Kaitohutohu Pāpāho | Digital Communications Advisor

Pūtake tūranga | What you will do

In this broad and dynamic role, you will:

• Create compelling content – articles, profiles, social posts, speeches, and more – that makes complex research accessible to everyday audiences.
• Manage our social media channels and email newsletters, growing reach and engagement.
• Maintain and develop our website content, with an eye on performance and accessibility.
• Celebrate our members – profiling award recipients, announcing opportunities, and raising the visibility of researchers and scholars.
• Support media relations – preparing press releases, responding to queries, and building relationships with journalists.
• Contribute to events, including pre-event communications, photography, audiovisual content, and follow-up content.
• Apply and champion our brand standards and te reo Māori guidelines across all communications.

Ngā pukēnga me te wheako | What you will bring

Essential skills and experience:

• 3–5 years' experience in a communications, science communication, journalism, or related role.
• Exceptional writing skills, with the ability to produce clear, engaging content across a range of formats and for diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated experience managing social media platforms and email marketing platforms, including content planning, community engagement, and moderation.
• Experience with creation of digital content, including short-form videos, photography, audio visual skills, and basic graphic design.
• A commitment to work in alignment with the principles, spirit, and intent of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgement in escalating any issues when necessary.
• A collaborative working style and ability to engage positively with stakeholders at all levels and contribute to a positive team culture. 

 Desirable skills and experience:

• A tertiary qualification in communications, journalism, marketing, science communication or a related field.
• Experience with tools for social media analytics and reporting
• Confidence communicating science or other specialist knowledge to the general public.
• Proficiency in te reo Māori me ōna tikanga

Te Mahi | Job Description

This is a full-time permanent position based in Thorndon, Wellington. The role is primarily office-based but the Society supports flexible working arrangements.

This role reports to the Director of External Engagement.

The current midpoint of the salary range is $74,250. which is reviewed and adjusted annually in line with movements of the Stats NZ Labour Cost Index. The full salary range is 85–115% of the midpoint, with starting salary up to the midpoint, depending on skills and experience.

View full position description.

Mō Te Apārangi | About Us 

The Royal Society Te Apārangi advances and promotes science, technology, and the humanities. We grow pathways of knowledge to ensure that science and research are shared for the benefit of all.

Our functions include promoting public understanding of and trust in science and research, celebrating excellence in science and research, and providing expert advice to government and communities.

The Society is an independent not-for-profit organisation, incorporating New Zealand’s Academy for the sciences, technology, and the humanities, and comprising a broad network of Fellows, Companions, Members, and Member organisations.

Whakaurua | Apply 

Please submit a CV and covering letter (no more than 4 pages combined) to hr@royalsociety.org.nz by midday Friday 5 June 2026.

You must be a New Zealand citizen or resident currently eligible to work in New Zealand.

He pātai – questions? 

We welcome enquiries from interested candidates. For more information or to arrange a confidential conversation with the Director of External Engagement, please contact:

Steph Cursons
Kaimanaaki Pumanawa Tangata
People and Membership Advisor
stephanie.cursons@royalsociety.org.nz