Lead Advisor Communications - Media

CGR Services; Wellington; On-site; NZD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ministry of Social Development in Wellington is seeking a senior communications professional to lead strategy and positioning on high‑profile public issues. This permanent role sits in the Media and Social Media team and offers the chance to influence how MSD communicates with communities across New Zealand.

You will work with senior leaders, manage media issues, and develop proactive stories that support safety, independence and wellbeing for New Zealanders.

Qualifications

• Proven record in the communications industry, particularly Government Communications.
• Experience in the news media.
• Experienced in working in a fast-paced environment, juggling competing priorities.
• Ability to quickly build trust, rapport and credibility with senior leaders.
• Experienced in risk management of media issues.
• Up to date knowledge of social media environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead on strategy and positioning on key issues.
• Develop proactive stories and manage media issues.
• Work with people across the organisation to support communication objectives.
• Contribute to a positive, supportive and high‑performing team environment.

Skills

Proven record in Communications

News media experience

Fast-paced environment

Build trust with senior leaders

Risk management of media issues

Social media awareness

Job description

Permanent position available - National Office, Wellington

• Lead on strategy and positioning on key issues
• Positive and supportive environment

About the role | Mō te tūnga

Are you cool and calm under pressure? Do you enjoy tackling complex issues? Would you like to be part of a positive, supportive and high-performing team? If so, we would love to hear from you. You will work on media issues that really matter. The Ministry of Social Development is a people-centred organisation. We're in communities across the motu, working with partners to help New Zealanders be safe, strong and independent. This is a key position, and you'll be working with people across the organisation to manage media issues and to develop proactive stories. We'll look to you to lead on strategy and positioning on important public issues. The role is within the Media and Social Media team. What's in it for You? You'll have opportunities to develop your strategic media management skills to the next level in one of New Zealand's biggest government agencies. You'll be part of an organisation that is making a difference in the lives of many New Zealanders.

What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga

• Proven record in the Communications industry, particularly Government Communications
• Experience in the news media
• Experienced in working in a fast-paced environment, juggling competing priorities
• Ability to quickly build trust, rapport and credibility with senior leaders
• Experienced in risk management of media issues
• Up to date knowledge of social media environment

Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga

http://www.msd.govt.nz/hr/documents/position-descriptions/dce-organisational-assurance-and-communication/communications-and-engagement/lead-advisor-media.docx

Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Tuesday 1st September 2026

About us | Mō mātou

The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) is a people-centred organisation. We're in communities across the motu, working with partners to help New Zealanders be safe, strong and independent. We provide social policy advice to government, and assistance including income, employment and housing support to people of all ages, families, whānau and communities. As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner, we are committed to supporting and enabling Māori, whānau, hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations. Our people are as diverse as the communities we serve. We care about the wellbeing and success of our people and provide a supportive and inclusive working environment where people can thrive and be who they are.

Joining us | Ko te hono mai

Joining MSD means being part of a whānau that celebrates the diversity each individual represents. We show manaaki, we care about the wellbeing and success of people and want everyone to thrive and be who they are in a supportive and inclusive working environment. We work together to make a difference for communities while doing the right thing with integrity. You can find out more about our values here. If you have any support or accessibility requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.