Job Description
Pahekoheko | Engagement
Located in Otautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand
Permanent position
Full-time (37.5 hours per week)
Professional development opportunities
Te Whare W nanga o Waitaha| University of Canterbury (UC) has an incredible story to tell - and were looking for a skilled Communications Advisor to help bring it to life.
Au Mahi | What You Will Do
This is a varied, hands-on role for an experienced communications professional who enjoys shaping stories, building strong relationships, and delivering impactful communications across multiple channels. Working within our Marketing, Communications and Events team, youll help position UC as a leading university known for its research excellence, inclusive learning environment, and people who make a difference.
As a Communications Advisor, youll work closely with communication leads and key stakeholders across the University to plan, create, and deliver internal and external communications that support student recruitment and retention, engagement, reputation, and strategic priorities.
Your work will span storytelling, campaign delivery, audience and channel strategy, media engagement, and issues management. Youll also contribute to emergency communications planning and play an active role in strengthening UCs profile locally, nationally, and internationally.
No two days are the same - one day you might be developing a communications plan for a major initiative, the next youre crafting content that celebrates research impact or advising academics on how to raise their public profile.
Mou | Who You Are
Were looking for someone who combines strong communications expertise with sound judgement and excellent relationship skills. Youll ideally have:
35 years experience in a communications, PR, marketing or media-related role
Proven experience delivering internal and external communications across multiple channels, including digital and social
Strong writing skills and a flair for storytelling
Knowledge of the New Zealand media landscape (international experience is a bonus)
The ability to manage competing priorities and work confidently to deadlines
Well-developed stakeholder engagement and influencing skills
A collaborative, proactive approach and high level of professionalism
Experience working in large or complex organisations, education, research, or science environments is advantageous. An understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and bicultural approaches to communication, including the use of te reo M ori, is desirable.
Mahi Ng tahi | Who You Will Work With
The Communications and Events team delivers integrated communication and engagement strategies that promote the University of Canterbury's impactful research, accessible education and people who make a difference, strengthening its reputation in local, national and international spheres of influence and support, in ways that serve the goals of the 2020-2030 Strategic Vision. Through a PR lens, we deliver expertise and content that increase the awareness, impact and growth of UCs reputation. We position UC as a leading university where research, teaching and learning are engaging, empowering and making a difference.
Ng Painga o UC | Why UC
At UC, being part of our team means more than just a job. We are committed to supporting our kaimahi staffs career and wellbeing with benefits designed to help our kaimahi grow and feel connected, supported and valued.
UCs Benefits approach is shaped by Ng Uara | Our Values Whanaungatanga, Tiakitanga, and Manaakitanga. They are designed to be relevant, support and inspire our people, they include:
5 weeks annual leave +5 days university holidays
UC Parental Leave (up to * weeks paid) + 26 weeks Government paid parental leave and onsite childcare facility
generous employer contribution to superannuation (up to 6.75%)
flexible working arrangements
professional development and study opportunities
supportive working environment
a wide range of retail discounts across shopping, entertainment and travel
on-campus staff discounts including UC RecCentre
living in revitalised Otautahi Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand
a unique working environment in a beautiful campus with access to UC facilities such as UC RecCentre and Staff Club at discounted rates plus onsite cafés and eateries, and more.
For more information, please visit us: https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/about-uc/work-at-uc/benefits-working-uc .
For more information about Te Whare W nanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury, please visit https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/
The closing date for this position is: 27 February 2026 (midnight, NZ time)
Please note applications will be reviewed after the close date.
Pehea te tono mai | How You Apply
Applications for this position must be submitted via our careers website and should include a cover letter and resume.
Please note, we do not accept applications by email, however we are happy to answer your queries in relation to the application process, please forward these to WorkatUC@canterbury.ac.nz
You must have Aotearoa New Zealand or Australian citizenship/permanent residency or hold a valid NZ work visa to be considered for this role.
