Senior Adviser, Pacific Engagement

• Can you help connect communities, build partnerships, and advance Pacific aspirations?
• Are you passionate about making a difference working with and alongside our Pacific peoples?
• Do you have 5+ years' of experience in stakeholder engagement, relationship management, communications, or a related field?

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington has an exciting opportunity to join our team as a Senior Adviser, Pacific Engagement within Vaka Tangata Moana - Office of the Assistant Vice-Chancellor Pasifika on a permanent, full-time basis.

This is a chance to contribute to work that matters. The Senior Adviser, Pacific Engagement will play a key part in advancing the University's Pacific Strategic Outcomes Framework by building meaningful relationships, amplifying Pacific voices, and strengthening engagement across Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific.

Working as part of Vaka Tangata Moana - Office of the Assistant Vice-Chancellor Pasifika, the Senior Adviser, Pacific Engagement will lead an integrated programme of engagement, communications, and events to strengthen the University’s relationships with peoples of and from the Pacific. Specifically, you will develop and deliver high-impact initiatives that celebrate Pacific excellence, raise the visibility of Pacific achievement, and create opportunities for the University to build enduring partnerships with Pacific peoples.

Key responsibilities

• Strategic oversight of the University’s engagement with peoples of and from the Pacific.
• Design and deliver high-profile events that strengthen connection, visibility, and impact.
• Lead strategic communications that amplify Pacific voices, stories, and achievements.

Ō pūmanawa - About you

You are an exceptional relationship builder who understands the importance of meaningful partnerships and authentic engagement. You bring strategic thinking, cultural confidence, a strong work ethic, and the ability to work across diverse environments and stakeholders. Whether engaging with parents or senior government representatives, you are able to build trust, create opportunities, and connect people around a shared purpose.

Key requirements

• 5+ years’ experience in stakeholder engagement, relationship management, communications, partnerships, or a related field.
• Demonstrated understanding of Pacific communities and the diversity that exists across peoples of and from the Pacific.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with proven experience in building strong networks with a variety of people, services and organisation.
• Proven event management experience, and the ability to organise events that deliver on agreed objectives.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Project management including defining project scope, drafting plans, identifying opportunities and risks and ensure accountability.
• Proven ability to navigate complex situations with diplomacy and confidence.
• A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent experience.
• Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the values of the University.

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: 27 September 2026.

Contact details for vacancy: If you have any questions regarding this role, please get in touch with Assistant Vice-Chancellor Pasifika, Emma Dunlop-Bennett ([email hidden]).

How to apply: Please ensure you are applying for this role directly on our careers page and not via email. 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.