Head of Strategic Communications
Share
Job Location:
Wellington - New Zealand
Monthly Salary:
Not Disclosed
Posted on:
13 hours ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
- Are you an experienced strategic and forwardthinking communications leader
Do you have seniorlevel change leadership experience within complex organisations
Have you got expertise in risk identification crisis communication and media management
Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role
Te Herenga WakaVictoria University of Wellington is currently recruiting a Head of Strategic Communications for a permanent full-time position.
We are seeking an exceptional strategic communications leader to shape how the University engages with Aotearoa and the world. This is a pivotal role at the heart of our Takitoru - Communications Marketing and Digital Engagement Group responsible for delivering a unified forwardthinking communications and engagement approach that strengthens public trust demonstrates social licence and safeguards institutional reputation in a rapidly changing environment.
As Head of Strategic Communications you will lead and evolve the Universitys strategic communications public relations and stakeholder engagement functions. This role is central to the Universitys missionfor civil diverse and evidencebased public dialogue and helping articulate the Universitys role as a critic and conscience of society.
You will oversee integrated communication strategies across internal and external channels ensuring clarity transparency and strong alignment with the Universitys mission and values. A key focus will be guiding senior leaders through complex issues disinformation environments and highstakes reputational challenges.
Key responsibilities:
- Design and deliver a strategic communication and engagement approach that elevates the Universitys voice nationally and globally.
- Lead proactive reputation management media engagement and issues/crisis communication responses.
- Strengthen relationships with iwi/Māori government media and community stakeholders.
- Oversee consistent impactful messaging across all channels and audiences.
- Provide strategic advice to senior leaders including the ViceChancellor and Te Hīwa.
- Support organisational change through clear communication planning and leadership.
- Foster a collaborative highperforming team culture within an integrated communications and marketing environment.
Ō pūmanawa - About you
If you are an experienced strategic and forwardthinking communications leader ready to make a significant impact in a nationally influential organisation we want to hear from you.
Youll bring:
- Significant experience in strategic communications and stakeholder engagement.
- Proven seniorlevel change leadership experience in complex organisations. University sector experience is preferable.
- A strong track record delivering integrated communications programmes.
- Exceptional relationshipbuilding interpersonal and influencing skills.
- Demonstrated expertise in risk identification crisis communication and media management.
- The ability to translate complex ideas into clear compelling narratives.
- A commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and understanding of Aotearoas cultural and publicsector context.
Role Description:Click here to see further information including salary details.
If this link is not available click apply to view this on the University careers page.
Close date for vacancy:19 February 2026.
Contact details for vacancy:If you have any questions regarding this role please contact Megan McPherson Director Communications Marketing and Digital Engagement ().
How to apply:Please ensure you are applying for this role directly on our careers page and not via applying for this position candidates must submit supporting documents along with their resume such as a cover letter.
We can only consider applicants who are citizens or residents of New Zealand or Australia or on a current working visa. Applications will be reviewed as they are received and we may progress with suitable applicants prior to the application closing date. Applications from recruitment agencies are not accepted.
Required Experience:
Director
Key Skills
- Crisis Management
- Marketing
- Public Relations
- Fundraising
- Media Relations
- Constant Contact
- Strategic Planning
- Social Media Management
- Team Management
- Public Speaking
- Wordpress
- Writing Skills
About Company
Mō Te Herenga Waka - About Our University Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is renowned for its high-quality research and exceptional teaching. We attract people from around the world. Our university campus spans Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington - the creative, scienti ... View more
