Senior Communications Advisor
Date: 22 Jun 2026
Location: Auckland, NZ, 1010 Wellington, NZ, 6011
Company: New Zealand Rugby Union Incorporated
Senior Communications Advisor - Fixed Term until December 2026
• A hybrid Marketing and Communications Role
• Start as soon as possible | Auckland or Wellington based
• Flexible work environment
New Zealand Rugby has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Senior Communications and Marketing Advisor to join our Communications team.
This is a hands-on, high impact role for someone who is as excited about promoting Domestic Competitions as they are about navigating complex communications issues, supporting Community Rugby, and delivering work that helps grow and strengthen the game.
Working within the Domestic Communications team and alongside the wider NZR Communications team, you’ll help develop and deliver marketing and communications plans that build the reputation of New Zealand Rugby, support our provincial and community game, and increase positive storytelling to keep our communities engaged in rugby.
The role will support a broad range of work across Domestic Competitions, Community Rugby, Women’s Rugby, player welfare, culture, diversity and inclusion, and Mind.Set.Engage, New Zealand Rugby’s mental health and wellbeing programme.
We’re looking for someone who brings a strong mix of strategic thinking, practical delivery, creativity, and calm judgement. You’ll be confident developing campaigns, managing stakeholders, creating content, supporting media and issues management, and turning complex information into clear, engaging communications.
You’ll enjoy working across a wide range of projects and priorities, from proactive storytelling and competition promotion through to stakeholder updates, campaign delivery, media responses and the occasional complex communications task that needs someone steady, thoughtful and solutions focused.
Most importantly, you’ll be passionate about community and domestic rugby, and about the role sport can play in connecting New Zealanders and strengthening communities. As part of the Communications team, you’ll work hard, have fun, and be well supported by your teammates.
To be successful in this role, you’ll bring:
• A minimum of 3 to 5 years’ relevant experience in communications, marketing, public relations, media or a related field
• Proven experience developing and delivering communications, marketing or engagement campaigns
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to make complex information clear and compelling
• Experience supporting media activity, issues management or reputation related communications
• Strong relationship management skills and the ability to work across multiple teams and stakeholders
• Experience with digital marketing, social media, content planning or online content management systems
• The ability to think strategically while also being willing to roll up your sleeves and get things done
• Strong judgement, attention to detail and the ability to manage competing deadlines
• A genuine interest in rugby, sport, communities and the role they play in New Zealand life.
This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to grow their career in a fast-moving, purpose-led environment and contribute to the future of rugby in Aotearoa.
About Us
At NZR we love what we do, we work hard and have fun! You’ll be joining a team of awesome people who are passionate about the game and each other, and you’ll be backed with support to thrive in your role. We know that life isn’t all about work, so we are open to flexible working options.
We value diversity and inclusion and are committed to improving our cultural responsiveness. We embrace and respect each other’s values and we are so proud to be Rainbow Tick certified. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and walks of life.
What We Offer (benefits)
• Learn & Grow Your Career | Hybrid Work Options
• Receive Rugby Tickets | Sports Apparel | Discounts
• Wellbeing | 5 weeks Annual Leave | Social Club
Apply Now
If you are looking to join a fantastic group of people and think you have what it takes, then don’t delay, submit your CV and cover letter now! Don’t wait until the closing date to apply as we will be reviewing applications as we go.
>> Applications close at 5:00pm, Friday 3 July
>> For a copy of the position description, click here
>> We welcome candidates from both Auckland and Wellington
To be considered for this position you must be legally entitled to work in Aotearoa New Zealand and obtain a clear MOJ check.
Studies have shown that people from under-represented backgrounds, including women, are less likely to apply for roles where they don't match the job description criteria exactly. If you're excited about this role and think you have what it takes, but your experience doesn't align 100%, we still want to hear from you and would encourage you to apply.
Our recruitment process is fair and inclusive and we encourage our applicants to let us know if we can make it more user-friendly for them. We value diverse perspectives and the contribution every one of our people makes to our culture. Put simply - you can be yourself here.