Principal Advisor, Workforce Channels

Ministry of Education; Wellington; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 146,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Extra days leave

Employee networks

Inclusive environment

Mentorship programmes

Wellness initiatives

Job summary

Ministry of Education is seeking a Principal Advisor - Workforce Channels to lead strategic communications for the Education Workforce programme. You will drive content strategy, manage multi-channel storytelling (video, podcasts, case studies), and coordinate with cross-functional teams to attract and retain teaching professionals.

The role involves providing expert media advice, leading media responses, and shaping communications that reflect audience needs.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in strategic communications, media, or public relations.
• Strong storytelling skills and the ability to craft compelling narratives.
• Experience managing content briefs and ensuring end products meet the brief.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of strategic communications planning and content strategy to build awareness of the education workforce programme.
• Be the communications and engagement lead on projects within a wider delivery team.
• Provide expert advice on communications and media strategies.

Skills

Strategic communications

Media relations

Storytelling

Content briefs management

Cross-functional collaboration

Public sector experience

Pressure management

Job description

Help shape the future of education in New ZealandHelp shape the future of EducationWe work toshapeaneducationsystem that deliversequitableandexcellent outcomesOur organisation is made up of talented and committed people around Aotearoa, from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. While we work in different groups and on different things, we all strive every day to make the biggest difference we can for our ākonga in our education system.

About this role | Mō ūn tūnăra

Shape the Future of the Education Workforce. Are you an experienced communicator with a passion for storytelling and a drive to make a real impact, who is able to manage multiple deadlines? Join the Education Workforce Channels Team as a Principal Advisor - Workforce Channels, where your expertise will help elevate the education profession. As a Principal Advisor, you'll play a pivotal role in developing and delivering strategies, communications, and content that reflect the needs and aspirations of our audiences. You'll work in and with cross discipline teams to ensure our initiatives are well-targeted and help attract more people into the teaching profession. This is a high-impact role where your influence, advice and solutions will help shape how we communicate with and about the education workforce. You'll also provide expert advice on communication and media issues, supporting the wider Ministry communications group to deliver effective, audience-focused work plans.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the development and delivery of the strategic communications planning, including the content strategy, to build awareness and understanding of the education workforce programme so more people want to become teachers and stay in the profession
• Be the communications and engagement lead on projects and initiatives as part of a wider delivery team
• Provide expert advice on communication and media strategies
• Lead media responses for the group
• Draft and deliver the channels content strategy to build a proactive story calendar delivered through a variety of channels (video, podcasts, case studies) that meets stakeholder and audience needs, and elevates the teaching profession

Salary range: $120,171 - $145,560 per annum + KiwiSaver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience. For more details about the role, you can view the Job Description here.

About you | Mōhou ake

We are looking for a creative communications and engagement superstar who can bring together projects and initiatives under the umbrella of a strong narrative, positioning the education sector as a career of choice, while making sure individual initiatives are promoted to the right audience and at the right time.

We are after someone who is used to juggling deadlines while continuing to deliver high- quality communications and engagement solutions that meet the needs of the target audience. Experience handling media responses is an advantage.

You will also offer:

• Proven experience in strategic communications, media, or public relations
• A strategic thinker who is able to roll up their sleeves and deliver high-quality channel appropriate content
• Strong storytelling skills and the ability to craft compelling narratives
• Experience managing content briefs and ensuring the end products (videos, podcast etc) meet the brief effectively
• A collaborative mindset and the ability to influence across teams and functions
• Experience working in or with the public sector or education sector is a plus
• Someone who works well under pressure and can manage multiple deadlines
• A passion for developing different ways in getting information out to audiences and making a difference in the education space
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

About our group and team | Mātāu rōpūt ake

Te Pou Ohumahi Mātauranga | Education Workforce is working to enable a strong culturally competent education workforce that drives a world leading learner-focused education system. In Workforce Experience and Delivery we work as a multi- disciplinary team to provide the workforce with the services and support they need to thrive, enabling a focus on student success.

We also offer:

• Flexible working arrangements where everyone feels valued & supported
• The ability to purchase extra days leave
• A range of employee network groups
• An inclusive environment that encourages your personal cultural competency journey
• Development and learning, including mentorship programmes and internal secondments
• Wellness initiatives to support your overall health and wellbeing

Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe ʳ “the mahi?

We want our people to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.

For further information, please contact Kim Whitaker, Manager Workforce Channels at: [e-mail]

Applications close at 11.59pm on Wednesday, 25 November 2026