Strategic Communications 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

Up to 6.75% superannuation

Professional development opportunities

On-site childcare support

Parental leave benefits

Job summary

University of Auckland’s Communications team seeks a Strategic Communications Adviser to shape how we communicate our impact and strengthen our reputation globally. You’ll craft clear stories, support strategic initiatives, and manage communications in time-sensitive situations.

You’ll work with senior leaders, translate complex content for varied audiences, and contribute to issues management while collaborating with diverse stakeholders across WaipapaTaumataRau and the University.

Qualifications

• Clear, concise writing for diverse audiences.
• Ability to translate technical or strategic content for broad audiences.
• Experience supporting issues management and crisis communications.

Responsibilities

• Turn complex ideas into clear, engaging stories for internal and external audiences.
• Support strategic initiatives and position the University’s reputation nationally and internationally.
• Develop leadership communications, institutional announcements and messaging.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts to craft compelling communications solutions.

Skills

Exceptional writing

Editing

Storytelling

Crisis communications

Stakeholder engagement

Data-informed planning

Content development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications or related field

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

University of Auckland – Auckland, North Island

With more than 47,000 students and over 6,000 staff,WaipapaTaumataRau is New Zealand's leading university and a globally connected organisation dedicated to advancing understanding, transforminglivesand shaping futures.As part of our newly established Communications function,we'reboosting our strategic communications capabilitiesto help shape and enhance the reputation of the University in the eyes of its most important audiences.

Find out more about the ways we are transforming how we engage with our internal and external audiences across ourMarketing, Recruitment, Communications and Engagementfunctions.

TeWhiwhingamahi | The opportunity

We'relooking for a talented Strategic Communications Adviser to join the University of Auckland's Communications team. This is an opportunity to work on some of the University's most important communications priorities,working closely with the Strategic Communications Lead toshape how we communicate our impactandstrengthen our reputation both nationally and internationally

Working alongside experienced communications professionals,you'llturn complex information into clear, engaging stories,support strategic initiatives, and help manage communications in high-profile and time-sensitive situations.

Key areas of focus:

• Takinga data and insights led approach to developingstrategic communications tosupport the University's priorities, reputation, and long-term positioning.

• Creating high-quality content including leadership communications, institutional announcements, and strategic messaging.

• Supporting communications related to the University's global reputation and rankings.

• Contributing to issues and crisis communications activities, helping ensuretimely,accurate, and coordinated responses.

• Partnering with subject matter experts and stakeholders across the University to develop compelling communications solutions.

• Helping ensure communications are clear, consistent, accessible, and aligned to organisational standards.

This is a full-time, permanent opportunity. The full salary range for this roleis$87,000- $118,000per 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– $107,500per 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, andourcommitment to pay equity.

For more detailed information about the role and requirements, please refer to theposition description

You’llbesomeone who ismotivated in usingcommunication to make complex ideas accessible, build understanding, and help tell stories that matter.

We'reparticularly interested in people who bring:

• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with the ability to translate complex, technical, strategic, or sensitive information into clear and engaging communications.

• Experience developing content for senior leaders and stakeholders, with a strong understanding of audience, tone, and messaging.

• Demonstrated ability to support issuesmanagement andcrisis communications,remainingcalm and effective under pressure while managing competing priorities and tight deadlines.

• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships and work collaboratively with a diverse range of subject matter experts, leaders, and teams.

• Experience in using data and insights to inform communications planning,messagingand measurement.

• Cultural competency and experience in shaping communications for diverse audiences, with a strong understanding of Te Ao Māori and TeTiritio Waitangi.

• Sound judgement and attention to detail, with a commitment to accuracy, consistency, and delivering work to a high professional standard.

Our scale creates opportunities that few organisations can offer. From research and innovation to education,reputationand community engagement,you'llwork across a diverse range of communications challenges while contributing to initiatives that have realand lastingimpact for staff, students, ourcommunitiesand the world.

Beyond the work itself,you'llbe 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, flexiblehoursand hybrid/remote working patterns

• A competitiveremunerationpackage with up to 6.75% super, annual salary increase with performance-based multiplier

• Time to recharge and disconnect with 5 weeks' annual leave andadditionalleave buy/sell scheme,

• Support for parents and carers with subsidised on-site childcare (including Kōhanga Reo), gender-neutral parental leave up to 9 weeks’ full pay, on-siteparentingand 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 androngoāservices, 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

Reasonable accommodations- We are committed to building a moreequitableand inclusive workforce and workplace, so we encourage applicants to reach out to discuss any reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process, including alternative ways tosubmitapplications.

Whānau and support people- Should you be invited to an interview for this role, your whānau members and/or support people will be welcome to join you. The recruiter or hiring manager will provide more information about this as part of the interview arrangements.

Additional InformationEquity

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, LGBTQIATakatāpuiMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other personal circumstances go towww.equity.auckland.ac.nz