Rachel O'Connor

About Me

“I’m an experienced strategic leader with more than 20 years in marketing, communications, partnerships and organisational impact across tertiary education, sport, local government and corporate sectors. My strengths include stakeholder engagement, brand and reputation management, insights-led strategy and data-driven storytelling. My leadership approach is grounded in integrity, collaboration and measurable impact. In my role as Executive Director – Partnerships and Engagement at UCOL, I have executive responsibility for student success, marketing, communications, stakeholder engagement and partnerships. I focus on improving outcomes for ākonga, building trusted relationships, strengthening UCOL’s reputation and connecting organisational priorities with the needs of learners, industry, iwi, communities and regional partners. Previously, as Head of Communications & Impact at Sport Manawatū, I led the organisation’s communications, insights and stakeholder strategy. I strengthened board and funder confidence through transparent reporting frameworks that demonstrated tangible outcomes, translating data into insights that informed decision-making and strategic direction. My background also includes leadership roles with Toyota New Zealand, Palmerston North City Council, The Factory and Massey University. I have led national brand strategies, large-scale rebrands and community partnerships that enhanced trust and created long-term value. My governance experience includes serving as a board member for ManawaTech and as a judge for the Manawatū Business Awards, EFFIE Awards and TVNZ Marketing Awards. These roles have strengthened my ability to assess organisational performance, strategic alignment, innovation and marketing effectiveness. I’m drawn to governance opportunities with organisations that create meaningful social, economic and community impact. I bring a strong focus on improving outcomes, building trusted partnerships, aligning diverse stakeholders around shared goals and ensuring governance decisions translate into visible results. I have completed professional development in transformational leadership, business model innovation and digital skills for the workplace. I was also the winner of Innovate Manawatū for Reachible, an audience insights platform. ”