"Head of Strategic Communications"

Kelburn, Wellington, New Zealand (On-site)

Job Description

• Are you an experienced, strategic, and forward‑thinking communications leader?
• Do you have senior‑level change leadership experience within complex organisations?
• Have you got expertise in risk identification, crisis communication, and media management?

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington is currently recruiting a Head of Strategic Communications for a permanent, full-time position.

We are seeking an exceptional strategic communications leader to shape how the University engages with Aotearoa and the world. This is a pivotal role at the heart of our Takitoru - Communications, Marketing, and Digital Engagement Group, responsible for delivering a unified, forward‑thinking communications and engagement approach that strengthens public trust, demonstrates social licence, and safeguards institutional reputation in a rapidly changing environment. 

As Head of Strategic Communications, you will lead and evolve the University’s strategic communications, public relations, and stakeholder engagement functions. This role is central to the University’s mission for civil, diverse and evidence‑based public dialogue, and helping articulate the University’s role as a critic and conscience of society. 

You will oversee integrated communication strategies across internal and external channels, ensuring clarity, transparency, and strong alignment with the University’s mission and values. A key focus will be guiding senior leaders through complex issues, disinformation environments, and high‑stakes reputational challenges.

Key responsibilities:

• Design and deliver a strategic communication and engagement approach that elevates the University’s voice nationally and globally.
• Lead proactive reputation management, media engagement, and issues/crisis communication responses.
• Strengthen relationships with iwi/Māori, government, media, and community stakeholders.
• Oversee consistent, impactful messaging across all channels and audiences.
• Provide strategic advice to senior leaders, including the Vice‑Chancellor and Te Hīwa.
• Support organisational change through clear communication planning and leadership.
• Foster a collaborative, high‑performing team culture within an integrated communications and marketing environment.

Ō pūmanawa - About you

If you are an experienced, strategic, and forward‑thinking communications leader ready to make a significant impact in a nationally influential organisation, we want to hear from you.

You’ll bring:

• Significant experience in strategic communications and stakeholder engagement.
• Proven senior‑level change leadership experience in complex organisations. University sector experience is preferable.
• A strong track record delivering integrated communications programmes.
• Exceptional relationship‑building, interpersonal, and influencing skills.
• Demonstrated expertise in risk identification, crisis communication, and media management.
• The ability to translate complex ideas into clear, compelling narratives.
• A commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and understanding of Aotearoa’s cultural and public‑sector context.

Role Description: Click here to see further information, including salary details.

If this link is not available, click 'apply' to view this on the University careers page. 

Close date for vacancy: 23 February 2026.

Contact details for vacancy: If you have any questions regarding this role please contact Megan McPherson, Director, Communications, Marketing, and Digital Engagement (megan.mcpherson@vuw.ac.nz).

How to apply: Please ensure you are applying for this role directly on our career's page and not via email. When applying for this position, candidates must submit supporting documents along with their resume, such as a cover letter.

We can only consider applicants who are citizens or residents of New Zealand or Australia or on a current working visa. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we may progress with suitable applicants prior to the application closing date. Applications from recruitment agencies are not accepted.

Mō Te Herenga Waka - About Our University

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is renowned for its high-quality research and exceptional teaching. We attract people from around the world. Our university campus spans Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington - the creative, scientific and political centre of Aotearoa New Zealand - and our students thrive on the connections we have made here.

Explore the many benefits of working at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. Find out where you fit in our strategic direction and learn more about our research expertise.

Ētahi kōrero hai āwhina i a koe - Why you should join our team

Join the Communications and Marketing team to shape compelling stories that highlight Te Herenga Waka’s unique whakapapa. Work with talented professionals to engage students, staff, and the wider community. Bring your creativity and expertise to a dynamic environment where innovation and collaboration drive meaningful impact.

Apply Now

Job Info

• Job Identification 1009186
• Job Category Professional
• Posting Date 02/09/2026, 03:54 AM
• Apply Before 02/23/2026, 10:55 AM
• Job Schedule Full time
• Locations Hunter Building, Kelburn Parade, Wellington, 6012, NZ (On-site)

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