Director of Advancement & Community Engagement

• Permanent full-time role
• Lead communications, community relations, marketing, events and advancement
• 6 week’s annual leave
• Albany location with park-like grounds

The opportunity | Te Whiwhinga mahi
Based on Auckland’s North Shore, Kristin School is a premier independent, co-educational, non-denominational school welcoming over 1,800 students from Early Learning to Year 13. Founded by parents over 50 years ago, our special character school is guided by deeply held values; Progress, Vision, Integrity and Love.
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Reporting directly to the Executive Principal, this is a pivotal, hands-on leadership role within the Executive Leadership Team (ELT). You will lead a dedicated portfolio tasked with ensuring an inspiring sense of belonging and giving across the entire Kristin community. By driving our integrated communications, marketing, and advancement strategies, you will directly align community energy with the school’s overarching strategic vision.

Responsibilities include:‍

• Strategic Leadership: Collaborate with the ELT to develop, deliver, and evaluate high-level strategies that champion Kristin’s mission.
• People & Portfolio Management: Lead a high-performing team of nine direct and indirect reports across marketing, communications, fundraising, events, alumni relations, and archives.
• Reputation & Crisis Management: Act as the strategic lead for issue mitigation and crisis communications, protecting and enhancing Kristin’s prestigious brand.
• Community & Stakeholder Engagement: Cultivate meaningful, lifelong relationships with internal and external stakeholder groups, ensuring alignment with Admissions, staff, and volunteers.
• Data-Driven Insights: Oversee the development and reporting of community insights to continually elevate the stakeholder experience.

Important Skills | Nga Pūkenga Motuhake

• Proven Leadership: Extensive experience in senior marketing, communications, or advancement roles, ideally within education, non-profit, or a sophisticated corporate environment.
• Reputation Management: Strong background in crisis and issues management, with a sharp eye for risk mitigation and brand protection.
• Relationship Mastery: A natural ability to build rapport, inspire confidence, and communicate authentically with a diverse network of community members.
• Strategic Agility: Exceptional project management and organisational skills, with the capacity to balance multiple high-profile initiatives simultaneously.
• Values-Driven: A genuine passion for education and community development, with a commitment to living the Kristin vision.

What we offer | Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou
We offer a vibrant, supportive, and well-resourced environment where you can truly make a difference. Your package includes; 6 week’s annual leave, staff tuition fee discount (if applicable), laptop, phone and free onsite parking. You can access our onsite gym, EAP, flu shots and First Aid Training. Enjoy the social aspects of school life, and unique aspects to get involved in school activities like Camp Week!

Please note: To ensure compliance with the Children’s Act, the successful candidate will undergo standard police check every 3 years.