Communications and Engagement Lead

New Zealand Government Joba; Auckland; On-site; NZD 85,000 - 103,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life cover

Critical illness protection

Discounted insurances

Free will services

Mortgage broker services

Job summary

New Zealand Defence Force is seeking a Communications and Engagement Lead to shape strategic communications for Def TA and to build strong relationships with industry, academia and government partners. You will translate complex technologies into clear stories, support engagement initiatives, and coordinate events and site visits across NZDF, with a strong Auckland focus.

You will drive written content, briefs, speeches and multimedia materials, ensuring messaging informs, influences and

Qualifications

• Proven experience developing and delivering communication and engagement strategies across channels.
• Experience in communications, engagement, public relations, journalism, or related field, ideally within government/defence.
• Strong writing skills: tailor messaging, briefs, speeches for diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to build relationships and influence across boundaries.
• Discretion and professionalism with sensitive information and senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver strategic communications and engagement initiatives for Def TA.
• Translate complex technical/operational concepts into clear, engaging content.
• Support stakeholder engagement, events, and site visits to showcase innovation in defence.
• Build strong relationships and effectively communicate NZDF’s work to partners and academia.

Skills

Storytelling

Strategic communications

Public relations

Writing

Stakeholder engagement

Event coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications/public relations/journalism

Job description

Mo te tunga | About the roleThe Defence Technology Accelerator (Def TA) is a newly established NZDF function that connects Defence with industry, academia and government partners to identify, assess and advance innovative technologies with military application.Def TA helps accelerate the pathway from innovation to operational advantage, providing insights that inform future capability decisions while supporting the growth of New Zealand's defence innovation ecosystem.Our Communications and Engagement Lead will play a pivotal role in shaping how innovation and emerging technologies are communicated across NZDF and beyond.You will develop and deliver strategic communications and engagement initiatives that bring Def TA's work to life, translating complex technical, operational, and partnership activities into clear, compelling stories that inform, influence, and inspire. Working closely with the operational teams and external partners, you will ensure we achieve our priorities, and ensure these are effectively communicated to our stakeholders, industry partners and academia.From creating high-quality content and communication products to supporting stakeholder engagement, events, and site visits, you'll help build strong relationships, enhance understanding, and showcase the value of innovation in defence. With a strong on-the-ground presence, particularly in Auckland, you'll be at the heart of connecting people, ideas, and opportunities that contribute to NZDF's future capability.The salary for this role will be approximately $94,000, inclusive of a 4% superannuation contribution.The role will be based in Auckland Central.Nga pukenga me nga wheako | Skills and ExperienceYou will bring exceptional communication and storytelling skills, with the ability to translate complex technical or operational concepts into clear, engaging content.To be successful in this role you will have:Proven experience developing and delivering communication and engagement strategies across a variety of channels and audiences.Experience in communications, engagement, public relations, journalism, or a related field, ideally within government, defence, science, or other complex environments.Strong writing skills, with the ability to tailor messaging, briefings, speeches, and content for diverse stakeholders.Demonstrated ability to build effective relationships and influence across organisational boundaries.Sound judgement, discretion, and professionalism when working with sensitive information and senior stakeholders.Excellent organisation and coordination skills, with experience supporting events, engagements, and stakeholder activities.Ability to work confidently with technical subject matter and communicate its value to non-technical audiences.Relevant tertiary qualification in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.Nou te rourou | What's in it for youSafeguard your loved ones with a fully funded life cover of up to $300,000 and critical illness protection. Other benefits include discounted additional insurances, free will services and savings schemes for the Defence community. Get expert financial guidance and mortgage broker services. Find all our benefits and more on the Force 4 Families website.NZDF champions diversity and inclusivity, valuing every member and fuelling their success. We embrace uniqueness, understanding that diverse teams drive creativity, innovation, and excellence. With an open door to all - irrespective of gender, ethnicity, ability, age, or family dynamics - NZDF offers a flexible, empowering work environment. Join us in shaping a brighter future, where everyone thrives.Me pehea te tuku tono | How to ApplyApplications close on Thursday 8 October 2026.Use the links on this page where you'll be directed to the Defence Careers website.Please Note:All applications must be made online, via the Defence Careers website. Each listing contains the Position Description.Your cover letter will be a key part of our selection process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key activities outlined in the Advert and Position Description.Applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug-screening test prior to any offer of employment being made.NZDF Employees/Members - please apply internally via the HR Toolkit; this will ensure that you are visible as an internal candidate.NZDF Contractors - please apply via the Defence Careers website.NZDF Reserves - please apply via the Defence Careers website if you cannot access the HR Toolkit.Please Note:To be eligible for the required level of government security clearance with the NZ Defence Force, you need to meet certain citizenship and residency criteria. Here's what you need to know:Low Level Security ClearanceYou must be a New Zealand citizen or you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa.At minimum, you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa, and you must be a citizen of and have lived in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States of America or New Zealand continuously for the last five (5) years.You must have a five (5) year background history that can be verified and assessed appropriately by the NZ Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) to determine if you are suitable for a security clearance at this level.If you do not meet the minimum criteria, unfortunately, your application will not be accepted. We do welcome your application at a time when you will meet the requirements.