, strategic partnerships and sponsorship opportunities that strengthen Waikato’s profile, connect us with our communities and create value for the University and our partners.

He aha ngā take me tono mai ai koe? – Why should you apply for this position?

We want you to be part of our success! Our university stands proudly on the world stage as a provider of future-focused, international education and an active player in global research. Our rankings reflect these strengths. Working with us means you’ll enjoy a satisfying work environment with many benefits.

The University of Waikato is distinctive for the diversity of its staff and students and encourages applicants with the relevant capabilities from all backgrounds to apply. Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in NZ in accordance with the NZ Immigration regulations which can be found here.

Ko Te Tangata – For the People

The University of Waikato prides itself on the quality of its engagement with the communities that it serves, the provision of a world-class education and the national and international impact of its research. Our policies are guided by the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and equal opportunity for all.

Applications Close Friday 30th October, 2026.

Requisition number: 1003932

Job Info

• Job Identification 1003932
• Job Category Engagement and Relationship Management