Pacific Community Engagement Officer

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**PACIFIC COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT OFFICER (AUCKLAND)**
**TE RINGA TORO | EXTERNAL ENGAGEMENT**

**About our team/Mō te tīma**

Te Ringa Toro | External Engagement Division plays a key role in enhancing the University of Otago’s profile and attracting high-quality students from both New Zealand and around the world. With a global perspective, the Division leads and supports initiatives to strengthen national and international engagement, aiming to build enduring relationships with key stakeholders.

The Division includes Development and Alumni Relations, Communications, International, Marketing, Schools Liaison, Undergraduate Entrance Scholarships, and the Auckland Centre.

**The role/Te mahi**

This rewarding role plays a vital part in deepening the University of Otago’s connection with Pacific communities across Aotearoa and the wider Pacific region, focussing primarily in the Auckland region. Reporting to the Tula Malae: Head, Pacific Community Engagement, you will be vital to fostering meaningful partnerships with Pacific organisations, developing outreach initiatives and programmes for Pacific school students and their families and ensuring the University’s presence at community events.

Key focus areas include the development of an inspiring Pacific Leaders Alumni Programme in collaboration with the Development and Alumni Relations Office, assisting the Tula Malae in the coordination and running of programmes including the flagship Pacific Leaders Forum, maintaining a comprehensive database of Pacific community groups; and connecting Pacific future students with essential support services at the University of Otago.

In addition to working closely with External Engagement colleagues, you will also form collaborative relationships with the Pacific Islands Centre and the Pacific Development Office at the University of Otago.

**Your skills and experience/Kā pūkeka me kā wheako**

This is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact through connection, culture, and community leadership. Your ability to build a strong personal presence, communicate effectively, and foster trust-based relationships within the Pacific community will be key to success in this role.

You are fluent in one or more Pacific languages and have a deep understanding of Pacific cultures which informs and enhances your interactions with senior leaders, elders, and diverse groups.

Additional skills required include:

- Tertiary qualified in a relevant field.
- Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
- Proven ability to plan and manage projects while identifying opportunities for improvement.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Teams/SharePoint, Word)
- Strong writing, editing, and proofreading abilities to produce clear, professional content, including reports and communication materials.
- Expert knowledge of Pacific communities, educational needs, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi's relevance to Pacific engagement in Aotearoa
- Ideally you are familiar with New Zealand’s higher system and strategies to engage Pacific students and alumni.

There will be occasional travel outside of Auckland and you must have a clean full driver’s license.

**Further details/Pūroko**

This is a permanent full-time (37.5 hours per week) role, located in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland.

The appointment range for this role is $73,073 to $77,780, top of the range is $85,749 per annum.

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand.

The University of Otago is a workplace that values and utilises diverse and inclusive thinking, people, and behaviours. This means that we honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi and that the contributions of staff with diverse backgrounds, experiences, skills, and perspectives are valued and respected.

For further information or to discuss the role in confidence - please contact Ruth Hughes via the contact details.

**Application/Tono**

Applications quoting reference number 2500732 will close on Sunday, 1 June 2025.

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