Communications And Engagement Lead

New Zealand Government; 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 guidance

Job summary

The Defence Technology Accelerator (Def TA) is a NZDF function that connects Defence with industry, academia and government partners to advance innovative technologies. Our Communications and Engagement Lead will shape how innovation is communicated across NZDF and beyond, translating complex activities into clear stories for stakeholders.

You will develop strategic communications, support events and site visits, and build strong relationships with industry and academia to showcase the value of

Qualifications

• Proven experience developing and delivering communication and engagement strategies across channels and audiences.
• Experience in communications, engagement, public relations, journalism, or related field, ideally within government, defence, science, or complex environments.
• Strong writing skills, ability to tailor messaging for diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to build effective relationships and influence across boundaries.
• Sound judgement, discretion, and professionalism with sensitive information and senior stakeholders.
• Excellent organisation and coordination skills, with event and stakeholder support.
• Ability to translate technical subjects for non-technical audiences.
• Relevant tertiary qualification in comms, PR, journalism, or related discipline, or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver strategic communications and engagement initiatives for Def TA.
• Translate complex technical and operational activities into clear, compelling stories for stakeholders.
• Support stakeholder engagement, events, and site visits to showcase Def TA’s value.
• Build strong relationships across NZDF, industry, academia, and government partners.

Skills

Strategic communications

Stakeholder engagement

Technical write-ups

Relationship building

Judgement & discretion

Event coordination

Analytical communication

Qualifications in comms/journalism

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications or related field

Job description

Mō te tūnga | About the role

The 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.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

• 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.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Safeguard 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.