Communications Advisor (Mayoral Support)

Kaipara District Council; Mangawhai; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working options

Learning and development opportunities

Health and wellbeing initiatives

Job summary

Kaipara District Council is seeking a Communications Advisor (Mayoral Support) to craft engaging messaging for the Mayor and community. You will deliver social content, speeches and media statements, ensuring timely, authentic communication across channels.

Based in Mangawhai or Dargaville, you will work with the communications team to coordinate media opportunities, prepare key messages and support proactive communications that showcase Council priorities to the Kaipara community.

Qualifications

• Experience in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing or a related field.
• Strong writing and editing skills tailored for different audiences.
• Experience creating digital and social media content (photography and short form video).
• Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and respond to emerging issues.

Responsibilities

• Developing and delivering engaging communications content on behalf of the Mayor
• Creating social media, digital and written content that connects with our communities
• Preparing speeches, presentations, media statements and key messages
• Identifying and coordinating media opportunities
• Attending community and council events to capture content and tell stories
• Building positive relationships with media, stakeholders and internal teams
• Supporting proactive communications initiatives that showcase Council's work and priorities

Skills

Writing skills

Media relations

Content creation

Stakeholder management

Social media content

Education

Communications degree

Tools

MS Office

Social media management tools

Job description

Fixed Term Full Time until 12 January 2029 | Mangawhai or Dargaville

Are you a talented storyteller who can create engaging content, build strong media relationships and help connect communities with local government?

We're looking for a Communications Advisor (Mayoral Support) to work closely with the Mayor, supporting the delivery of clear, authentic and timely communications across a range of channels. This is a unique opportunity to be at the centre of local government, helping the Mayor share Council's vision and priorities with the Kaipara community.

In this varied and fast-paced role, you'll develop content for social media, speeches, media responses, publications and community engagement activities, working alongside our communications team to ensure consistent and effective messaging.

What you'll be doing

• Developing and delivering engaging communications content on behalf of the Mayor
• Creating social media, digital and written content that connects with our communities
• Preparing speeches, presentations, media statements and key messages
• Identifying and coordinating media opportunities
• Attending community and council events to capture content and tell stories
• Building positive relationships with media, stakeholders and internal teams
• Supporting proactive communications initiatives that showcase Council's work and priorities

What we're looking for

You'll be a confident communicator and content creator, an all-rounder with strong writing skills and an eye for a good story and photo. You'll enjoy working in a dynamic environment where no two days are the same and be comfortable managing competing priorities while maintaining high-quality outputs. You'll have the flexibility to work outside standard hours when events and media require it.

To be successful, you'll bring:

• Experience in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing or a related field
• Strong writing and editing skills with the ability to tailor content for different audiences
• Experience creating digital and social media content (photography and short form video)
• Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management skills
• Confidence working in a fast-paced environment and responding to emerging issues
• A proactive, adaptable approach and strong attention to detail

Experience in local government or working within a political environment would be advantageous but is not essential.

What's on offer

• Flexible working options to support work-life balance
• A fun, supportive and diverse team environment
• Free EAP services and a focus on your overall health and wellbeing.
• Learning and development opportunities
• Health and wellbeing initiatives, including regular wellbeing challenges and free fruit in the office

About us

We're more than just a workplace - we're a passionate team committed to creating a vibrant, inclusive, and healthy community where people love to live, work, and play. We're guided by the values of mahi tahi (teamwork), mana (integrity), pono (trustworthy), whakaute (respect), and mahia te mahi (make it happen), which shape everything we do. These values inspire us to foster an environment where people and communities thrive.

Please refer to the job description for more information, or contact Kevin Whitehead, People & Talent Advisor at [e-mail]

Please note that the preferred candidates will be required to undergo pre-employment checks, including criminal history and police vetting checks.