Communications and Engagement Manager

Carterton Council; Wellington; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

KiwiSaver contributions up to 6%

Professional development opportunities

Generous leave provisions

Job summary

Carterton District Council is seeking an experienced communications, engagement, media or journalism professional to lead communications with the community. You will shape messages, manage channels and drive engagement on major projects.

You will provide trusted advice to the Mayor and senior leaders, lead a small team, and help build public trust through clear, open communication.

Qualifications

• Experienced in communications, engagement, media, public relations or journalism.
• Ability to turn complex information into clear, accessible messages.
• Strong writing, judgement and relationship-building skills.
• Leadership capability and ability to guide a small team.

Responsibilities

• Lead Council communications, media, digital channels and engagement activities to inform and involve the community.
• Provide trusted advice to the Mayor, elected members and senior staff.
• Set direction, coach staff, prioritise work and bring others with you.

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 16th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Full time, Permanent

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.

Why join us?

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.

• supportive team environment
• opportunities for flexible working arrangements
• generous leave provisions
• KiwiSaver contributions of up to 6%
• professional development opportunities

Applications close:Wednesday 23 September at5pm

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.