Strategic Communications Adviser

Location: Auckland City Campus, Auckland, New Zealand; hybrid and remote working patterns available

Salary: NZ$87,000–NZ$118,000 per annum; typical target range NZ$93,201–NZ$107,500

Company

Waipapa Taumata Rau, hirify.global, is New Zealand's leading university, with more than 47,000 students and over 6,000 staff.

What you will do

• Develop data- and insights-led strategic communications supporting university priorities, reputation, and long-term positioning.
• Create leadership communications, institutional announcements, strategic messaging, and other high-quality content.
• Support communications related to the University's global reputation and rankings.
• Contribute to issues management and crisis communications, coordinating timely and accurate responses.
• Partner with subject matter experts, senior stakeholders, and teams across the University to develop communications solutions.
• Ensure communications are clear, consistent, accessible, accurate, and aligned with organisational standards.

Requirements

• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills, including the ability to explain complex, technical, strategic, or sensitive information clearly.
• Experience developing content for senior leaders and stakeholders, with strong audience, tone, and messaging judgement.
• Experience supporting issues management and crisis communications under pressure and tight deadlines.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and collaboration skills with diverse subject matter experts, leaders, and teams.
• Experience using data and insights to inform communications planning, messaging, and measurement.
• Cultural competency and understanding of Te Ao Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, alongside strong attention to detail and professional judgement.

Culture & Benefits

• 37.5-hour working week with flexible hours and hybrid/remote working patterns.
• Up to 6.75% superannuation, annual salary increases, and a performance-based multiplier.
• Five weeks of annual leave and an additional leave buy/sell scheme.
• Parental and carer support, including subsidised on-site childcare and gender-neutral parental leave.
• Wellbeing support including EAP services, counselling, financial guidance, fitness facilities, and discounted health insurance.
• Professional, leadership, digital capability, and Te Ao and Te Reo Māori development programmes.

Hiring process

• Submit an online application by 1 October 2026 with a cover letter and CV.
• Reasonable accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process.
• Whānau members and support people may attend interviews when invited.