Executive Communications Adviser

With more than 47000 students and over 6000 staff Waipapa Taumata Rau is New Zealands leading university and a globally connected organisation dedicated to advancing understanding transforming lives and shaping futures. As part of our newly established Communications function were boosting our strategic communications capabilities 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 ourMarketing Recruitment Communications and Engagementfunctions. 

TeWhiwhingamahi The opportunity 

Were looking for an exceptional writer and communicator to join the University of Aucklands Communications team as Executive Communications Adviser. This is a unique opportunity to work at the heart of the Universitys leadership environment partnering closely with the Vice-Chancellor and other senior leaders to deliver high-quality communications that support strategic priorities elevate reputation and engage audiences across Aotearoa and beyond. 

This is a position perfect for an outstanding writer who thrives in complex high-profile environments and is skilled at crafting messages that make an impact. 

Key areas of focus: 

• Development and delivery of executive communications for the Vice-Chancellor and senior leadership team.  

• Drafting speeches messages briefings statements talking points presentations and other high-profile communications.  

• Working directly with senior leaders to shape messaging tone and communication approaches.  

• Supporting executive communications during issues incidents and crisis situations.  

• Helping ensure executive messaging is aligned with the Universitys strategic priorities institutional narrative and reputation objectives.  

• Building trusted relationships with senior leaders and subject matter experts across the University.  

• Managing a dynamic workload that balances planned communications with emerging priorities and time-sensitive requests. 

This is a full-time permanent opportunity. The full salary range for this role is$87000- $118000per 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$93201 $107500per annumdepending 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 andourcommitment to pay equity. 

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

kōreromōu About you 

Youll be a highly capable communications professional with the confidence judgement and credibility to work alongside senior leaders in a complex environment. Youll be an exceptional writer who can quickly understand context distil complexity and develop compelling communications that resonate with diverse audiences. 

Wereparticularly interested in people who bring: 

• Proven experience delivering executive corporate strategic or senior leadership communications within a large and complex organisation.  

• Exceptional writing editing and storytelling skills with the ability to adapt style tone and messaging for different stakeholders audiences and situations.  

• Demonstrated experience drafting speeches leadership messages and other executive communications.  

• Strong judgement and political awareness with the ability to navigate sensitive confidential and high-risk issues with professionalism and discretion.  

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

• Strong stakeholder management skills including the ability to build trusted relationships with senior leaders subject matter experts and key partners.  

Ngāāhuatangakeiamātou What we offer 

Our scale creates opportunities that few organisations can offer. From research and innovation to educationreputationand community engagementyoullwork across a diverse range of communications challenges while contributing to initiatives that have realand lastingimpact for staff students ourcommunitiesand the world. 

Beyond the work itselfyoullbe 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 flexiblehoursand hybrid/remote working patterns 

• A competitiveremunerationpackage with up to 6.75% super annual salary increase with performance-based multiplier 

• Time to recharge and disconnect with 5 weeks annual leave andadditionalleave 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-siteparentingand 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 androngoāservices 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 Zealands most diverse and complex organisations 

Mepēheatetukutono How to apply 

Pleasesubmitan applicationonline 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. 

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

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. 

Additional Information :

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 

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time