Strategic Communications Leader — Institutional Reputation

Auckland; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 114,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid/remote working patterns

Salary framework with zones and equity

5 weeks annual leave and leave buy/sit

On-site childcare support

Wellbeing programs and EAP services

Job summary

WaipapaTaumataRau (University of Auckland) seeks a strategic communications leader to shape and enhance the university’s reputation using data-driven insights and audience-focused narratives. You will lead the Strategic Communications function, guiding institutional messaging, executive communications and reputation-building activities.

You will collaborate with the Vice-Chancellor’s Office and senior leaders to translate priorities into measurable strategies, manage sensitive communications,

Qualifications

• Experience advising senior executives and organisational leaders.
• Strong understanding of audience insight, segmentation and messaging strategy.
• Proven success developing organisational narratives and positioning frameworks.
• Experience managing issues, risk and crisis communications.
• Exceptional writing, storytelling and communication capability.
• Strong leadership experience with a track record of building high-performing teams.
• Cultural competency and experience shaping communications for diverse audiences, with Te Ao Māori knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Shape and evolve the University’s institutional narrative and strategic messaging.
• Lead communications approaches to strengthen reputation, trust and stakeholder engagement.
• Provide strategic communications leadership during issues, incidents and reputationally sensitive situations.
• Partner with senior leadership on complex communications matters.
• Support major institutional announcements and change programmes.

Skills

Audience insight

Executive advisory

Narrative development

Crisis communications

Storytelling

Leadership

Cultural competency

Influence and stakeholder relations

Tools

None

Job description

WaipapaTaumataRau (University of Auckland) seeks a strategic communications leader to shape and enhance the university’s reputation using data-driven insights and audience-focused narratives. You will lead the Strategic Communications function, guiding institutional messaging, executive communications and reputation-building activities.

You will collaborate with the Vice-Chancellor’s Office and senior leaders to translate priorities into measurable strategies, manage sensitive communications,