Kaitohutohu Pāpāho Māori - Adviser Communications (Māori) - Otago

EXTERNAL ENGAGEMENT DIVISION | TE RINGA TORO
COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES | RATOKA PĀROKOROKO

Who we are | Ko wai mātou

He aha te mea nui ō te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata!

The University of Otago - Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka is blessed with staff, students and community partners who are dedicated to Māori aspirations in Aotearoa. As well as celebrating Māori students, we are committed to enhancing the visibility of our teaching, research, and community engagement through a range of communications and other promotional activities.

Ranked within the top 1% of universities in the world, Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka has a strong national and international reputation and a firm commitment to enhance our relationship with mana whenua through our Māori Strategic Framework.

Our purpose in Communications is to connect the University, internally and externally. We use a range of communications tools and channels to provide information to our audiences which: enhance and protect the University's reputation; raises its profile; and attracts quality students and external funding. Our members are highly experienced communicators from a range of backgrounds with a strong and positive team culture.

The role | Te mahi

Reporting directly to the Manager Media Engagement, our Kaitohutohu Pāpāho Māori will work across the University, and promote, across the University, the incorporation and actioning of the Māori Strategic Framework. This role acts as a conduit between high-level Māori staff and the wider University community and is an opportunity to inspire the next generation of Māori achievers to come learn, teach and research with us.

You will proactively engage with Māori media to share stories from the University and collaborate with them to serve their audiences and promote the University of Otago's key voices.

This role has the opportunity to make a genuine difference to Māori staff and our record numbers of Māori students and highlight how Māori can impact the future world from here.

Your Skills and Experience | Kā pūkeka me kā wheako

We are looking for a communications adviser who is:

• A strong writer

• Has an in-depth knowledge of tikanga Māori

• Has existing experience or a desire to develop a career in communications

• Can demonstrate the skills needed for strong stakeholder engagement

• A relevant qualification in communications, public relations, or journalism

Preference will be given to someone who has:

• Strong te reo Māori proficiency

• Experience in communications, journalism, or public relations

You will be an articulate and engaging communicator, with a strong customer service orientation and sense of team spirit.

Further Details | Pūroko

This is a full-time (37.5 hours) permanent position, located in Ōtepoti, Dunedin.

The appointment range for this role is $80,749 to $85,649. Top of Range $100,776.

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this role.

We offer competitive salary, 5 weeks’ annual leave, a 6.75% superannuation scheme, and the ability to achieve real work/life balance.

Application | Tono

To submit your application (including CV and cover letter) please click the apply button below. Applications quoting reference number 2600113 will close on Sunday, 1 February 2026.

Applications may be reviewed as they are received. The University reserves the right to close this vacancy at any time.