Principal Advisor, Enterprise Communications

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi; Wellington; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Five weeks annual leave

Life insurance

Income protection

Critical illness insurance

Flexible work arrangements

Job summary

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is seeking a Principal Advisor to lead and deliver strategic communications and engagement across key portfolios. You will provide strategic advice and hands-on delivery to business groups, programmes and project teams to achieve successful outcomes.

You will develop clear narratives, manage communications risk, and ensure activity aligns with government priorities, with opportunities to work with local government partners where applicable.

Qualifications

• Experience leading strategic communications for large programmes or projects.
• Ability to develop integrated communications strategies and manage risk.
• Excellent writing and editing skills to translate complex information into clear messages.
• Strong experience across internal/external comms, stakeholder engagement, media and content development.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver strategic communications across key portfolios and programmes.
• Provide strategic advice to senior leaders and partners.
• Drive internal and external communications, manage risk, and support delivery priorities.

Skills

Strategic communications

Engagement

Writing & editing

Stakeholder management

Public sector experience

Tools

IAP2 training

Job description

• Lead, deliver and support external and internal communications for key programmes of work across the organisation with a customer-led focus
• Be a trusted advisor to senior leaders and partners, shaping clear, coordinated narratives in a complex, dynamic environment
• Experience working in infrastructure and/or large complex organisations would be advantageous
• Permanent opportunity based in Auckland or Wellington

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Principal Advisor to lead and deliver strong strategic communications and engagement across key portfolios and programmes of work. You will provide strategic advice and hands‑on delivery, supporting business groups, programmes and project teams to achieve successful outcomes.

In this role, you will drive best‑practice internal and external communications, working closely with senior leaders, partners and stakeholders across the organisation. Your work will help shape understanding, build trust and confidence, and support delivery across a range of priorities.

As a trusted advisor, you will develop clear, compelling narratives, proactively manage communications risk, and ensure activity is aligned with organisational strategy and wider government priorities.

Some of your work will focus on supporting partnerships with local government so experience working with local government would be advantageous.

You will find out more about the role here: Position Description.

Ō Pūmanawa | What we’re looking for

Our Ideal Candidate Will Have Some Or All The Following (but Don’t Worry If You Don’t Tick Every Box)

• Experience leading strategic communications and engagement for programmes or projects within a large, complex organisation
• Proven ability to develop and deliver integrated communications strategies, managing risk, solving complex issues, and working with ambiguity
• Excellent writing and editing skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear, compelling messages
• Strong experience across a range of communications disciplines, including internal and external communications, stakeholder engagement, media, and content development
• Proven ability to build credibility and trusted relationships with senior leaders, programme owners, and external stakeholders
• Experience operating in politically and publicly accountable environments
• Knowledge of, or a willingness to build capability in, Te Ao Māori, tikanga, Te Reo Māori, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi as it applies in the public sector
• A relevant tertiary qualification in communications or a related discipline (IAP2 training desirable but not essential)

Mō mātou | About us

At NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) our purpose is: Transport networks that deliver for people, places and New Zealand.

The purpose of our Te Waka Kōtuia - Engagement and Partnerships Group is to navigate the journey of NZTA to uphold trust and confidence by building strong relationships, telling great stories to achieve change, and managing our reputation.

Within this group, the Enterprise Communications team is the centre of excellence for communications practice across NZTA, providing leadership and advice on internal and external communications and stakeholder engagement.

He aha te take e uru ai koe ki a mātou? | So, why join us?

At NZTA, you'll be part of an organisation where the different backgrounds, perspectives and life experiences of our people are celebrated. We want you to feel like you belong here - valued, respected, and empowered to bring your whole self to work.

From five weeks annual leave through to Life, Income Protection and Critical Illness Insurance for our permanent employees – you will be well looked after here. Our benefits are designed to support our people and provide a happy, healthy and high-performing environment. We take a principle-based approach to flexibility that enables our people and their People Leaders to discuss and agree the arrangements that work best for the individual, the team, and the organisation. And whether it’s on‑job experience, signing up to a course, coaching opportunities, or secondments to other roles within NZTA – you can build a varied and successful career with us and grow your potential.

Rā Katinga | Applications close:

24 November 2026

For further information, email: [e-mail]

To be considered for this position you must have a legal right to live and work in New Zealand.

Waka Kotahi is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We recognise the importance of diversity and inclusion and are committed to providing a working environment that embraces these values. Please let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.

Please note that we may begin shortlisting as we receive applications. We encourage early applications as we may withdraw the advertising at any time.