Communications and Engagement Lead

Waimakariri; Rangiora; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Waimakariri District Council in Rangiora seeks an experienced communications and engagement leader to guide the Communications and Engagement team and shape how the council connects with communities.

You will mentor advisors, deliver strategic advice on high-profile, sensitive issues, and ensure clear information across digital and traditional channels while fostering strong relationships with media and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in communications.
• Ability to provide strategic communications advice.
• Experience delivering on complex, sensitive issues.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Communications and Engagement Advisors and mentor the team.
• Provide strategic communications and engagement advice for council projects.
• Build connections with communities and encourage public input.
• Maintain a positive public profile and strong media relationships.
• Ensure information is clear and accessible across digital and traditional channels.

Skills

Leadership

Written communication

Interpersonal communication

Stakeholder engagement

Media relations

Job description

Full-Time | Permanent | Rangiora Based

Lead communications that connect with our community

We’re looking for an experienced communications and engagement professional to lead our Communications and Engagement team and help shape how Waimakariri District Council connects with its communities.

This is a varied leadership role where you’ll guide and mentor a talented team, provide strategic communications advice, and help Council communicate clearly and effectively on everything from everyday services to complex and politically sensitive issues.

About the role

You’ll lead our Communications and Engagement Advisors, supporting them to deliver high-quality work and achieve great outcomes for our organisation and communities.

You’ll also:

• provide strategic and operational communications and engagement advice
• lead communications and engagement for complex and high-profile projects and issues
• build genuine connections with our communities and encourage people to have their say
• help maintain a positive and trusted public profile for Council
• support effective relationships with media and other key stakeholders
• ensure Council information is clear, accessible and well presented across our digital and traditional channels.

About you

You’ll be an experienced communicator and confident people leader who can see the bigger picture while still getting stuck into the work when needed.

You’ll bring:

• strong leadership and mentoring skills
• excellent written and interpersonal communication skills
• sound judgement and the confidence to work on complex or sensitive issues
• a genuine commitment to community engagement and participation
• strong organisation and planning skills
• initiative and an ability to identify practical solutions
• the ability to build relationships with people from a wide range of backgrounds
• a calm and consistent approach when working under pressure
• flexibility to respond when things get busy, including occasionally outside normal business hours.

If you enjoy leading people, solving communication challenges and helping communities connect with local decision-making, we’d love to hear from you.

Applications close on Sunday 15 November 2026.

The Council is an equal opportunity employer.