Principal Advisor, Media

New Zealand Government; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

5 weeks annual leave

Professional Development fund

Wellbeing fund

Hybrid working environment

IT home bundle

Job summary

Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake invites an experienced media and communications professional to step into the Principal Advisor, Media role. Reporting to the Head of Communications and Engagement, you will guide proactive and reactive media engagement, advise on risk and reputational matters, and shape key messages across channels.

You will mentor colleagues, lead strategic plans, and build trusted relationships with stakeholders while supporting crisis communications in a dynamic crown

Qualifications

• Significant experience delivering strategic communications campaigns across multiple channels.
• Strong media engagement and issues management expertise.
• Excellent writing and storytelling skills; can translate complex information into clear content.
• Experience advising senior stakeholders and executives.

Responsibilities

• Lead proactive and reactive media engagement, including media releases and responses.
• Provide expert communications advice on priorities and reputation.
• Develop strategic and tactical communications plans informed by audience insights.
• Shape messaging across media, digital, and other channels.
• Support crisis communications planning and issues management.
• Build relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support coordinated engagement.

Skills

Strategic communications

Media engagement

Crisis/issues management

Written storytelling

Stakeholder relationships

Education

Tertiary qualification in communications/public relations/journalism

Job description

**About the role | Mō te mahi**We are looking for an experienced media and communications professional to join us as Principal Advisor, Media.Reporting to the Head of Communications and Engagement, you will lead NHC’s approach to proactive and reactive media engagement, providing expert advice on emerging issues, risk and reputation. You will develop and deliver strategic and tactical communication plans and activities that meet audience needs, strengthen stakeholder relationships and build trust and confidence in NHC. As a senior member of the team, you will be a trusted advisor and mentor to colleagues.*Key responsibilities include:** Lead proactive and reactive media engagement, including media releases, responses and risk management.* Provide expert communications advice on organisational priorities, emerging issues and reputation.* Develop strategic and tactical communications plans informed by audience insights and the wider operating environment.* Shape clear, accessible messaging and storytelling across media, digital and other organisational channels.* Support crisis communications planning and provide issues management advice..* Build strong relationships across NHC and with external stakeholders to support coordinated engagement and communications.**Skills & Experience| Ngā pukenga me ngā wheako**To be successful in this role you will bring:* Significant experience delivering strategic communications campaigns across a range of channels.* Strong media engagement and issues management expertise, supported by sound knowledge of strategic communications practice.* Excellent writing and storytelling skills, with the ability to turn complex information and insights into clear, compelling content.* Experience providing trusted advice to senior stakeholders and executives and building credible working relationships.* Strong planning and delivery skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and tight deadlines in changing environments.* A relevant tertiary qualification in communications, public relations, journalism or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience**What’s in it for you? | Nōu te rourou*** Competitive salary (including 3.5% superannuation)* 5 weeks annual leave* Commitment to your professional development (Professional Development fund)* Wellbeing fund | Access to inhouse Wellness Coach* Hybrid working environment* IT home bundle**Why NHC Toka Tū Ake is a great place to work**Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake is an Aotearoa (NZ) Crown entity that invests in natural hazard research and education as well as providing natural hazard insurance to residential property owners.NHC Toka Tū Ake mission is to reduce the impact on people and property when a natural hazard occurs while administering the natural hazard fund.Our values define who we are; they influence the way we work with each other and the way we engage with homeowners, stakeholders and with communities, every day.* Connection – ***hononga**** Curiosity – ***māhirahira**** Confidence – ***māia******He aha te mea nui o te au – he tāngata he tāngata he tāngata******What is the most important thing in the world; it is people, it is people, it is people.***Our commitment is a diverse and inclusive workforce because we know our culture thrives when we get this right.We make a difference for all New Zealanders and strive to increasingly reflect the diversity of communities we serve by including and valuing perspectives from all backgrounds including ethnicity, religion, gender, age, accessibility needs, sexual orientation, and national origin.**How to apply | Me pēhea te whakauru**For a more detailed understanding of the position or if you're ready to apply, please visit our Careers website by clicking Apply. If you have any questions about the role or require further information or assistance, please contact us at [e-mail]**Applications close Friday, 18 September 2026 at 5:00pm.****Note:** While we acknowledge that AI can be helpful, we want your application to represent *you*. Please ensure your CV and cover letter reflect your own voice and experiences.Applications sent via email will not be accepted. We encourage you to apply early as we will be reviewing applications as we receive them and reserve the right to close this advertisement early.