Media & Communications Partner

About the Role

This exceptional opportunity invites you to contribute to shaping an emerging Communications function at New Zealand's largest university. Working in partnership with senior academic and professional leaders, you will support high-profile educators, researchers, and innovators to communicate stories that inspire, inform, and have far-reaching impact beyond the university. You'll be involved in sharing stories ranging from groundbreaking medical research to entrepreneurship and education, influencing public debate and policy.

Embedded within faculties and research centers, you will develop and implement proactive communication strategies aligned with organizational priorities to engage stakeholders, enhance reputation, and support strategic objectives. You will provide guidance to senior leaders and academic staff on navigating sensitive topics and building trust.

The role covers diverse portfolios, including the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Large Scale Research Institutes such as The Liggins Institute and Auckland Biomedical Engineering Institute, Research & Innovation, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship. Supported by a central communications hub, you will employ strategic, digital, internal, and external communication approaches.

Primary Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain trusted relationships with senior leaders, researchers, and stakeholders across assigned portfolios.
• Deliver strategic communication counsel emphasizing reputation enhancement and visibility.
• Create plans to foster employee engagement, recognition, and inclusion.
• Identify and orchestrate proactive media interactions; manage media inquiries; train and support spokespeople.
• Convert complex topics into compelling, engaging content for varied audiences.
• Detect and handle emerging issues, reputational risks, and opportunities effectively.
• Implement continuous improvement using planning, evaluation, and stakeholder feedback.

Candidate Profile

• Proven experience in providing strategic communications advice at senior levels within large, complex organizations.
• Strong expertise in media relations, external communications, or public affairs.
• Exceptional skills in writing, storytelling, and digital content creation.
• Demonstrated competency in stakeholder management with sound judgment and ability to influence decisions.
• Adaptability and curiosity when working in dynamic and ambiguous environments.
• Collaborative and service-oriented approach.
• Cultural awareness, with knowledge of te ao Māori and experience communicating with diverse audiences.
• Experience in STEM, research, medical, or health communications is advantageous.

Portfolio Opportunities

• Large Scale Research Institutes: Communicate transformative health-related research at institutions like the Auckland Bioengineering Institute and The Liggins Institute.
• Faculty of Science: Engage with New Zealand's largest science faculty working on issues from climate change to AI.
• Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences: Contribute to advancing health education, research, and community wellbeing.
• Research & Innovation: Support flagship research initiatives fostering collaboration with communities and industry.
• Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Cultivate entrepreneurial mindsets and innovation, supporting start-ups and job creation.

Compensation & Benefits

• Annual salary range of NZD 98,700 to 133,500 (Band H), with typical appointments between 105,701 to 121,900 depending on experience and internal equity.
• 37.5-hour workweek with flexible scheduling and remote hybrid options.
• Five weeks of annual leave plus additional leave buy/sell options.
• Superannuation contributions up to 6.75% and performance-based annual increases.
• Support for parents and carers, including subsidized onsite childcare, gender-neutral parental leave (up to 9 weeks at full pay), and parenting facilities.
• Wellbeing resources including confidential counseling, financial guidance, coaching services, fitness facilities, and health insurance discounts.
• Access to professional, leadership, and cultural development programs including digital skills coaching and Māori language and culture learning.

Additional Information

The University fosters an inclusive, equitable environment dedicated to honoring the Treaty of Waitangi and supporting diversity in staff and students. Applicants are encouraged to inquire about reasonable accommodations or alternative application methods. Family/support persons are welcome to accompany candidates at interviews.

Applications close on 25 September 2026. Submission should include a cover letter and CV outlining relevant experience and interest.