Strategic Communications Lead

With more than 47,000 students and over 6,000 staff, Waipapa Taumata Rau is New Zealand's leading university and a globally connected organisation dedicated to advancing understanding, transforming lives and shaping futures. As part of our newly established Communications function, we've created the role of Strategic Communications Lead to 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 our Marketing, Recruitment, Communications and Engagement functions. 

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity  

We're seeking an exceptional strategic communications leader to help shape and enhance the reputation of the University and build trust with our key audiences.

This is a pivotal leadership role for a communications professional who is adept in using data and insights to identify our important audiences, understand their perceptions, shape our narrative, and translate organisational priorities into compelling communication strategies that create measurable impact.

Reporting to the Director of Communications, you'll lead the Strategic Communications function, guiding the development of the University's institutional narrative, strategic positioning, executive communications, and reputation-building activity. 

You'll be responsible for helping answer some of the University's most important communications questions: 

• How do we want the University to be known and understood? 

• What do our audiences think about us today? 

• What needs to change to achieve our strategic ambitions? 

Working across a broad range of portfolios and stakeholders, you'll ensure communication strategies are insight-led, audience-focused and aligned to long-term organisational outcomes. 

Key areas of focus include:  

• Shape and evolve the University's institutional narrative and strategic messaging  

• Use audience data and insights to develop communications strategies that strengthen reputation, trust and stakeholder engagement  

• Lead communications approaches that support the University's global standing and strategic priorities  

• Build audience-led messaging frameworks and positioning approaches  

• Provide strategic communications leadership during issues, incidents and reputationally sensitive situations 

• Partner with the Vice-Chancellor's Office and senior leadership team on complex communications matters  

• Support major institutional announcements, initiatives and change programmes 

This is a full-time, permanent opportunity. The full salary range for this role is $114,400 - $169,800 per 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 $122,501 – $155,000 per 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, and our commitment to pay equity.  

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

He kōrero mōu | About you  

You are an accomplished communications leader and experienced in operating in complex, high-profile environments where reputation and stakeholder trust matter. 

We're particularly interested in people who bring:  

• Significant experience in strategic communications, corporate affairs or reputation management  

• 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 in shaping communications for diverse audiences, with a strong understanding of Te Ao Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. 

• The ability to influence, challenge constructively and build trusted stakeholder relationships 

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer  

Our scale creates opportunities that few organisations can offer. From research and innovation to education, reputation and community engagement, you'll work across a diverse range of communications challenges while contributing to initiatives that have real and lasting impact for staff, students, our communities and the world.   

Beyond the work itself, you'll be 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, flexible hours and hybrid/remote working patterns  

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

• Time to recharge and disconnect with 5 weeks' annual leave and additional leave 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-site parenting and 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 and rongoā services, 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  

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply  

Please submit an application online by the closing date of 1 October 2026. Please include your cover letter and your CV highlighting your interest in the role, your capabilities and relevant experience.  

Please reach out to Verity Collins [email protected] with any questions.  

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

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.  

Equity

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 to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz