Membership & Communications Manager

NZSAE; Wellington; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

New Zealand Association of General Surgeons is seeking a Membership and Communications Manager to lead member engagement, communications, media, and advocacy support. Working with the CEO, you will ensure clear, timely communications with members, stakeholders and partners, and drive engagement across NZAGS’ digital channels.

The role combines strategic thinking with practical delivery, developing member resources, surveys and engagement campaigns while supporting policy activity and strategic

Qualifications

• Proven experience in communications, membership engagement, stakeholder engagement, policy or a related field.
• Excellent writing, editing and content development skills.
• Confidence preparing material for different audiences, including members, senior stakeholders, media and the wider public.
• Experience with digital communications, including websites, newsletters and social media.
• Strong relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Communications and media: develop and deliver NZAGS’ communications across newsletters, website, social media and external channels.
• Policy and advocacy support: assist with submissions, briefing notes and position statements.
• Digital channels and systems: manage website content and CRM/membership platforms; use analytics to improve campaigns.
• Projects and organisational support: lead or support strategic projects; report on activity; collaborate across the organisation.

Skills

Communications

Membership engagement

Stakeholder engagement

Policy

Writing

Editing

Content development

Digital communications

Websites & newsletters

Social media

Relationship management

Project management

Microsoft 365

CRM / membership database

Public policy work

Tools

CRM systems

Microsoft 365

Digital platforms

Job description

The Membership and Communications Manager is responsible for leading NZAGS’ member engagement, communications, media, and advocacy support functions. Working closely with the CEO, this role ensures NZAGS communicates clearly and effectively with its members, stakeholders, partners, and the wider health sector.

Organisation

Organisation New Zealand Association of General Surgeons

Location

Location Wellington Central, Wellington (Hybrid)

Type

The Membership and Communications Manager is responsible for leading NZAGS’ member engagement, communications, media, and advocacy support functions. Working closely with the CEO, this role ensures NZAGS communicates clearly and effectively with its members, stakeholders, partners, and the wider health sector.

This is a varied and hands-on role that combines strategic thinking with practical delivery. The Membership and Communications Manager will develop and deliver communications across NZAGS’ digital channels, strengthen membership engagement and retention, support policy and advocacy activity, and help deliver strategic projects that advance the organisation’s purpose.

The role requires a confident communicator who can write well, manage relationships, understand the needs of a professional membership organisation, and work comfortably across both operational and strategic priorities.

Key responsibilities

Communications and media

• Develop and deliver NZAGS’ communications approach across newsletters, website, social media, member updates and external communications.
• Prepare clear, professional and engaging written content for a range of audiences.
• Support media engagement, including preparing media releases, statements, briefing notes and key messages.
• Monitor relevant health sector issues and identify opportunities for NZAGS to contribute to public and sector conversations.
• Maintain a consistent NZAGS voice and ensure communications are timely, accurate and professional.
• Lead initiatives to strengthen member engagement, onboarding, retention and value.
• Maintain regular communication with members and ensure they are informed about NZAGS activity, advocacy, events and opportunities.
• Support the development of member resources, surveys, feedback processes and engagement campaigns.
• Help identify opportunities to grow membership and improve the member experience.
• Work with the CEO to understand member needs and translate feedback into practical improvements.

Policy and advocacy support

• Support the CEO with policy, advocacy and stakeholder engagement activity.
• Assist with preparing submissions, briefing papers, position statements and consultation responses.
• Track relevant health policy developments and support NZAGS’ contribution to sector discussions.
• Help build and maintain relationships with key external stakeholders, including health sector organisations, government agencies and professional bodies.

Digital channels and systems

• Manage and update NZAGS’ website content and digital communication platforms.
• Support the effective use of CRM and membership systems to improve communication and engagement.
• Use analytics and member feedback to monitor the effectiveness of communications and campaigns.
• Maintain accurate member communication lists and support good data management practices.

Projects and organisational support

• Lead or support strategic projects agreed with the CEO.
• Plan, coordinate and deliver communications and engagement activity for NZAGS initiatives.
• Contribute to reporting on communications, membership, media and project activity.
• Work flexibly across the organisation to support priorities as they arise.

Key relationships

• Chief Executive Officer
• NZAGS members
• NZAGS Executive and committees
• Health sector stakeholders
• Industry partners and external suppliers
• RACS and other professional bodies, as required

Skills and experience

The successful candidate will bring:

• Proven experience in communications, membership engagement, stakeholder engagement, policy or a related field.
• Excellent writing, editing and content development skills.
• Confidence preparing material for different audiences, including members, senior stakeholders, media and the wider public.
• Experience with digital communications, including websites, newsletters and social media.
• Strong relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Sound judgement, discretion and political awareness.
• Strong organisational and project management skills.
• Confidence working independently in a small team environment.
• The ability to balance strategic thinking with hands‑on delivery.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and digital communication tools.
• Experience working in a membership organisation, professional body, health sector organisation or not-for‑profit.
• Understanding of New Zealand’s health sector and health policy environment.
• Media relations or issues management experience.
• CRM or membership database experience.
• Experience supporting advocacy, submissions or public policy work.

Personal attributes

• Professional, organised and self‑motivated.
• Clear, confident and thoughtful communicator.
• Practical and solutions‑focused.
• Comfortable working with senior professionals and external stakeholders.
• Able to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Collaborative, adaptable and calm under pressure.
• High level of integrity, discretion and attention to detail.

This is an opportunity to take on a meaningful and varied role within a respected professional organisation that supports general surgeons and surgical care across Aotearoa New Zealand. You’ll work closely with the CEO, have direct visibility across the organisation’s work, and contribute to communications, membership and advocacy activity that genuinely matters.