Chief of Communications & Community Engagement

Taituarā Resource Management Reference Group; Waikato; Hybrid; NZD 153,000 - 187,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free parking

Flexible working

Annual performance reviews

Subsidised health insurance

Birthday leave

Work-life balance day

Employee Assistance Programme

Wellbeing programme

Health checks

Job summary

Waikato District Council is seeking an exceptional Head of Communication and Engagement to lead strategic communications, media relationships and community engagement across internal and external audiences. You will be a trusted adviser to senior leaders, elected members and the Mayor's Office, shaping clear, credible and transparent communications while building enduring trust.

Reporting to the General Manager Partnerships, Engagement and Maaori, you’ll lead a team delivering integrated

Qualifications

• Significant senior leadership experience in communications, engagement, PR, journalism, marketing or related field.
• Proven track record providing trusted advice to executives or elected representatives.
• Strong expertise in strategic communications, media management and reputation.
• Experience designing complex engagement programmes influencing public sector decisions.
• High political awareness, sound judgment for sensitive issues.
• Excellent writing and storytelling, simplifying complex info.
• Strong people leadership and capability development.
• Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Maaori engagement practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead Council's strategic communications and engagement across internal and external audiences.
• Advise Executive Leadership Team and elected members on high-profile matters.
• Drive proactive planning, messaging and storytelling to build public trust.
• Oversee media strategy, relationships and reputation management.
• Ensure meaningful, accessible community and stakeholder engagement.
• Strengthen partnerships with iwi, hapū, organisations and agencies.
• Lead engagement approaches that inform advice and decision-making.
• Build organisational capability with standards, coaching and quality assurance.
• Support emergency and incident response communications when needed.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Executive advisory

Media management

Engagement programmes

Political awareness

Communication writing/storytelling

People leadership

Te Tiriti o Waitangi / Maaori comms

Job description

Waikato District Council is seeking an exceptional Head of Communication and Engagement to lead strategic communications, media relationships and community engagement across internal and external audiences. You will be a trusted adviser to senior leaders, elected members and the Mayor's Office, shaping clear, credible and transparent communications while building enduring trust.

Reporting to the General Manager Partnerships, Engagement and Maaori, you’ll lead a team delivering integrated