Advancement Assistant & Marketing Assistant (2 positions)
Whanganui Collegiate School
Whanganui, NZ
Posted on: 2 May 2025
Closing date: 19 June, 2025
Advancement Assistant (Marketing Assistant) Full Time (Two Positions Available)
About Whanganui Collegiate School
Established in 1854, Whanganui Collegiate School is one of New Zealand’s most prestigious co-educational boarding and day schools with a legacy of excellence spanning over 171 years. We are dedicated to fostering academic excellence, personal growth, and a strong sense of community among our students. Our rich heritage and commitment to holistic education have shaped generations of leaders and continue to inspire future generations.
The Opportunity
We are seeking two motivated, organised, and creative Advancement Assistants to join our Advancement Team. These newly created roles offer an exciting opportunity to be part of a dynamic team working across events, marketing, communications, community engagement, and facilities hire coordination.
The Advancement Assistants will play a critical role in supporting the implementation of initiatives that strengthen community connections, promote philanthropy, and enhance the Collegiate experience for students, families, alumni, and wider stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
• Event Coordination: Support the planning, promotion, and delivery of Advancement events, ensuring exceptional experiences for all participants.
• Communications and Collateral: Assist with creating and updating social media content, website updates, event collateral, and in-house printing to maintain brand consistency and vibrant storytelling. Actively seek out content opportunities by attending events, engaging with the school community, and capturing photographs and stories to enhance digital and print communications.
• Facilities and Group Accommodation Coordination: Manage facility hire and group accommodation bookings during school holidays, including liaising with clients, arranging catering, cleaners, laundry services, preparing quotes, coordinating with Finance for invoicing, and ensuring smooth check-in/check-out processes.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build positive relationships across the Collegiate community, alumni, donors, and external partners to support Advancement initiatives.
• General Administration: Provide administrative support to Advancement activities, manage logistics for communications campaigns, newsletters, and alumni outreach programs.
Key Qualifications and Experience
• Tertiary qualification in communications, marketing, event management, or a related field preferred.
• 1–2 years of experience in event coordination, marketing, communications, customer service, or administration roles.
• Strong digital skills, including social media management and website content updates (WordPress).
• Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, and ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Previous experience working with client bookings, invoicing processes, or hospitality/event management would be an advantage.
• Experience using Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., InDesign, Photoshop) for content creation is preferred.
• Confidence using AI tools to support digital content creation and administrative efficiency is advantageous.
• Strong photography skills with the ability to capture and curate visual content for marketing, events, and communications desirable.
Key Competencies and Personal Attributes
• High level of initiative, flexibility, and adaptability.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Creative approach to engagement and storytelling across different media.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and independently when required.
• Commitment to upholding the traditions of Whanganui Collegiate School.
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and committed to continuous learning and professional development.
Special Conditions
This role requires availability for weekend and evening work as part of a shared roster to support events and facility hire during school holiday periods.
Special Character Requirements
The Advancement Assistant will uphold and support the Anglican ethos of Whanganui Collegiate School, ensuring that all advancement initiatives reflect the school’s values and traditions. This includes promoting and supporting the spiritual life of the school community and ensuring communications align with the school’s values of vitality, compassion, and self-discipline.
Why Join Whanganui Collegiate School?
You’ll be part of a supportive, forward-thinking school community that values tradition, excellence, and innovation. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop your career in events, marketing, communications, and client engagement while making a meaningful contribution to the life of a historic New Zealand institution.
How to Apply
If you would like to apply please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and vision for the role to HR at hr@collegiate.school.nz. You will also be required to complete an application form which is available from HR at hr@collegiate.school.nz.
Applications remain open until the role is filled. We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and shortlisting as received.
Whanganui Collegiate School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be required to undergo a police check and must comply with our Child Protection Policy.
For more information about our school, please visit our website: www.collegiate.school.nz
Join us in shaping the future of Whanganui Collegiate School and making a lasting impact on our community.
Whanganui Collegiate School – Where Tradition Meets Opportunity.
