Government Relations Lead

**Do you live and breathe politics, and the latest in government policy and news?**:

- **Lead AUT's government relations and join a high-performing external relations team**:

- **Permanent, full-time position with options for campus location (and hybrid working available)**

AUT is a leading tertiary provider changing lives, with a vibrant and hugely diverse body of students, staff and partners. As one of the world's top 50 young universities, New Zealand's newest and second highest ranked, AUT is the university of opportunity where all students with talent and potential have the chance to succeed. AUT has over 29,000 students and around 4,000 staff across our three Auckland teaching campuses.

We have an exciting opportunity for a national and local government expert to join us as part of a high-performing and newly integrated external relations team, that sits within (and has the full support of) the Vice-Chancellor's Office. This exciting new era at AUT is an exceptional opportunity to get in on the ground floor as we build a highly valued service to help AUT deliver on its mission, now and into the future.

This critical role will develop and implement government relations strategies to ensure our Vice-Chancellor, and other senior AUT leaders, are kept informed of relevant information and possible policy formation that could affect the University's business. You'll be a great relationship-builder with a high level of tact and diplomacy in soliciting key information - as you identify opportunities and risks for AUT. You will be the University's 'eyes and ears' in this space; undertaking research to enable you to give early 'heads-up' advice to our senior leaders and support them to influence government policy.

This is an ever-changing, varied and dynamic role which needs energy, proactivity and curiosity - alongside a genuine passion for politics

Key focus areas of the role:

- Work with key senior AUT leaders to understand AUT's priorities, and develop and implement an effective government relations plan for the University.
- Monitor and investigate legislative and regulatory activities at a local and national government level and any decisions that may impact AUT. You will use your knowledge of the workings of local and national politics, your established reputation, networks, and experience; and your ability to continuously read and scan the political landscapes - to find, and report on, relevant information for our senior leaders.
- Develop and maintain relationships with key national and local government officials, organisations and agencies; relevant elected members of the NZ Government; and elected members of Auckland Council. Engage and support the Vice-Chancellor and other senior AUT leaders with these relationships.
- Represent AUT at government related events.
- Lead the development of AUT's submissions to government.

The role reports directly to the Head of our Vice-Chancellors Office, and will develop a close working relationship with the Vice-Chancellor and many of AUT's other senior leaders.

This role has a high level of autonomy and holds a privileged position being part of the Vice-Chancellor's Office. In addition to providing government relations expertise and being a valued and trusted enabler and advisor, you will need a high level of emotional intelligence, be trustworthy and embody integrity and confidentiality. You will value diversity and work inclusively. We are deadline-driven and work hard; but also embrace work-life balance.You can split your time between being on one of our three campuses (in the city centre, in South Auckland or on the North Shore) and working from home. AUT also offers a range of staff benefits.

**_ Please see the position description for more information on key job accountabilities._**

**Applications and Key Selection Criteria**

Along with your CV, please ensure to submit a cover letter which explains a) why this particular role (and AUT) is of interest - and b) and how your experience aligns with the key experience and attributes we're seeking below:

- At least 5 years public service experiences in a government relationship role (or similar). Prior knowledge/understanding of the tertiary sector (including relationships with government and the policy and regulatory landscape) would be advantageous.
- An outstanding understanding of New Zealand's political system (local and national), policy environment and parliamentary processes at all levels of government.
- Experience with industry bodies and an understanding of their advocacy role.
- Established existing networks and connections through local politics and government.
- Demonstrated experience producing high quality written documentation including reports, submissions, presentations and correspondence.
- A warm and welcoming nature aligned with AUT's Values (tika, pono, aroha). A positive, proactive and intuitive mindset with a proven work ethic that meets deadlines. You'll thrive working as