Job Description
Pahekoheko | Engagement
Located in Ōtautahi Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand
Full-time 37.5 hours per week
12 months, fixed term - parental leave cover
Āu Mahi | What You Will Do
As the Senior Events Lead at the University of Canterbury (UC), you will play a critical role in driving the strategic delivery of key events and engagement activities that support the University's strategic vision and goals. You will lead a team of event coordinators responsible for designing, planning, and executing a diverse range of events that enhance UC's reputation at local, national, and international levels.
Key responsibilities will include:
Strategic Leadership: Assist with executing the operational plan, managing budgets, and providing support to team members.
Reputation Management: Advance UC's strategic objectives through sponsorships and events, manage reputational risks, and oversee the University's reputation during critical incidents.
Event Strategy and Relationship Management: Collaborate to create an annual event strategy aligned with UC's goals, build relationships with key partners, and expand the events program internationally.
Event Planning and Management: Oversee all aspects of University events, ensuring timely, budget-compliant, and high-quality delivery, including logistics and health and safety.
Sponsorship and Conference Strategy: Develop sponsorship and conference strategies with the Director, negotiate agreements, and manage contracts to support UC's objectives.
Mōu | Who You Are
You will have at least five years of experience in a senior-level event management role or have a background in communications or marketing with events experience.
You will also:
Have a proven track record in setting the strategic direction of medium to large-scale events
Be able to demonstrate strong organisational and leadership skills, an ability to manage multiple projects, and experience working within delegated budgets.
Have a creative and innovative mindset, along with excellent problem-solving, communication, and customer service skills.
Some experience applying marketing principles, using project management software,
Demonstrate an alignment with our organisation's values and culture, promoting a positive and inclusive work environment.
Mahi Ngātahi | Who You Will Work With
You will work within a team that exemplifies our university values and is committed to professional growth and development. The Communications and Events team drives the awareness and reputation of UC through engaging communications, events and public relations. We focus on ensuring that our powerful stories are communicated to the world, that we celebrate our achievements, and that we stand out as a university that makes a positive difference to people's lives.
Ngā Painga o UC | Why UC
Ngā Uara | Our Values of manaakitanga, whanaungatanga and tiakitanga guide our decisions and behaviour and provide a roadmap for how we do things at UC, affirming our commitment to pastoral care and support for our ākonga and staff. They challenge and inspire us to be the best we can, and make UC a great place to work and study. For more info on Ngā Uara | Our Values visit us here.
We are committed to accessible higher education, service to the community and the encouragement of talent without barriers of distance, wealth, class, gender or ethnicity. The University explicitly aims to produce graduates and support staff who are engaged with their communities, empowered to act for good and determined to make a difference in the world.
The closing date for this position is: 17 October 2026 (midnight, NZ time)
Please note, applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may take place before the close date.
Pēhea 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 to be considered for this role. If you hold a valid work visa and are physically present in New Zealand, then you may also be considered.
Located in Ōtautahi Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand
Full-time 37.5 hours per week
12 months, fixed term - parental leave cover
Āu Mahi | What You Will Do
As the Senior Events Lead at the University of Canterbury (UC), you will play a critical role in driving the strategic delivery of key events and engagement activities that support the University's strategic vision and goals. You will lead a team of event coordinators responsible for designing, planning, and executing a diverse range of events that enhance UC's reputation at local, national, and international levels.
Key responsibilities will include:
Strategic Leadership: Assist with executing the operational plan, managing budgets, and providing support to team members.
Reputation Management: Advance UC's strategic objectives through sponsorships and events, manage reputational risks, and oversee the University's reputation during critical incidents.
Event Strategy and Relationship Management: Collaborate to create an annual event strategy aligned with UC's goals, build relationships with key partners, and expand the events program internationally.
Event Planning and Management: Oversee all aspects of University events, ensuring timely, budget-compliant, and high-quality delivery, including logistics and health and safety.
Sponsorship and Conference Strategy: Develop sponsorship and conference strategies with the Director, negotiate agreements, and manage contracts to support UC's objectives.
Mōu | Who You Are
You will have at least five years of experience in a senior-level event management role or have a background in communications or marketing with events experience.
You will also:
Have a proven track record in setting the strategic direction of medium to large-scale events
Be able to demonstrate strong organisational and leadership skills, an ability to manage multiple projects, and experience working within delegated budgets.
Have a creative and innovative mindset, along with excellent problem-solving, communication, and customer service skills.
Some experience applying marketing principles, using project management software,
Demonstrate an alignment with our organisation's values and culture, promoting a positive and inclusive work environment.
Mahi Ngātahi | Who You Will Work With
You will work within a team that exemplifies our university values and is committed to professional growth and development. The Communications and Events team drives the awareness and reputation of UC through engaging communications, events and public relations. We focus on ensuring that our powerful stories are communicated to the world, that we celebrate our achievements, and that we stand out as a university that makes a positive difference to people's lives.
Ngā Painga o UC | Why UC
Ngā Uara | Our Values of manaakitanga, whanaungatanga and tiakitanga guide our decisions and behaviour and provide a roadmap for how we do things at UC, affirming our commitment to pastoral care and support for our ākonga and staff. They challenge and inspire us to be the best we can, and make UC a great place to work and study. For more info on Ngā Uara | Our Values visit us here.
We are committed to accessible higher education, service to the community and the encouragement of talent without barriers of distance, wealth, class, gender or ethnicity. The University explicitly aims to produce graduates and support staff who are engaged with their communities, empowered to act for good and determined to make a difference in the world.
The closing date for this position is: 17 October 2026 (midnight, NZ time)
Please note, applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may take place before the close date.
Pēhea 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 to be considered for this role. If you hold a valid work visa and are physically present in New Zealand, then you may also be considered.
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Senior Events Lead position is now open for candidates interested in the Event Management 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 Event Management Jobs is a plus.
