Community Engagement Coordinator - SPARX

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading University. With over 6000 academic and professional staff supporting over 46,000 students, we are one of NZ’s largest employers.  We have six academic faculties, two large-scale research institutes and a number of professional service divisions creating a diverse, dynamic and complex organisational culture that demands excellence.

Our lecturers and researchers are regarded as experts in their fields, frequently directing global research projects designed to better the lives of New Zealanders and the world, and in turn passing this knowledge on to our students.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

Join the Human Health Research Services Platform at the Liggins Institute and help increase awareness, engagement and uptake of SPARX (www.sparx.org.nz), an evidence-based digital mental health programme designed to support the wellbeing of young people. As Community Engagement Coordinator, you will help connect SPARX with communities across Aotearoa New Zealand through outreach, partnerships, events, communications and digital promotion.

Working closely with the SPARX project and research teams, you will identify and coordinate opportunities to promote SPARX through community events, schools, libraries, youth organisations, healthcare providers and digital channels. You will build strong stakeholder relationships, coordinate engagement activities and help us understand what is working so we can continue to improve our reach and impact.

Key responsibilities:

• Bring SPARX into communities through events, expos and local initiatives.
• Build strong relationships with schools, youth organisations, health providers and community groups.
• Coordinate engaging SPARX events, activations and promotional resources.
• Create engaging social content and support digital campaigns.
• Track engagement and campaign performance to understand what works.
• Work with designers, suppliers and partners to bring promotional ideas to life.

Spot new opportunities to grow SPARX awareness, reach and uptake.

This is a part-time position (15 hours per week) for a fixed term of 15 months

The salary range for this role are $63,600 - $79,300 pro rata depending on skills and experience.

For more detailed information, please refer to the position description

He kōrero mōu | About you

You are a confident and organised communicator who enjoys connecting with people and turning ideas into practical engagement activities. You are comfortable building relationships with diverse communities and stakeholders, coordinating multiple activities at once, and representing a programme in community and public settings.

You will bring a creative and proactive approach to community engagement and promotion, with an interest in using both in-person and digital channels to reach young people and the communities that support them. You will be motivated by the opportunity to contribute to an evidence-based programme with real-world impact.

Our ideal candidate will bring:

• A relevant tertiary qualification in communications, marketing, health promotion or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Experience coordinating events, community engagement activities or outreach initiatives.
• Experience building and maintaining relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience planning and managing social media content across multiple platforms.
• A good eye for design and visual communication, with experience creating polished, engaging content in Canva or similar tools and applying brand guidelines consistently.
• Strong organisational, planning and project coordination skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities.

Mō tō mātou rōpū | About the team

The Human Health Research Services Platform is hosted by the Liggins Institute and provides a comprehensive range of services to support human health research across the University of Auckland and beyond, including data services, statistical support, health economics, research coordination, follow-up research coordination, digital support, and clinic space and nursing support.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

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

• Flexible employment practices and a culture that supports work-life balance
• Career development programmes
• A competitive salary with five weeks’ annual leave
• 6.75% superannuation scheme

For more information, please visit Staff Benefits.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply 

Applications should be submitted online, before the closing date of 29 September 2026 and include an up-to-date CV and cover letter outlining what strengths you will bring to this role. Please also include links in your CV to examples of relevant work, or provide a portfolio showcasing work such as social media content, campaigns, events, community engagement, digital content or other promotional projects

If you have any questions, please email Elaine Umali:

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

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