Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading University. With over 6,000 academic and professional staff supporting over 46,000 students, we are one of NZ’s largest employers.  We have six academic faculties and 13 service divisions creating a diverse, dynamic and complex organisational culture that demands excellence.

The University of Auckland creates globally transformative impacts through our distinctive strengths in world-leading research, scholarship, teaching, and collaborative partnerships, inspired by our unique position in Aotearoa New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific. 

Our mission and values place a strong emphasis on our student body and scholarly community, and we work with both the community and enterprise to advance the well-being of the people of Auckland and New Zealand, with a clear commitment to sustainability.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

At Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, we’re changing the way we connect with our audiences and tell our stories. We want people to know not only what we’re good at, but also what we’re good for – and there’s no shortage of stories to tell. Every day, our researchers, educators and innovators are tackling some of society's biggest challenges, from climate change and health inequities to artificial intelligence, and the future of Aotearoa New Zealand.

We're looking for an exceptional Senior Editor to shape how we tell those stories and ensure everything we publish reflects the quality, credibility and reputation of New Zealand's largest university.

As Senior Editor, you'll provide editorial leadership across our external communications and storytelling, acting as a trusted authority on quality, consistency and style at one of Aotearoa’s most influential institutions. You'll work alongside media advisers, communications specialists and senior leaders to ensure our content is accurate, engaging, strategically aligned and audience-focused.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Providing editorial oversight and quality assurance across external communications and publications, ensuring content is accurate, clear and fit for purpose.
• Editing and refining complex, high-profile and sensitive content, including research stories, profiles, content for flagship publications and executive-facing material.
• Maintaining consistency of tone, style and narrative across our external communications.
• Providing editorial advice and guidance to writers and content creators, helping build editorial capability across the University.
• Supporting the development and ongoing maintenance of the University's Writing Guide and editorial standards.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders to develop compelling, audience-focused storytelling.
• Identifying editorial risks and ensuring appropriate review processes are followed before content is published.

This is a full-time, (37.5 hours per week) permanent opportunity. The full salary range is $98,700 to $121,900 per annum, depending on skills and experience (Band H). 

We have a structured salary framework with three zones: developing (those developing into the role), fully effective (target), and contributing beyond what is expected of the role (upper). Appointments are typically made within the target range of $93,201 – $107,500 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're an experienced editor with exceptional writing skills, strong editorial judgement and a genuine interest in bringing stories to life. You're confident working with complex content and know how to balance accuracy, clarity, audience needs and reputational considerations.

You're also comfortable influencing and advising others, building relationships across a large organisation and providing constructive feedback to help others strengthen their content.

You thrive in complex environments, enjoy working with subject matter experts and senior leaders, and know how to balance creativity, accuracy and reputational considerations. Most importantly, you're motivated by the opportunity to help tell stories that inform, inspire and make a difference.

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Extensive experience in a senior editorial, journalism or publishing role, with a strong understanding of editorial standards and best practice.
• Exceptional editing, sub-editing, proofreading and content refinement skills.
• Experience creating, curating and editing content for digital platforms.
• Demonstrated experience editing complex, high-profile or sensitive content, including work involving senior leaders, research or reputational considerations.
• Experience providing editorial leadership and guidance to writers, editors and content creators.
• Strong storytelling skills and the ability to adapt content for different audiences and channels.
• Excellent relationship-building, influencing and stakeholder management skills.
• A high level of attention to detail, with the ability to manage competing priorities and work autonomously.
• A tertiary qualification in journalism, communications, publishing or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.

Experience in tertiary education, research, the public sector or another large, complex organisation would be advantageous.

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 30th November 2026. Please include your cover letter and your CV highlighting your interest in the role, your capabilities and relevant experience. 

Please reach out to Sharon Kishore (Recruitment Consultant) via [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