Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university, with a turnover of $1.3bn, including research revenue of over $300m generated across eight diverse faculties and two research institutes. We employ more than 5400 academic and professional staff to support over 45,000 students, making us one of NZ’s largest employers.

The University of Auckland’s Strategic Engagement portfolio oversees the University’s external affairs, specifically as they relate to marketing, communications, student recruitment, schools, community, public and government relations, internationalisation, fundraising and alumni relations. It is also the home to the strategy and implementation of the University’s sustainability strategy.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

We are seeking a Director of Communication and Engagement to build and lead a high-performing, integrated Communication and Engagement function to further enhance the University's global and local reputation as a research-led University of international standing renowned for the quality and relevance of its teaching, research and innovation.

You will support the effective University-wide development and integration of Communications and Engagement strategies and plans through collaboration with the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Strategic Engagement), Faculties, Schools, research institutes and centres, service divisions and associated communications and engagement teams across the University.

You will be responsible for the strategic leadership of the internal and external communications and engagement function, the day-to-day operational management of a large team with several layers of management and the overall management of your staff and financial budgets.

Your priorities will include:

• Leading the development and implementation of innovative, effective communication and engagement strategies and operations to support the University in achieving its strategic objectives.
• Supporting effective relationship-building with a broad range of partners, including the media, civic and government agencies, university partners, industry and funding bodies.
• Enhancing the University’s strategic communications capability and oversee an integrated approach to strategic communications across the institution

For more detailed information, please refer to the Position Description

He kōrero mōu | About you

We are seeking a strategic leader to join our high performing team. You will work to support a strategic narrative about the University and the exciting achievements of our staff, students and alumni, as well as ensuring that the necessary reactive elements of the communications function are high performing.

Your application will stand out if you have experience and understanding of communications and engagement activity in a higher education setting and can demonstrate an understanding of the Māori and Pacific media and communications environment.

To be considered, you will need:

• A tertiary qualification (preferably at the Postgraduate level) or commensurate professional experience in a Communications and/or Engagement role
• Extensive leadership and management experience in a large and complex organisation.
• Proven success leading a corporate Communications and/or Engagement team.
• Demonstrated skills and experience in team building, change management and working collaboratively.
• A depth of professional knowledge in communications and/or engagement.
• Demonstrated skills and experience in continuous improvement and facilitating innovation across teams.
• Proven ability to work collegially and in partnership with key stakeholders and internal customers.
• The proven ability to resolve complex problems that demonstrate a high level of conceptual thinking, analytical and creative reasoning.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university and maintains significant computational, laboratory and analytic facilities. Auckland itself is frequently rated as one of the world’s most liveable cities. 

The University is committed to providing an excellent working environment through:

• Flexible employment practices (including working from home, flexible hours)
• Up to 6.75% company superannuation scheme
• A competitive salary with five weeks’ annual leave
• 37.5 hour working week for professional staff

In addition, we also offer career development programmes, discounted car parking, a generous parental leave allowance, childcare and a number of other discounts on internal and external services. 

For more information, please visit Staff Benefits.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications must be submitted online, by the closing date of the 30th of January 2023. to be considered. Please include your cover letter and your CV highlighting how you can meet the skills and experiences detailed above.

Please reach out to Neil Constable via [email protected] for a confidential conversation. Please note we are happy to answer your questions, but we do not accept applications by email.

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, LGBTQITakatāpui+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other equity issues go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz