Strategic Communications Lead

Job Description

Short Summary Strategic Communications Lead with University of Auckland. With more than 47,000 students and over 6,000 staff, Waipapa Taumata Rau is New Zealand's leading university and a globally connected organisation dedicated to advancing understanding, transforming lives and shaping futures. As part of our newly established Communications function, we've created the role of Strategic Communications Lead to help shape and enhance… Key Details Position / opportunity: Strategic Communications Lead Organization: University of Auckland Country / coverage: New Zealand Location: Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand Work arrangement: On‑site Opportunity type: Jobs Sector: Education Compensation: Not specified Duration: Not specified Start date: 2026-09-01 Application deadline: Not specified Description With more than 47,000 students and over 6,000 staff, Waipapa Taumata Rau is New Zealand's leading university and a globally connected organisation dedicated to advancing understanding, transforming lives and shaping futures. As part of our newly established Communications function, we've created the role of Strategic Communications Lead 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 our Marketing, Recruitment, Communications and Engagement functions. Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity We're seeking an exceptional strategic communications leader to help shape and enhance the reputation of the University and build trust with our key audiences. This is a pivotal leadership role for a communications professional who is adept in using data and insights to identify our important audiences, understand their perceptions, shape our narrative, and translate organisational priorities into compelling communication strategies that create measurable impact. Reporting to the Director of Communications, you'll lead the Strategic Communications function, guiding the development of the University's institutional narrative, strategic positioning, executive communications, and reputation‑building activity. You'll be responsible for helping answer some of the University's most important communications questions: How do we want the University to be known and understood? What do our audiences think about us today? What needs to change to achieve our strategic ambitions? Working across a broad range of portfolios and stakeholders, you'll ensure communication strategies are insight‑led, audience‑focused and aligned to long‑term organisational outcomes. Key areas of focus include: Shape and evolve the University's institutional narrative and strategic messaging Use audience data and insights to develop communications strategies that strengthen reputation, trust and stakeholder engagement Lead communications approaches that support the University's global standing and strategic priorities Build audience‑led messaging frameworks and positioning approaches Provide strategic communications leadership during issues, incidents and reputationally sensitive situations Partner with the Vice‑Chancellor's Office and senior leadership team on complex communications matters Support major institutional announcements, initiatives and change programmes This is a full‑time, permanent opportunity. The full salary range for this role is $114,400 – $169,800 per 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 $122,501 – $155,000 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 are an accomplished communications leader and experienced in operating in complex, high‑profile environments where reputation and stakeholder trust matter. We're particularly interested in people who bring: Significant experience in strategic communications, corporate affairs or reputation management Experience advising senior executives and organisational leaders Strong understanding of audience insight, segmentation and messaging strategy Proven success developing organisational narratives and positioning frameworks Experience managing issues, risk and crisis communications Exceptional writing, storytelling and communication capability Strong leadership experience with a track record of building high‑performing teams Cultural competency and experience in shaping communications for diverse audiences, with a strong understanding of Te Ao Māori and Te Tiriti… Responsibilities With more than 47,000 students and over 6,000 staff, Waipapa Taumata Rau is New Zealand's leading university and a globally connected organisation dedicated to advancing understanding, transforming lives and shaping futures. As part of our newly established Communications function, we've created the role of Strategic Communications Lead 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 our Marketing, Recruitment, Communications and Engagement functions. Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity We're seeking an exceptional strategic communications leader to help shape and enhance the reputation of the University and build trust with our key audiences. This is a pivotal leadership role for a communications professional who is adept in using data and insights to identify our important audiences, understand their perceptions, shape our narrative, and translate organisational priorities into compelling… Reporting to the Director of Communications, you'll lead the Strategic Communications function, guiding the development of the University's institutional narrative, strategic positioning, executive communications, and reputation‑building activity. Requirements / Eligibility r 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 are an accomplished communications leader and experienced in operating in complex, high‑profile environments where… We're particularly interested in people who bring: Significant experience in strategic communications, corporate affairs or reputation management Experience advising senior executives and organisational leaders Strong understanding of audience insight… #J-18808-Ljbffr