Principal Advisor Communications and Engagement

Ministry of Health New Zealand; Wellington; On-site; NZD 140,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Ministry of Health New Zealand is seeking a Principal Advisor to lead strategic communications and engagement initiatives across high-profile programmes. You will provide trusted advice to senior leaders, develop evidence-informed strategies, and build relationships that help drive outcomes for New Zealanders.

This leadership role focuses on influencing decisions, strengthening organisational capability, and championing best practice across the Ministry and wider sector.

Qualifications

• 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 advising senior leaders and Ministers.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and ability to build influential relationships across government and sector.
• Advanced expertise across key communications disciplines, including media, digital, internal or Ministerial communications.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic communications and engagement initiatives to support Ministry priorities.
• Provide expert communications, engagement and media advice to senior leaders to 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, health sector and external partners.

Skills

Strategic communications

Media advice

Writing skills

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership & mentoring

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.

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

Applications close on Monday 5 Oct 2026.