Alumni Relations Engagement Adviser

The opportunity | Te Whiwhinga mahi

We are seeking an Alumni Relations Engagement Adviser to champion the talent, advocacy, and support of our alumni base, directly advancing the University's strategic goals. This multifaceted and varied role focuses on developing and delivering a wide range of alumni engagement initiatives both nationally and internationally. You will also advise University departments and collaborate closely with faculty managers to maximise alumni involvement.

This role sits within the Alumni Relations and Development (ARD) office, the core team responsible for engaging with alumni, friends, and philanthropic partners. Our work covers fundraising, global alumni relations, communications, database services, and governance support for external Foundations managing the endowment fund.

This is a full-time, permanent position (37.5 hours per week). The salary range

is $75,000 to $85,000, negotiable depending on your skills and experience. A full description of your duties is provided in the position description linked HERE.

Core Responsibilities

• Strategic Alumni Engagement: Advise on and implement a global alumni-centric strategy to sustain connections across a 240,000+ network of alumni, ensuring activities align with the University's goals and build a pipeline of future engaged alumni.
• Pipeline and Awards Management: Identify, cultivate, and manage high-profile alumni and volunteers (e.g., Distinguished Alumni, 40 Under 40) to drive advocacy and donations, including the delivery and promotion of recognition programmes.
• Programme Delivery and Events: Plan, manage, and deliver a range of operational activities, including city-wide and international events, global volunteering opportunities, and managing associated budgets and timelines.
• Marketing and Communication using Data: Act as a central communication point for alumni, collaborate with communications staff to create engaging content across multiple channels, and maintain the quality and accuracy of alumni engagement data.
• Stakeholder and Internal Collaboration: Serve as a key liaison for internal departments (e.g., Careers, Campus Life) and external partners to promote alumni benefits, and, where assigned.

About you | He kōrero mōu

We are looking for a highly engaged, multifaceted professional driven to significantly increase our alumni engagement and community activity. You will be instrumental in developing and implementing key initiatives, from mentorship programmes and working with student clubs to managing online communities.

This role requires a unique blend of skills: you must be an excellent communicator and a natural at customer service, serving as a primary contact for our influential alumni. You should be comfortable with logistics, possess some technical aptitude for data management, and take pride in mentoring a Student Intern. Essentially, we need an autonomous individual who goes above and beyond to strengthen our global alumni network.

We are seeking | E rapua ana mātou

• An appropriate degree (e.g., Marketing, Communications, Management) or proven equivalent professional experience is essential.
• You must have three to five years' experience delivering exceptional customer service and managing complex events, coupled with a strong communications and marketing background.
• Essential to the role is your proven ability to cultivate one-to-one relationships with influential external stakeholders. While not essential, experience in the tertiary sector or a large, complex organisation, along with general event management experience, would be beneficial.
• Essential skills include advanced oral and written English communication and well-developed interpersonal skills with an awareness of cultural sensitivity. You must also demonstrate excellent computer literacy, particularly advanced proficiency with the Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Ideally, you will also be familiar with modern event and communication technology, such as webinar platforms, Content Management Systems (like AEM), and possess experience using a CRM system, with Raiser’s Edge being a distinct advantage.

What we offer | Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university, employing more than 6,000 staff to support over 47,000 students.

We offer you the opportunity to join a dynamic, world-class institution in one of the world's most desirable cities. We cultivate an environment that supports your growth and rewards hard work with a range of excellent benefits, including:

• Competitive salary and five weeks of annual leave.
• Superannuation/Kiwi Saver schemes matched up to 6.75%.
• A brand-new refurbished office, centrally located.
• Flexible working arrangements, including two days working from home per week and adaptive start and finish times.
• Career development programmes and discounted on-site amenities.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Please submit your application online by the closing date of Sunday, 29 March 2026. Your application should include:

• A brief Cover Letter explaining why you're interested in this role and how your skills match the requirements.
• Your updated CV.

Please note that we do not accept email applications.

For a confidential discussion, you are welcome to contact Peter Papagiannis (Alumni Relations Manager) at [email protected]

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 www.equity.auckland.ac.nz