Principal Advisor Communications and Engagement

Ministry of Health; Wellington; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Ministry of Health in Wellington seeks a Principal Advisor to lead strategic communications and engagement across programs. You'll provide trusted media and communications advice to senior leaders, shape evidence-informed strategies, and build relationships with government, health sector, and external partners.

This leadership role offers opportunities to influence decision-making, strengthen capability, and champion best practice across the public health system.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience delivering strategic communications and engagement in complex environments.
• Exceptional writing skills, turning complex issues into clear messages.
• Trusted judgement and political savvy with experience advising senior leaders and Ministers.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic communications and engagement initiatives that support Ministry priorities.
• Provide expert communications, engagement and media advice to senior leaders, helping shape decisions and manage risk.
• Drive complex projects and workstreams to deliver high-quality outcomes.
• Coach and mentor others, building team capability and continuous improvement.
• Build influential relationships across government, the health sector, and external partners.

Skills

Strategic communications

Writing skills

Political acumen

Stakeholder engagement

Communications disciplines

Job description

Lead communications and engagement activity across a range of channels on issues that matter to New Zealanders Provide trusted strategic communications and media advice to senior leaders, helping them navigate opportunities, risks and public scrutiny Coach and mentor others, building capability and driving continuous improvement across the team Midpoint of $145,198 dependent on experience

Ko tōu ake mahi - What you’ll do

As Principal Advisor, you'll play a key leadership role in shaping and delivering strategic communications and engagement initiatives that support the Ministry's priorities. Working across complex and high-profile programmes, you'll provide trusted advice to senior leaders, lead the development of evidence-informed strategies, and build strong relationships that help drive meaningful outcomes for New Zealanders. This is an opportunity to influence decision-making, strengthen organisational capability, and champion best practice across the Ministry and wider sector.

• Lead strategic communications and engagement initiatives that support key Ministry priorities
• Provide expert communications, engagement and media advice to senior leaders, helping shape decisions and manage risk
• Drive complex projects and workstreams to deliver high-quality outcomes
• Coach and mentor others, building team capability and continuous improvement
• Build influential relationships across government, the health sector, and external partners

Ko ngā pūkenga ōu - What you’ll bring

• Extensive experience delivering strategic communications and engagement in complex environments
• Exceptional writing skills, turning complex issues into clear, compelling messages
• Trusted judgement and political savvy, with experience providing advice to senior leaders and Ministers
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to build influential relationships across government and the sector
• Advanced expertise across key communications disciplines, with strengths in areas such as media, digital, internal or Ministerial communications

Ngā hua o tō mātou whare - What we bring

Discover a world of opportunities for personal and professional growth. We’re not just a workplace; we’re a whanau that values your well-being and the importance of work-life balance. At Manatū Hauora, we value the authentic ‘you’, ensuring that every voice is heard and every perspective matters. Your wellness is our priority, with comprehensive support and resources to keep you thriving. Join us today and be part of a team dedicated to improving healthcare. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment, welcoming applicants from diverse backgrounds. We value the unique perspectives and experiences each individual brings. Please contact us if you require any support to ensure the recruitment process is accessible.

Applications close on Monday 5 Oct 2026.

Please note: You must be based in Wellington and have full-time permanent working rights in NZ to be considered for this position.

We are not receiving recruitment agency submissions at this time.

The Ministry of Health is steward of the New Zealand health system and the lead advisor to Government on health. Our overarching goal is for all New Zealanders to live longer and in better health to have an improved quality of life. As steward, we set the direction across the health system so we and others can make informed decisions and prioritise resources accordingly. We advise the Government on health policy, and regulate and monitor the health system, to ensure all New Zealanders have access to health care for better health outcomes. Our role is to create an environment where all New Zealanders are supported to stay well and where all parts of the health system are supported to operate at their best.