Located in Otautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand
Permanent position
Full-time (37.5 hours per week)
Professional development opportunities
Te Whare W nanga o Waitaha| University of Canterbury (UC) has an incredible story to tell - and were looking for a skilled Communications Advisor to help bring it to life.
Au Mahi | What You Will Do
This is a varied, hands-on role for an experienced communications professional who enjoys shaping stories, building strong relationships, and delivering impactful communications across multiple channels. Working within our Marketing, Communications and Events team, youll help position UC as a leading university known for its research excellence, inclusive learning environment, and people who make a difference.
As a Communications Advisor, youll work closely with communication leads and key stakeholders across the University to plan, create, and deliver internal and external communications that support student recruitment and retention, engagement, reputation, and strategic priorities.
Your work will span storytelling, campaign delivery, audience and channel strategy, media engagement, and issues management. Youll also contribute to emergency communications planning and play an active role in strengthening UCs profile locally, nationally, and internationally.
No two days are the same - one day you might be developing a communications plan for a major initiative, the next youre crafting content that celebrates research impact or advising academics on how to raise their public profile.
Mou | Who You Are
Were looking for someone who combines strong communications expertise with sound judgement and excellent relationship skills. Youll ideally have:
35 years experience in a communications, PR, marketing or media-related role
Proven experience delivering internal and external communications across multiple channels, including digital and social
Strong writing skills and a flair for storytelling
Knowledge of the New Zealand media landscape (international experience is a bonus)
The ability to manage competing priorities and work confidently to deadlines
Well-developed stakeholder engagement and influencing skills
A collaborative, proactive approach and high level of professionalism
Experience working in large or complex organisations, education, research, or science environments is advantageous. An understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and bicultural approaches to communication, including the use of te reo M ori, is desirable.
Mahi Ng tahi | Who You Will Work With
The Communications and Events team delivers integrated communication and engagement strategies that promote the University of Canterbury's impactful research, accessible education and people who make a difference, strengthening its reputation in local, national and international spheres of influence and support, in ways that serve the goals of the 2020-2030 Strategic Vision. Through a PR lens, we deliver expertise and content that increase the awareness, impact and growth of UCs reputation. We position UC as a leading university where research, teaching and learning are engaging, empowering and making a difference.
Ng Painga o UC | Why UC
At UC, being part of our team means more than just a job. We are committed to supporting our kaimahi staffs career and wellbeing with benefits designed to help our kaimahi grow and feel connected, supported and valued.
UCs Benefits approach is shaped by Ng Uara | Our Values Whanaungatanga, Tiakitanga, and Manaakitanga. They are designed to be relevant, support and inspire our people, they include:
5 weeks annual leave +5 days university holidays
UC Parental Leave (up to * weeks paid) + 26 weeks Government paid parental leave and onsite childcare facility
generous employer contribution to superannuation (up to 6.75%)
flexible working arrangements
professional development and study opportunities
supportive working environment
a wide range of retail discounts across shopping, entertainment and travel
on-campus staff discounts including UC RecCentre
living in revitalised Otautahi Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand
a unique working environment in a beautiful campus with access to UC facilities such as UC RecCentre and Staff Club at discounted rates plus onsite cafés and eateries, and more.
For more information, please visit us: https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/about-uc/work-at-uc/benefits-working-uc .
For more information about Te Whare W nanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury, please visit https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/
The closing date for this position is: 27 February 2026 (midnight, NZ time)
Please note applications will be reviewed after the close date.
Pehea te tono mai | How You Apply
Applications for this position must be submitted via our careers website and should include a cover letter and resume.
Please note, we do not accept applications by email, however we are happy to answer your queries in relation to the application process, please forward these to WorkatUC@canterbury.ac.nz
You must have Aotearoa New Zealand or Australian citizenship/permanent residency or hold a valid NZ work visa to be considered for this role.
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Communications Advisor position is now open for candidates interested in the Education Jobs sector. This role in Christchurch offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Education Jobs is a plus.
