Communications Manager

Job Description:

Pahekoheko | Engagement
Located in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand

• Permanent position
• 37.5 hours per week

Āu Mahi | What You Will Do
At the University of Canterbury (UC), we believe our greatest stories are told through our people. Every day, our teaching, research, innovation and partnerships make a difference—and we're looking for an experienced communications leader to ensure those stories are heard by the audiences that matter most.

As Communications Manager, you'll lead a talented, multi-disciplinary communications team responsible for delivering strategic, engaging and impactful communications. This is an opportunity to influence how UC communicates with staff, students, prospective students, partners, media and communities while helping strengthen our reputation nationally and internationally.

Āu Mahi | What You Will Do

This is a leadership role where no two days are the same. You'll combine strategic thinking with operational excellence, ensuring communications are well planned, prioritised and delivered to the highest standard.

You will:

• Lead and inspire a diverse communications team, fostering collaboration, capability and continuous improvement.
• Provide trusted strategic advice to senior leaders across the University.
• Oversee the planning and delivery of integrated communications across internal, external, stakeholder and media channels.
• Guide communications relating to high-profile projects, organisational change and reputation management.
• Support proactive storytelling that showcases UC's research, teaching, people and impact.
• Use data and insights to continually improve communications performance and effectiveness.
• Work closely with Marketing, Events, Production and Faculty teams to deliver integrated campaigns and initiatives.
• Help shape communications priorities that support UC's strategic goals while balancing competing demands and organisational priorities.

Mōu | Who You Are
You're an accomplished communications leader who enjoys bringing people together, building trusted relationships and helping organisations communicate with confidence.

You'll bring:

• Significant senior communications experience (approximately 10 years or more) preferably within the tertiary education sector.
• Proven success leading and developing high-performing communications professionals.
• Exceptional writing, editing and strategic advisory skills.
• Experience managing reputation, issues and sensitive communications.
• The ability to confidently influence senior stakeholders while providing practical, balanced advice.
• Strong planning, prioritisation and workflow management skills.
• A collaborative leadership style that develops capability and empowers others to succeed.
• Sound judgement, resilience and the ability to remain calm while managing competing priorities.

• 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 Marketing, Communications and Events team drives the awareness and reputation of UC through engaging communications, events and public relations.

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:

We offer a range of benefits, 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: 7 August 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 [email protected]

You must have Aotearoa New Zealand or Australian citizenship/permanent residency to be considered for this role.

Please note, this is an onsite position.

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