"Programme Communications Lead"

Job Description:

• Lead communications for a significant student support initiative
• Work closely with senior leaders across the DVCA portfolio
• Fixed‑term role shaping strategic change at the University

Ngā kōrero mō te tūranga – About the role

This role offers the opportunity to shape how our University initiative is communicated and understood by our staff, students and other key stakeholders. As Programme Communications Lead, you will develop and deliver a strategic communications approach supporting the Student Support Programme and the wider Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic (DVCA) portfolio.

Working with senior leaders, programme teams and the central Communications team, you will translate complex initiatives into clear, engaging messages that support staff through change. Your work will ensure communications are coordinated, timely and aligned with the University’s strategy, helping build engagement and confidence across the organisation.

This is a full time, two-year fixed-term position based in Hamilton. Salary is negotiable based on skills, knowledge and experience brought to the position. For more information on the role please see the position description. For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Tricia Finn, Programme Manager, tricia.finn@waikato.ac.nz. Applications must be submitted through the online portal, emailed applications will not be accepted.

Ko wai koe? – Who are you?

You will be an experienced communications professional who enjoys working at the intersection of strategy, engagement and organisational change. You are comfortable navigating complexity and can translate evolving initiatives into clear, meaningful messages for a range of audiences.

You bring strong written and verbal communication skills and have experience developing communication strategies that support change or transformation programmes. You are confident advising senior leaders, building trusted relationships, and coordinating communication activity across multiple stakeholders.

Highly organised and adaptable, you are able to manage competing priorities while maintaining a strategic view of how communications contribute to programme success. You are also committed to inclusive and culturally responsive practice, ensuring communications reflect the University’s partnership with Māori and support diverse communities.

Most importantly, you are motivated by the opportunity to contribute to initiatives that enhance the student experience and strengthen the way people connect, collaborate and navigate change across the University.

Ko wai mātou? – Who are we?

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic (DVCA) portfolio leads academic strategy, student experience and key change initiatives across the University of Waikato. The Student Support Programme is a major cross‑University initiative designed to create a more cohesive, equitable and student‑centred support environment.

The University of Waikato is distinctive for the diversity of its staff and students and encourages applicants with the relevant capabilities from all backgrounds to apply.

He aha ngā take me tono mai ai koe? – Why should you apply for this position?

We want you to be part of our success! Our university stands proudly on the world stage as a provider of future-focused, international education and an active player in global research. Our rankings reflect these strengths. Working with us means you’ll enjoy a satisfying work environment with many benefits.

The University of Waikato is distinctive for the diversity of its staff and students and encourages applicants with the relevant capabilities from all backgrounds to apply. Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in NZ in accordance with the NZ Immigration regulations which can be found here.

Ko te Tangata – For the People

The University of Waikato prides itself on the quality of its engagement with the communities that it serves, the provision of a world-class education and the national and international impact of its research. Our policies are guided by the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and equal opportunity for all.

E herea ana te Whare Wānanga ki te kaupapa kia whakaratohia te mea angitū ōrite ki ngā tāngata katoa.

Applications Close on Sunday March 29, 2026

Requisition number: 1003504

Posted: 14/03/2026