Principal Advisor, Media

Earthquake Commission; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; 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 Wellington seeks an experienced Principal Advisor, Media to lead proactive and reactive media engagement and advise on emerging issues. You will report to the Head of Communications and Engagement and guide strategic plans that strengthen stakeholder trust.

You will develop and deliver campaigns, shape clear messaging across channels, mentor colleagues, and build credibility with executives and partners across NZ. This role offers a hybrid work arrangement.

Qualifications

• Significant experience delivering strategic communications campaigns across channels.
• Strong media engagement and issues management expertise.
• Excellent writing and storytelling skills; clear content from complex info.
• Experience advising senior stakeholders and building relationships.
• Strong planning and delivery skills under tight deadlines.
• Relevant tertiary qualification in communications, PR, journalism, or equivalent.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Media relations

Crisis communications

Strategic communications

Stakeholder management

Writing and storytelling

Executive advisory

Education

Comm/PR/Journ degree

Job description

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.

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

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.

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.

Location(s) Wellington

Expertise Communications, Engagement, Marketing & Communication, Strategy