Āu Mahi | What You Will Do

At the University of Canterbury, we’re proud of the impact we make — through our people, our research, and our commitment to a better future. Now we’re looking for a creative and organised Communications Coordinator to help bring those stories to life.

This is your chance to step into a fast-paced, purpose-driven environment where no two days are the same — from crafting compelling content and managing social channels, to supporting major campaigns and elevating the University’s voice locally and globally. You’ll be at the heart of our Marketing, Communications and Events team, helping ensure our channels are always active, engaging, and aligned.

In this varied role, you will:

Coordinate communications for campaigns, events, and key University announcements
Manage content calendars and keep projects on track
Monitor performance and provide insights to continuously improve impact
Support internal communications, including leadership messaging
Create and publish engaging content across web, social media, newsletters and more
Identify and tell powerful stories — from research breakthroughs to student success
Play a role in protecting and enhancing UC’s reputation.

Mōu | Who You Are

To be successful in this role you will have 1–3 years’ experience in communications, marketing, PR or journalism. You will also be able to demonstrate experience in:

Excellent, time management and organisational skills with the ability to juggle competing priorities
A proactive mindset with a knack for problem-solving
Confidence working across digital platforms and social media tools
Experience with CMS platforms, EDM tools (e.g. Mailchimp/Campaign Monitor), and analytics
Strong writing, editing and interpersonal skills
Competency in te reo Māori me ōna tikanga is an advantage
An alignment with our organisation's values and culture, promoting a positive and inclusive work environment.

Mahi Ngātahi | Who You Will Work With

The Marketing, 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 UC’s 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: 5 May 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.

Communications Coordinator

University of Canterbury

20 Kirkwood Avenue, Upper Riccarton, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand