Digital and Generative AI Communications Lead

With more than 47,000 students and over 6,000 staff, Waipapa Taumata Rau is New Zealand's leading university and a globally connected organisation dedicated to advancing understanding, transforming lives and shaping futures. As part of our newly established Communications function, the Digital & Generative AI Communications Lead will play a pivotal role in helping the University adopt safe, effective and audience-focused approaches to Generative AI, digital communications and emerging technologies.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

Working closely with the communications and digital leadership teams, you’ll provide strategic leadership, advice, and coaching on the use of Generative AI, workflow optimisation, digital content technologies, and AI-augmented communications approaches.

You'll act as a bridge between communications practice and digital innovation, providing practical tools, guidance, workflows and capability building. Your work will help the communications team reach wider audiences and get the most out of their story-telling capabilities.

Find out more about our reimagining of how we engage with our internal and external audiences across our Marketing, Recruitment, Communications and Engagement functions Marketing, Recruitment, Communications and Engagement.

This role offers a rare opportunity to shape the future of communications in an organisation that helps shape the future of Aotearoa.

Key areas of focus include:

• Leading the development and implementation of digital and Generative AI communications capability across the Communications function
• Identifying opportunities to improve communications effectiveness and audience engagement through digital tools and AI-enabled workflows
• Developing guidance, standards, training and resources to support responsible adoption of Generative AI
• Keeping up with emerging trends in AI, digital communications, content discovery and audience behaviour
• Contributing to innovation, experimentation and continuous improvement across the Communications function.

This is a full-time, permanent opportunity. The full salary range for this role is $110,700 - $149,800 per annum (Band HP).

We have a structured salary framework with three zones for those developing into the role (developing), fully effective (target) and contributing beyond what is expected of the role (upper). Appointments are typically made within the target range of $118,501 – $136,700 per annum, depending on skills, experience, and internal equity. We welcome conversations about your expectations and what matters to you in your overall package. Any offer will be made within the advertised range and guided by fairness, consistency, and our commitment to pay equity.

For more detailed information about the role and requirements, please refer to the position description

He kōrero mōu | About you

We're looking for someone who combines communications expertise with demonstrated technical capabilities in digital innovation and emerging technologies.

You may come from a digital communications, public relations, or agency background, what matters most is your ability to translate emerging technologies into practical comms solutions that improve how teams work, communicate and engage with audiences.

We're particularly interested in people who bring:

• Significant experience in digital communications, content operations, digital publishing or related communications environments
• Practical experience applying Generative AI or emerging technologies within communications, content or publishing environments
• The ability to translate complex digital or AI concepts into practical, audience-focused guidance
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing capability across complex organisations
• Curiosity, adaptability and a commitment to continuous improvement
• A collaborative leadership style and passion for helping others succeed.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

As part of a newly established Communications function, you'll have the opportunity to influence how digital communications, content operations and Generative AI capability evolve across the University. You'll work alongside communications leaders, digital specialists, strategists and storytellers while helping build capability that benefits the entire organisation.

Our scale creates opportunities that few organisations can offer. From research and innovation to education, reputation and community engagement, you'll work across a diverse range of communications challenges while contributing to initiatives that have real and lasting impact for staff, students, our communities and the world.

Beyond the work itself, you'll be joining a vibrant and inclusive community. From staff networks and cultural communities to social clubs, volunteering opportunities, wellbeing initiatives and campus events, there are countless ways to connect, contribute and build meaningful relationships across the University.

We also offer:

• A commitment to work/life balance with a 37.5 hour working week, flexible hours and hybrid/remote working patterns
• A competitive remuneration package with up to 6.75% super, annual salary increase with performance-based multiplier
• Time to recharge and disconnect with 5 weeks' annual leave and additional leave buy/sell scheme,
• Support for parents and carers with subsidised on-site childcare (including Kōhanga Reo), gender-neutral parental leave up to 9 weeks’ full pay, on-site parenting and feeding spaces
• A commitment to the wellbeing of our people with confidential access to a range of EAP services, including mental health counselling, financial guidance, neurodiversity coaching and rongoā services, a world-class on-site fitness centre, access to student specialists across our supervised training clinics, discounted health insurance.
• The opportunity to grow with access to an extensive programme of professional, leadership and cultural development, including digital capability coaching, specialised leadership development programmes, and Te Ao and Te Reo Māori learning programmes for staff
• The opportunity to build your career with one of New Zealand's most diverse and complex organisations

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Please submit an application online by the closing date of 27 September 2026. Please include your cover letter and your CV highlighting your interest in the role, your capabilities and relevant experience.

Please reach out to Verity Collins [email protected] with any questions.

Reasonable accommodations - We are committed to building a more equitable and inclusive workforce and workplace, so we encourage applicants to reach out to discuss any reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process, including alternative ways to submit applications.

Whānau and support people - Should you be invited to an interview for this role, your whānau members and/or support people will be welcome to join you. The recruiter or hiring manager will provide more information about this as part of the interview arrangements.

Equity

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment. For further information on services for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQIATakatāpuiMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other personal circumstances go to