Social Media Manager

Company Description

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland is New Zealand's leading university, recognised for its excellence in teaching, research, and impact on communities both locally and globally.

Our Marketing and Recruitment team plays a critical role in shaping how the University engages with prospective students, current students, staff, alumni, donors, partners and wider communities. Through compelling storytelling, audience insight and strategic communications, we help bring the University’s brand to life across multiple channels and audiences.

Job Description

Job Description

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

We're looking for an experienced Social Media Manager who combines deep social media expertise with exceptional stakeholder engagement skills. You'll understand not only how platforms work, but how to uncover compelling stories, influence diverse stakeholders, and create audience-led content strategies that deliver measurable impact.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead the University's organic social media presence, driving audience engagement, brand awareness, and storytelling across Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn and YouTube.

As our social media subject matter expert, you'll develop and deliver social media strategies that connect with diverse audiences and support the University's broader marketing, communications and recruitment objectives. You'll understand what makes content perform on different platforms and use audience insights, analytics and emerging trends to continuously optimise results.

Working closely with stakeholders across the organisation, you'll uncover stories that matter, translate complex topics into engaging content, and provide expert guidance on social media best practice. Key relationships  include the wider marketing and recruitment team,  Communications ,  and the International Office.

This role offers the opportunity to combine strategic thinking, creativity and data-driven decision-making while helping one of New Zealand's most recognised brands connect with audiences in meaningful ways.

Key responsibilities include:

•  Implementing and optimising the University’s organic social media strategy.
• Leading content planning and storytelling across multiple social platforms
• Using audience insights and performance data to inform content and channel decisions
• Protecting and enhancing the University’s brand reputation while proactively managing reputational risk across social media channels
• Partnering with stakeholders to identify, develop and amplify compelling stories
• Advising teams across the University on social media best practice
• Monitoring trends, emerging platforms and new opportunities for engagement
• Driving innovation through experimentation, testing and continuous improvement
• Managing social media governance, brand consistency and reputational risk
• Leading and mentoring social media team members

The full salary range for this role is $98,700 - $133,500 NZD per annum (Band H) depending on experience and qualifications. 

We have a structured salary framework with three zones: Developing (building capability), Target (fully effective performance), and Upper (deep expertise and sustained contribution).

Appointments are most typically made within the target range of $105,701 – $121,900, depending on skills, experience, and internal equity. We welcome conversations about your expectations and what matters to you in your overall package. Any offer will be made within the advertised range and guided by fairness, consistency, and our commitment to pay equity.

This is a full-time, 37.5 hours per week role on a permanent contract to commence from January 2027.

For more information, please view the position description. 

Mō tō mātou rōpū | About the team

The Marketing and Recruitment team is responsible for building and enhancing the reputation of Waipapa Taumata Rau, The University of Auckland through strategic marketing, communications and audience engagement. Working across a diverse and complex organisation, the team partners with faculties, service divisions and key stakeholders to connect with prospective and current students, staff, alumni, donors and wider communities.

The Social Media team sits at the heart of these efforts, leading the University's presence across social channels and bringing our stories to life through audience-led content, creative storytelling and data-informed decision making. Working closely with Communications, Marketing [MS1] Business Partners, the International Office and wider marketing teams, the Social Media Manager plays a pivotal role in helping the University engage with audiences in meaningful and impactful ways.

He kōrero mōu | About you

To be successful in this role, you will bring significant experience in social media, digital marketing, brand management, communications or a related discipline.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Significant experience leading audience-led social media strategies in a large, complex organisation or for a high-profile brand.
• Deep expertise across Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn and YouTube, with a strong understanding of platform-specific audiences and content.
• Proven ability to influence stakeholders, build trusted relationships and translate social media expertise into clear, practical advice.
• A strong audience mindset, using insights and data to understand what motivates engagement and inform strategic decisions.
• Experience uncovering and developing compelling stories through collaboration with stakeholders from a wide range of backgrounds and disciplines.
• Demonstrated success using analytics and performance reporting to optimise content, campaigns and channel effectiveness.
• A curiosity for emerging trends and technologies, alongside a willingness to test, learn and continuously improve.
• Excellent communication, storytelling and stakeholder engagement skills.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

The University of Auckland is committed to providing an excellent working environment through:

• Up to 6.75% superannuation scheme
• Five weeks annual leave
• Flexible employment practices, including hybrid working options
• Career development programmes and professional development opportunities
• Access to a range of staff benefits and wellbeing initiatives

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications must be submitted online by the closing date of 13 November 2026 to be considered. Please include your cover letter and CV highlighting how you can meet the abovementioned skills and experiences.

Please note we are happy to answer your questions, but we do not accept applications by email.

Additional Information

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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