Senior Communications & Engagement Advisor - 12 month fixed-term (Parental Leave)

  • Waikato
  • Contract/temp
  • Advertising, Arts & Media
  • Posted 22 days ago

Job Description

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

We are on the hunt for a Senior Communications and Engagement Advisor to join the University of Waikato Communications team on a 12 month fixed term, based at our Tauranga campus.

This is a rare chance to undertake fascinating and fulfilling work in an organisation that is all about people and has a positive impact on our community and society, both nationally and internationally.

A key focus of this role is showcasing our world-class and welcoming Tauranga campus as a top destination for teaching and learning, research, and career development. Be part of telling the exciting story of the development of the University's Tauranga campus during a time of growth for the campus and positive change within the city centre.

As the strategic communications representative in Tauranga, within a wider Hamilton-based team, you can expect to have a diverse workload that spans media relations, content creation, strategic planning on major projects, internal communications, and partnership engagement. The work is varied, challenging and rewarding.

Having broad communications experience will be advantageous, along with an understanding of the tertiary environment and Tauranga city centre development.

The Senior Communications and Engagement Advisor will: 

  • identify and develop proactive communications and engagement opportunities.
  • contribute to the Communications and Marketing content strategy and creatively bring stories to life
  • build local media relationships and pitch positive stories
  • support the wider Communications team, which is based in Hamilton
  • nurture relationships with key partners, internally and externally.

The successful candidate will be someone who:

  • has senior communications experience with evidence of relationship management/engagement
  • understands content and can maximise storytelling across different channels/audiences.
  • is media savvy, with established media contacts
  • is comfortable engaging with people - anyone from high school students to researchers, funders, senior leaders etc
  • has a good risk radar and political nous.

For more information about the role please see the position description.

This is a full-time role of 37.5 hours a week based at our Tauranga campus at 101 Durham Street. This is a fixed term position for 12 months to cover parental leave, starting from approximately the start of March 2025.

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Jess Tiley, Director of Communications: jess.tiley@waikato.ac.nz

Ko wai mātou? - Who are we?  

The Communications team protects and builds the reputation of the University amongst its diverse stakeholder groups and provides leadership to ensure alignment with the University's strategic direction. This includes working closely with a number of other functions across the University, including marketing and academic divisions. 

He aha ngā take me tono mai ai koe? - Why should you apply for this position? 

We want you to be part of our success! Our University stands proudly on the world stage as a provider of future-focused, international education and an active player in global research. Our rankings reflect these strengths. Working with us means you'll enjoy a satisfying work environment with many benefits

The University of Waikato is distinctive for the diversity of its staff and students and encourages applicants with the relevant capabilities from all backgrounds to apply.   

Ko te Tangata - For the People  

The University of Waikato prides itself on the quality of its engagement with the communities that it serves, the provision of a world-class education and the national and international impact of its research. Our policies are guided by the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and equal opportunity for all.  

E herea ana te Whare Wānanga ki te kaupapa kia whakaratohia te mea angitū ōrite ki ngā tāngata katoa. 


Applications close: Wednesday 13 November

Click here to apply