Internal Communications Advisor

Nelson City Council; Nelson; Hybrid; NZD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellbeing leave, platforms and init iа

Fully subsidised health insurance

Flexible workplace

Generous leave provisions

Learning and professional development

Employee benefits and discounts

Projects that shape wellbeing and未来

Outdoor lifestyle at doorstep

Job summary

Nelson City Council is seeking a trusted communications adviser to connect staff with priorities, guide leaders, and lead transformation communications. You will own internal channels and collaboratively strengthen culture and employee engagement across the organisation.

You will partner with senior leaders and People & Capability to craft clear, plain language messages while shaping how staff experience and culture evolve through change.

Qualifications

• Proven internal or employee communications experience in a large or complex organisation undergoing significant change.
• Experience leading change and transformation communications and supporting people through uncertainty.
• Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to turn complex or sensitive information into clear, plain language.
• Experience managing an intranet or similar internal content platform, including content governance and information architecture.
• The ability to advise senior leaders, People & Capability teams and project leads confidently on communications approaches and messaging.
• An understanding of employee experience, organisational culture and the role internal communications plays in shaping both.
• A relevant tertiary qualification in communications, public relations or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver internal communication plans that connect staff with Council's priorities, values and direction
• Advise the Chief Executive and senior leaders on authentic staff communications, including updates, all-staff messages and leadership briefings
• Lead communications for transformation and change initiatives, helping people understand what is changing, why and what it means for them
• Own and maintain internal channels and the intranet, keeping information current, accurate, useful and easy to navigate
• Build consistent messaging about culture, values and employee experience alongside People & Capability and Communications and Engagement
• Use feedback and data to improve internal communications and maintain alignment with external messaging.

Skills

Internal communications

Change communications

Leadership engagement

Writing & editing

Intranet management

advisory skills

Employee experience

Culture & values

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification in communications/public relations or related discipline

Job description

We're looking for a trusted communications adviser who can connect our people, support change and turn complex information into clear, engaging messages.

Help shape Nelson's future. Lead with expertise. Make a difference.We're looking for a trusted communications adviser who can connect our people, support change and turn complex information into clear, engaging messages.

Shaping our future | Kōmiria te anamata

Our vision for Whakatū Nelson is a creative, prosperous and innovative city. Our community is inclusive, resilient, and connected - we care for each other and our environment.

Nelson City Council is undertaking one of the most significant local government transformations in New Zealand. Through Shaping Our Future, we're organising ourselves around the people and communities we serve, getting clearer about who does what, and investing in the capability we need for the years ahead. That includes customer experience, data and digital, asset planning, economic development, and contract and programme delivery, to name just a few. We're also working more closely with iwi, neighbouring councils and other partners to deliver better outcomes for Whakatū Nelson. Our new structure is in place, and we're now recruiting for the roles that will bring it to life.

This isn't a one-off change. It's the foundation for a council that keeps improving, and we'd love you to help build it.

About the role | Kō tēnei tūranga mahi

Step into a pivotal role shaping how our people connect, understand change and engage with Nelson City Council's priorities. Working across Council, you will partner with senior leaders, People & Capability and transformation teams to deliver clear, accessible and aligned communications that strengthen culture and employee engagement.

You will:

• Develop and deliver internal communication plans that connect staff with Council's priorities, values and direction
• Advise the Chief Executive and senior leaders on authentic staff communications, including updates, all-staff messages and leadership briefings
• Lead communications for transformation and change initiatives, helping people understand what is changing, why and what it means for them
• Own and maintain internal channels and the intranet, keeping information current, accurate, useful and easy to navigate
• Build consistent messaging about culture, values and employee experience alongside People & Capability and Communications and Engagement
• Use feedback and data to improve internal communications and maintain alignment with external messaging.

About you | Ko ngā pūmanawa ō

You'll be an experienced internal or employee communications professional who builds trusted relationships, writes with clarity and confidence, and can guide people through significant organisational change.

• Proven internal or employee communications experience in a large or complex organisation undergoing significant change
• Demonstrated experience leading change and transformation communications and supporting people through uncertainty
• Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to turn complex or sensitive information into clear, plain language
• Experience managing an intranet or similar internal content platform, including content governance and information architecture
• The ability to advise senior leaders, People & Capability teams and project leads confidently on communications approaches and messaging
• An understanding of employee experience, organisational culture and the role internal communications plays in shaping both
• A relevant tertiary qualification in communications, public relations or a related discipline, or equivalent experience

About Nelson City Council | E pā ana ki te Kaunihera o Whakatū

Our vision for Whakatū Nelson is a creative, prosperous and innovative city. Our community is inclusive, resilient, and connected - we care for each other and our environment.

What we offer | Ko ngā painga mōu

• Wellbeing leave, platforms and initiatives
• A fully subsidised health insurance scheme
• A flexible workplace
• Generous leave provisions
• Learning and professional development opportunities
• Access to various employee benefits and discounts
• Opportunities to contribute to meaningful projects that shape our community's wellbeing and future
• Mountains, beaches and national parks at your doorstep
• At Nelson City Council, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where everyone feels safe, valued, and has a true sense of belonging. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from diverse ethnicities and cultures, LGBTQ+ communities, neurodivergent individuals, and people with disabilities. If you require any assistance with your application, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Applications close | Rā whakakapi

11pm on Sunday 22 November 2026

Applications will be reviewed as received, and the vacancy may close early if a suitable candidate is found. We encourage you to apply without delay.

For further enquiries | Ina he pātai anō, whakapā mai

For questions relating to the role, please email [e-mail]