Communications and Engagement Manager

Taituarā; Carterton; On-site; NZD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Carterton District Council is seeking a Communications and Engagement Manager to lead communications, media, digital channels and community engagement. You will provide trusted advice to the Mayor, elected members, Chief Executive and senior leaders while guiding a small team.

The role demands clear messaging, strategic thinking and strong relationship skills to build public trust and keep the community informed about council projects and local issues.

Qualifications

• Experience in communications, engagement, media, PR or journalism.
• Strong writing skills and sound judgement.
• Political awareness and digital confidence.
• Strong leadership and relationship-building abilities.
• Local government experience is helpful but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead Council’s communications, media, digital channels and community engagement.
• Provide trusted advice to the Mayor, elected members, Chief Executive and senior leaders.
• Lead and support a small team, setting direction and coaching others.
• Design engagement processes to keep people informed and heard.
• Support major projects and manage key channels.

Skills

Communications

Engagement

Media relations

Public relations

Journalism

Leadership

Job description

Communications and Engagement Manager

Permanent, full-time | Carterton, Wairarapa | Leadcommunications, engagement and reputation for a council close to its community

Our current Communications and Engagement Manager is headingoverseas, leaving big shoes to fill and a strong platform for the next personto build from. This is a high-profile role where your judgement, creativity andrelationship skills will help shape how Carterton District Council connectswith its community.

You will lead Council’s communications, media, digitalchannels and community engagement activity, while providing trusted advice tothe Mayor, elected members, Chief Executive and senior leaders. The role alsoincludes leading and supporting a small team of one, so your ability to setdirection, coach, prioritise work and bring others with you will be important.

At Carterton District Council, our values shape how we work— being respectful, doing what we say we will do, paddling as one, andwelcoming fresh ideas. If that sounds like you, this could be a greatopportunity to make a meaningful contribution to our community.

About the role

You will lead clear, timely and engaging communicationsacross Council, support major projects, manage key channels, and designengagement processes that help people feel informed and heard.

About you

You will be an experienced communications, engagement,media, public relations or journalism professional who can turn complexinformation into clear, accessible messages. You will bring strong writingskills, sound judgement, political awareness, digital confidence, strongleadership skills, and the ability to build trusted relationships with a widerange of people.

Previous local government experience would be helpful, butit is not essential. What matters most is that you understand the importance ofclear communication, genuine engagement, and public trust.

At Carterton District Council, people are at the heartofwhat we do. You will join a supportive organisation that values respect,accountability, teamwork and fresh thinking, and you will play an importantrole in helping Council communicate openly with the community we serve.

Our people enjoy a supportive team environment,opportunities for flexible working arrangements, generous leave provisions,KiwiSaver contributions of up to 6%, and professional developmentopportunities.

We recommend you readthe position description before applying so your application can address therequirements of the role.

Applications close:Wednesday 23 September at5pm

Please Note:Due to the highly competitiveemployment market, our vacancy close date may be subject to change if asuitable candidate is found, so don't delay in making your application.

To be considered for this role, you will need to be legallyentitled to live and work in New Zealand. To be legally entitled to work in NewZealand, you should be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident or hold avalid work visa. Please check the New Zealand Immigration website for moreinformation.