Manager - communications engagement

New Zealand Government; Wellington; On-site; NZD 169,000 - 225,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading government agency in New Zealand as the Manager of Communications & Engagement, where you'll lead a dynamic team, drive effective communication strategies, and work closely with key stakeholders including Ministers' offices. This high-impact role shapes transport communications, enhancing the lives of New Zealanders.

Benefits

Health and wellbeing benefits

Additional Ministry leave days

Employee networks

Qualifications

• Proven experience in leading communications and engagement within central government.
• Demonstrated experience in managing significant communications and engagement work programmes.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with political awareness.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a high performing team in communications and engagement.
• Manage engagement with Ministers' offices and develop communication strategies.
• Refresh the Ministry's web presence and manage media relationships.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Negotiation

Strategic Thinking

Education

Tertiary qualification in Communications

Job description

Position Title: Manager - Communications & Engagement

Team and Group: Communications & Engagement, Corporate Services

Position Type: Permanent, Full Time

Location: Wellington CBD office

Salary: $169,590 - $224,313 + KiwiSaver, laptop & mobile

• Lead a high performing diverse and talented team
• Work closely with the Minister's office and senior executives
• Provide strategic and operational guidance, advice and support on all aspects of engagement and communications for the Ministry

About the Ministry of Transport | He kupu mo matou Te Manatu Waka

The Ministry of Transport is an impartial, expert and trusted adviser to government, shaping transport for New Zealand. We work to deliver a well-functioning transport system that helps grow New Zealand's economy and productivity. The Ministry's values are integrity, excellence, and collaboration.

About the opportunity | Nga whakamarama mo te tunga

As the Manager - Communications and Engagement, you will lead a busy and talented team providing strategic and operational guidance and advice on all aspects of communications and engagement for the Ministry. This includes internal and external communications, ministerial co-ordination, stakeholder engagement support, media management and communications channels.

This is a high impact role and the work the team delivers is important, varied and has a real impact on the lives of New Zealanders. The team covers interesting transport topics - including road safety, aviation on- time performance, and legislative changes.

As the manager you'll know what good practice looks like and can easily engage and work closely with Ministers' offices, senior executives, other government agencies and technical experts to ensure the team is delivering strategic, timely, accurate and effective communication.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and mentoring a high performing communications and engagement team
• Leading the design, development, and implementation of Ministry-wide communications and engagement strategies and work programmes
• Managing engagement with the Ministers' offices
• Refreshing the Ministry of Transport website and ensuring the Ministry has a strong web presence internally and externally across communication channels
• Managing the team's workflow including appropriate planning, resourcing allocation, and prioritisation of work
• Developing and maintaining a strong working relationship with the media

What you'll bring | Te wahi ki a koe

• Demonstrated successful experience leading communications and engagement within central government, providing advice to senior leaders (Tier 1 and 2 leaders)

• Demonstrated successful experience in delivery leadership, including managing a significant communications and engagement work programme and being responsive to the needs of Ministers and their offices, and of senior leaders
• Extensive knowledge, experience and successful capability in leading the design, implementation and management of communications and engagement strategies and plans
• Extensive experience and demonstrated successful capability in effectively leading people through change as well as proactively identifying opportunities to develop people
• Strong experience and demonstrated capability to operate strategically while leading a team to deliver on day-to-day and reactive outputs as required
• Extensive experience and demonstrated capability in successful communication (written and verbal), negotiation and influencing skills demonstrating political nous
• An understanding of Te Reo, Tikanga and Matauranga Maori or a demonstrated willingness to learning and grow in this area
• A tertiary qualification preferably in Communications.

Salary range | Whanuitanga Utu a-Tau

The salary band range for this position is $169,590 - $224,313 per annum + KiwiSaver. The salary offered will reflect the skills and experience you bring and the Ministry's salary relativities.

What we offer | Te wahi ki a matou

You'll be joining a small and agile agency with strong values. We maintain a flat structure and strive towards being a high-performing Ministry motivated to achieve success.

You'll receive a range of employee benefits including additional Ministry leave days, health and wellbeing benefits and a welcoming range of employee networks.

You'll enjoy working collaboratively across the wider ministry and transport sector and, relish the chance to take the helm to drive success and make your own mark.

Join us and be a part of our passionate ministry, shaping the future of transport in New Zealand.

How to apply | Me pehea te tono mai

To view the job description, or apply online, click Apply.

Please include a CV and cover letter highlighting your relevant skills and experience.

You must have right to live and work in New Zealand and be based in Wellington or, be ready to relocate. Other locations will not be considered.

Applications close midnight, Tuesday 24 June 2025.

For further information or to speak confidentially, please contact Senior Recruitment Adviser, Rebecca Bakker at [e-mail].

We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds, orientations, and identities. We aim to have a Ministry that represents the wider Aotearoa that we serve. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels relevant, valued, supported and a sense of belonging.

For any support or accessibility needs during our recruitment process, please contact us at [e-mail].

Please note, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies to fill this vacancy and unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies will not be accepted.