"Communications Advisor"

Job Details

Reference # 30941

Posted on 13 Feb 2026

Closes on 27 Feb 2026 23:55

Location(s) Christchurch

Expertise Communications

Job level(s) Experienced

Work type(s) Continuing (Permanent) full-time

Pahekoheko | Engagement

Located in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand

Permanent position

Full-time (37.5 hours per week)

Professional development opportunities

Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) has an incredible story to tell — and we’re looking for a skilled Communications Advisor to help bring it to life.

Āu 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, you’ll 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, you’ll 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. You’ll also contribute to emergency communications planning and play an active role in strengthening UC’s 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 you’re crafting content that celebrates research impact or advising academics on how to raise their public profile.

Mōu | Who You Are

We’re looking for someone who combines strong communications expertise with sound judgement and excellent relationship skills. You’ll ideally have:

3–5 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 Māori, is desirable.

Mahi Ngātahi | 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.

Ngā 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 staff’s career and wellbeing with benefits designed to help our kaimahi grow and feel connected, supported, and valued.

UC’s benefits approach is shaped by Ngā 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 9 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 Ōtautahi 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 Wānanga 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.

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 or hold a valid NZ work visa to be considered for this role.