Team Leader Project Communications

University of Otago; New Zealand; On-site; NZD 115,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Dunedin is seeking an experienced Communications Advisor to lead a team and manage communications for various projects. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in strategic communications and team management, with a passion for enhancing organizational communication. This full-time position offers competitive salary, annual leave, and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

5 weeks' annual leave

6.75% superannuation scheme

Work/life balance

Qualifications

• Experience in supervising and managing a communications team.
• Ability to support project communication delivery outcomes.
• Articulate and engaging communicator with customer service orientation.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of communications advisers on various projects.
• Prepare and coordinate an annual project communications work plan.
• Act as a key communication point for project sponsors.

Skills

Team management

Strategic communication planning

Stakeholder communication

Project communication delivery

Job description

Overview

COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES

EXTERNAL ENGAGEMENT DIVISION | TE RINGA TORO

Who we are | Ko wai mātou

Ranked within the top 1% of universities in the world, the University of Otago has a strong teaching and research tradition and a well-established national and international reputation. We recognise that our staff are the key to our success.

The purpose of the Communications Advisory Service is to connect the University, internally and externally. We use a range of communications tools and channels to provide information to our audiences which enhances and protects the University’s reputation, raises its profile, and attracts quality students and external funding.

The role | Te mahi

Reporting to the Manager – Communications Advisory Service, this role will lead a small team of communications advisers working on a multitude of projects ranging from buildings to software installations. The role will lead best practice for communications in the projects space, setting standards, and delivering high quality information to audiences and stakeholders.

You will provide a relevant, proactive and customised corporate service from strategy to delivery of communications in your own projects, as well as leading a small team of advisers and working with a wider team of communications staff across the University. Your work will include both internal and external channels.

Your skills and experience | Kā pūkeka me kā wheako

We are looking for an experienced communications professional, with a passion for the planning and execution of strategic communications to support projects and who has experience in:

• supervising and managing a team to support project communication delivery outcomes.
• being a key communication point for project sponsors, owners and managers.
• preparing, maintaining and coordinating an annual project communications work plan.
• supporting the provision of consistent services to projects in line with organisational communications strategies and project frameworks.

You will be an articulate and engaging communicator, with a strong customer service orientation, able to work autonomously but also as part of a wider team.

Further details | Pūroko

We are seeking to fill one full-time (37.5 hours per week), permanent position based in Ōtepoti, Dunedin.

The appointment range for this role is $96,587 to $105,532 per annum. Top of the range is $114,474.

We offer competitive salary, 5 weeks’ annual leave, a 6.75% superannuation scheme, and the ability to achieve real work/life balance.

The University of Otago is a workplace that values and utilises diverse and inclusive thinking, people and behaviours. This means that the contributions of staff with diverse backgrounds, experiences, skills and perspectives are valued and respected.

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this role.

For further information, or to discuss the role in confidence – please contact Jamie Shaw, Manager, Communications Advisory Service via the email address below.

Application | Tono

To submit your application (including CV and cover letter) please click the apply button below. Applications quoting reference number 2501364 will close on Sunday, 12 October 2025.

We also have a Project Communications Adviser role currently available. For more information about that role, please click here

Contact: Jamie Shaw

Position details: Job Description

Further Information: Department Website

Create an email with a link to this vacancy: Create email

Location: About Dunedin