Executive Communications Adviser

About the Role

Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland, with over 47,000 students and 6,000 staff, stands as New Zealand's foremost university, renowned globally for advancing knowledge and shaping futures. As part of a recently established Communications division, the university is enhancing its strategic communications to strengthen its reputation among key audiences within its Marketing, Recruitment, Communications, and Engagement departments.

This role offers an exciting chance to collaborate directly with senior university leadership, including the Vice-Chancellor, to craft impactful and strategic communications that elevate the university’s profile both nationally and internationally.

Key Responsibilities

• Compose and deliver executive-level communications for the Vice-Chancellor and senior leadership team.
• Prepare speeches, briefings, presentations, talking points, and official messages for high-profile occasions.
• Collaborate closely with senior executives to define messaging strategies, tone, and communication styles.
• Provide communication support during incidents, crises, and sensitive situations.
• Ensure that all executive communications align with the university’s strategic goals and institutional narratives.
• Establish and nurture trusted relationships with senior staff and subject matter experts across the university.
• Effectively manage a dynamic workload balancing planned activities and urgent communication needs.

Candidate Profile

• Proven experience in delivering executive, corporate, or senior leadership communications within large, complex organizations.
• Outstanding writing, editing, and storytelling skills adaptable to diverse audiences and contexts.
• Experience crafting speeches, leadership messages, and other executive-level communications.
• Excellent judgment and political sensitivity, capable of handling confidential and high-risk matters with discretion.
• Strong cultural competency including understanding of Te Ao Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, with the ability to tailor communications accordingly.
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills, capable of building lasting trust with senior leaders and partners.

What We Offer

You will work within a vibrant and inclusive community that offers unique opportunities in communication and engagement aligned with impactful research, innovation, and education. Benefits include:

• A balanced 37.5-hour workweek with flexible hours and hybrid or fully remote working options.
• A competitive annual salary ranging from NZD 87,000 to 118,000, typically appointed between NZD 93,201 and 107,500, with salary progression linked to performance.
• Five weeks of annual leave with opportunities to buy or sell leave for added flexibility.
• Support for parents and carers, including subsidized on-site childcare, gender-neutral parental leave up to nine weeks’ full pay, and dedicated parenting facilities.
• Employee wellbeing services including confidential counseling, financial advice, neurodiversity coaching, traditional healing services, access to a fitness center, student health specialists, and discounted health insurance.
• Extensive professional development and leadership training opportunities, including programmes focused on digital skills and Māori culture and language.

Additional Information

The university embraces equity commitments under the Treaty of Waitangi, fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all staff and students. Applicants are encouraged to discuss reasonable accommodations during recruitment, and whānau members or support persons are welcome at interviews. For detailed equity services information, visit the university's dedicated equity page.