Government Relations Lead

Job Description:

• Shape AUT’s engagement with local and national government
• Key role within the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, reporting to the Assistant Vice-Chancellor Engagement
• Permanent opportunity at the heart of one of New Zealand’s leading universities

Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is bold and unapologetically different, centred on students and grounded in Knowledge that Works, driven by talented, progressive people. We are New Zealand’s newest university, ranked 5-stars by QS Universities 2025 and a place of opportunity where more than 27,000 students with talent and potential succeed, supported by a community of more than 4,000 staff based primarily across three Auckland campuses. Built on collaboration, shared purpose and the values of Pono, Tika, and Aroha, AUT offers an innovative, forward-thinking environment where committed people work together to improve outcomes for students, communities, and the world

AUT recognises the importance of Te Tiriti, Māori and Pacific knowledge, leadership, and contribution across our University and is committed to creating environments where these communities can thrive. Through Te Aronui, AUT’s Te Tiriti Framework, we give life to this commitment — guiding how we work in partnership with tangata whenua, uphold equity and inclusion, and create mana-enhancing outcomes for all. We embrace diversity in all its forms and are proud to welcome people of all ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, religious and political beliefs, socio-economic situations and accessibility needs.

The Opportunity | Te Whiwhinga mahi

We are seeking an experienced Government Relations Adviser to join the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, reporting to the Assistant Vice-Chancellor Engagement. This key role will help develop and implement government relations strategies that advance AUT’s priorities and strengthen AUT’s relationships with local and national government.

You will bring a strong understanding of how politics works both nationally, and locally, and will immerse yourself in AUT’s mission to ensure relationships with government, elected members, officials, agencies, and external stakeholders are effective, purposeful, and well-coordinated.

Working closely with the Vice-Chancellor, Assistant Vice-Chancellor Engagement, and senior leaders across AUT, you will monitor the policy, legislative, and regulatory environment, identify opportunities and risks, and support AUT to influence policy and decision-making.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and implementing a government relations and stakeholder plan for AUT
• Building and maintaining effective relationships with key government officials, agencies, organisations, elected members of the New Zealand Government, and Auckland Council
• Supporting and coordinating interactions between AUT senior leaders and government, including briefings, key messages, documentation, and follow-up
• Monitoring legislative, regulatory, policy, and political developments at local and national level that may impact AUT
• Providing regular and timely updates to senior leaders on relevant government matters
• Identifying opportunities for AUT to advocate, make submissions, and influence government decision-making
• Drafting and coordinating submissions in collaboration with Strategy and Planning
• Representing AUT, where appropriate, at government meetings, stakeholder engagements, and relevant external events
• Using networks, relationships, official sources, and formal channels to source insights and identify opportunities and risks
• Using digital tools responsibly to support your work and contribute to innovation across AUT

About you | Ko wai koe

You are a politically astute and relationship-focused professional who understands the workings and nuances of local and national government. You bring sound judgement, discretion, diplomacy, and the ability to navigate complex environments while building trust with senior stakeholders.

You will be confident working with large volumes of information, identifying what is important, and translating insights into clear advice, briefings, reports, and recommendations. You will also bring a strong commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, equity, inclusion, and respectful engagement with Māori, Pacific, and diverse communities.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A tertiary qualification in a relevant field
• At least eight years’ experience in a government relations role or similar
• Strong understanding of New Zealand’s policy environment, parliamentary processes, local government processes, and the political system
• Experience producing high-quality written documentation, including reports, presentations, correspondence, briefings, or submissions
• Experience working with industry bodies and an understanding of their advocacy role
• Strong relationship management skills, with excellent judgement, discretion, professionalism, and diplomacy
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Highly developed analytical skills and the ability to assess relevance across complex information
• A self-motivated, proactive, and results-oriented working style
• Digital capability and confidence using digital tools responsibly
• Evidence of understanding Te Tiriti o Waitangi in relation to the role, with commitment to te reo Māori and tikanga
• A collaborative, agile, and innovative approach to solutions and opportunities

Experience in the New Zealand tertiary sector would be advantageous.

What we offer | Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou

At AUT, you’ll be part of a values-led university that supports you to thrive in your role and career. We offer:

• Flexible working and a strong, caring culture that supports belonging
• Recognition frameworks that reflect your contribution and how you live our values
• The tools and trust to make a meaningful difference every day
• Māori and Pacific development programmes that strengthen our shared purpose
• Cultural capability uplift development programmes for all staff
• Professional development and funded study pathways to keep you moving forward
• Free gym membership

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono

Along with your CV, please ensure you submit a cover letter which:

1. a) explains why this role and AUT are of interest to you; and
   b) addresses how you feel you meet some, or all, of the key criteria listed above.

Please feel free to add any further comments you feel may support your application. All applications must be submitted through the online application process.

Further Information | Pārongo Anō

• Start Date: asap
• For further information: Contact Caroline Cranston, AUT Recruitment Consultant – [email protected]

Closing Date | Te rā aukati: 23 July 2026 at 5pm

Job Reference | Tohutoro Mahi: 96099

*Full-time denotes 37.5 hours per week

At AUT we strive to be a place where people love to work and learn. We are committed to te Tiriti, excellence and inclusivity and aspire to be the University of choice for Māori and Pacific communities. We welcome people of all ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, religious and political beliefs, socio-economic situations and accessibility needs.

Please note that all applications must be submitted through the online application process. For further information, please send us an enquiry here or call 921 9499. Please note we are happy to answer your questions but we do not accept applications by email. You will need to apply through the standard registration process.

Nā tō rourou, nā taku rourou ka ora ai te iwi.

With your food basket and my food basket, the people will thrive.