Lead Digital Content Advisor | Wellington

New Zealand Government; Wellington; On-site; NZD 122,000 - 152,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) in Wellington, part of the New Zealand Government, seeks a Lead Digital Content Advisor to shape content strategy across the knowledge base, intranet and public site. You will apply user‑centred design, content frameworks and MSD style guides to ensure clear, accessible, and plain‑English content for staff and the public.

Leading a team, you will align policy, operational guidance, training and public information; collaborate with IT and AI initiatives to

Qualifications

• Senior-level experience leading digital content design in a large, complex organisation.
• Proven experience developing and delivering content strategies, frameworks, patterns and standards.
• Strong experience across knowledge bases, intranets and complex content systems.
• Ability to simplify complex information and write high‑quality, plain‑English content.
• Experience ensuring alignment across policy, operational guidance, training and public information.

Responsibilities

• Lead content strategy and delivery across the knowledge base, intranet and external website platform shift.
• Mentor and coach content designers; lift content capability and embed best practice.
• Work with business units, communications and IT partners; pilot AI tools to support content work.
• Ensure content is clear, accessible and written in plain English; align with MSD style guides.

Skills

Content strategy

Leadership

User-centered design

Plain English writing

Accessibility

Job description

1 Six month Fixed Term or Secondment opportunity1 Fixed Term or Secondment opportunity through to December 2027Based at National Office in WellingtonMSD is transforming how we deliver services, creating a welfare system that's simpler, smarter and centred on people.Join a talented team delivering one of New Zealand's most significant transformation programmes and help create better experiences and outcomes for New Zealanders.About the role | Mo te tungaYou'll join the Digital Content team within Service Delivery Communications, working alongside content, communications, engagement and technology specialists.The team plays a critical role in ensuring MSD's digital content is clear, consistent, accessible and aligned - supporting both staff and the public to understand information and complete tasks with confidence.As the Lead Content Designer, you'll be a senior member of the Digital Content team, dedicated to a significant programme of work focused on the knowledge base, intranet and external website platform shift.You'll lead content strategy and delivery across this workstream, applying user‑centred design principles, content frameworks and MSD style guides to ensure content is clear, accessible and written in plain English.A key focus of the role is making it easier for MSD staff to find, understand and use the information they need to support New Zealanders. You'll ensure strong alignment between the knowledge base, operational policy, operating standards, training material and external public information.You'll work closely with business units, communications teams and IT partners, including collaborating on the introduction of new, safe AI tools to support content work. You'll also mentor and coach team members, lifting content capability and embedding best practice across MSD.What you bring | Ou pumanawatangaSenior‑level experience leading digital content design in a large, complex organisationProven experience developing and delivering content strategies, frameworks, patterns and standardsStrong experience across knowledge bases, intranets and complex content systemsAbility to simplify complex information and write high‑quality, plain‑English contentExperience ensuring alignment across policy, operational guidance, training and public informationConfidence mentoring and coaching content designersExperience working with digital and IT teams, including AI‑enabled toolsCommitment to accessibility, inclusion and Te Tiriti o WaitangiUnlock potential. Join MSD.Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga TungaLead Digital Content Advisor, position descriptionSalary | Utu-a-tau: $122,381.00 - $152,296.00Applications close | Ka kati nga tono hei te: 11.59 pm, 15 November 2026Apply early, suitable candidates may be progressed prior to the closing date.About us | Mo matouThe 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, whanau and communities.As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner, we are committed to supporting and enabling Maori, whanau, hapu, 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.How to apply | Me pehea te tuku tonoBefore you submit your application, please take a moment to review our guidance to understand how AI can best support your application. Candidate Guidance - Responsible AI use in recruitment.To apply, click the 'Apply Now' button to upload your CV, cover letter and complete the online application form.Note: Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process. Please highlight how your skills and experience relate to the key responsibilities listed in the position description and job advertisement.All applications must be made online. If this is not possible or if you have any queries, please contact us at [e-mail] MSD Employees - please apply through your myHR portal at work. This will ensure that your myHR employee profile is visible as internal candidate.Joining us | Ko te hono maiJoining MSD means being part of a whanau 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.