Director - Partnerships & Engagement

About the Opportunity

Research and Education Advanced Network New Zealand (REANNZ) is entering an exciting phase of growth, strengthening its role at the centre of Aotearoa’s research, education, and innovation ecosystem. As a Crown-owned membership organisation, it connects universities, research organisations, museums, libraries, and government agencies through world-class digital infrastructure that enables collaboration, discovery, and impact.

As research becomes increasingly data-driven and globally connected, REANNZ is focused on leading the way, not just keeping pace. This is a pivotal moment to deepen partnerships across New Zealand and expand the country’s role within the international network of National Research and Education Networks.

We are seeking a Director Partnerships and Engagement to join REANNZ’s Senior Leadership Team and help shape this next chapter. This role will directly influence how REANNZ grows its partnerships, strengthens engagement, and unlocks greater collective impact for Aotearoa.

What You’ll Do

• Provide strategic advice to the Chief Executive, Senior Leadership Team, and Board on engagement and growth priorities
• Lead the development and delivery of REANNZ’s Partnerships and Engagement Strategy
• Build and maintain strong relationships across research, education, government, and innovation sectors, locally and globally
• Represent REANNZ in national and international forums, including the global NREN community
• Drive partnership and commercial growth opportunities in collaboration with internal and global stakeholders
• Oversee account management, customer engagement, and marketing communications
• Support continuous improvement in commercial performance and service delivery
• Champion REANNZ’s purpose, values, and collaborative culture

What You’ll Bring

• Senior leadership experience in partnerships, engagement, and commercial growth in technology-led environments
• Proven ability to deliver revenue growth and service improvement outcomes
• Strong understanding of research, education, or innovation sectors
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship management capability
• Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly to diverse audiences, including Boards
• Experience working within Crown entities or similar governance environments
• Strategic thinking, sound judgement, and commercial acumen in complex settings

The successful candidate will be motivated by purpose and by enabling researchers, educators, and innovators to achieve more through connection and collaboration.

About REANNZ

REANNZ is Aotearoa New Zealand’s trusted digital backbone for research and education, enabling high-performance connectivity and services that support collaboration across the sector.

As part of the global network of National Research and Education Networks, REANNZ plays an important role in supporting international research collaboration and strengthening New Zealand’s contribution to global science and innovation.

It is a small, highly skilled organisation with a strong focus on practical, innovative solutions and meaningful impact for its members and partners.

REANNZ offers a flexible, inclusive working environment that supports wellbeing, professional growth, and impact in a fast-evolving digital landscape, underpinned by supportive leadership and a strong sense of purpose.

Next Steps

If you’re ready to help shape the future of research and education in Aotearoa through strategic partnerships and meaningful impact, apply now or get in touch with us for a confidential discussion.

Robert Walters endeavours to review all applications in a maximum of five working days. If you have not received correspondence within this timeframe please do not hesitate to contact Samantha Stevens on 09 374 7311.