Sustainability Communications Adviser

Job 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're boosting our strategic communications capabilities 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 As our Sustainability Communications Adviser, you’ll have the opportunity to influence how sustainability is understood and communicated across one of New Zealand's largest and most complex organisations. Working as part of the Strategic Communications team, you'll partner with sustainability leaders, researchers, academic staff and professional teams from across the University to develop compelling content that supports engagement, reputation and understanding. From sustainability reporting and impact stories to rankings submissions and strategic communications campaigns, you'll help bring complex topics to life for a wide variety of audiences. Key areas of focus: Provide communications advice to sustainability stakeholders across the organisation Research, write and edit engaging sustainability content across digital, web, social, internal and external channels Translate complex sustainability topics into clear, accessible and compelling communications Identify and develop stories showcasing sustainability initiatives, research, partnerships and outcomes Support sustainability reporting and impact reporting initiatives Contribute to SDG reporting, rankings submissions and external benchmarking communications Develop content that supports sustainability engagement, understanding and reputation This is a full-time, permanent opportunity. The full salary range for this role is $87,000 - $118,000 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 $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 kōrero mōu | About you You'll be a strong communicator and storyteller who enjoys taking complex information and transforming it into engaging content that people can understand and connect with. You'll bring: Proven experience developing high-quality communications content across multiple channels Exceptional writing and editing skills Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-building capability The ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines A commitment to plain language, accessibility and audience-focused communications Strong attention to detail and organisational skills A collaborative and proactive approach 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 3 October 2026. Please include your cover letter and your CV highlighting your interest in the role, your capabilities and relevant experience. 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, LGBTQIATakatāpu iMVPFAFF + , people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other personal circumstances go to