Principal Media Advisor - Wellington

Kumara Vine; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 120,000 - 146,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

KiwiSaver

Job summary

The Ministry of Education in Wellington is seeking a Principal Media Advisor to shape responses and protect the organisation's reputation in a fast-paced, high-profile environment.

You will lead media strategies, brief senior leaders, manage complex issues, and support regional teams, with after-hours roster responsibilities and a salary reflective of experience.

Qualifications

• Developing and implementing media approaches in complex environments.
• Building relationships with senior leaders, journalists and Ministerial offices.
• Strong political awareness and understanding of government processes.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication, including media statements.
• Translating complex information into clear, audience-focused messaging.
• Managing media enquiries, reputation risks and crises.
• Using insights and data to inform communications and improvement.
• Influencing, coaching and supporting others in a team.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and delivery of media responses.
• Provide expert advice to senior leaders.
• Manage complex and high-profile media issues.
• Brief senior leaders and develop media approaches for education initiatives.
• Support regional teams with issues.
• Participate in after-hours media roster.
• Collaborate with the Director of Communications and Records.

Skills

Media strategy

Stakeholder relations

Crisis communications

Written communication

Political awareness

Team coaching

Job description

We work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes

Our 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 students in our education system.

This is a permanent full-time position based in Wellington, suited to highly experienced media professionals who thrive in a fast-paced, high-profile environment.

As Principal Media Advisor, you'll play a key role in protecting and enhancing the Ministry's reputation. Reporting to the Director of Communications and Records, you'll lead the development and delivery of media responses, provide expert advice to senior leaders, and manage complex and high-profile media issues. You'll operate at the heart of the organisation, influencing how the Ministry responds to emerging issues, engages with media, and communicates with the public. Along with being part of our media after-hours roster, this is a role where no two days are the same. One day you could be briefing senior leaders, the next, developing media approaches for education initiatives or supporting regional teams with their issues.

Salary range: $120,171 - $145,560 per annum + KiwiSaver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.

We're looking for an experienced media professional who can confidently operate in a complex public sector environment. You'll bring strong media knowledge, sound judgement, and the ability to craft compelling messages that resonate with diverse audiences. You’ll enjoy building trusted relationships, thrive under pressure, and are passionate about delivering high-quality advice that supports organisational goals.

Your skillset will include:

Significant experience developing and implementing media approaches in complex environments.

Proven success building and maintaining effective relationships with senior leaders, journalists, media outlets, and Ministerial offices.

Strong political awareness and understanding of government processes, with the ability to navigate ambiguity and sensitive issues.

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including preparing media statements, responses and briefing materials.

Expertise in translating complex information into clear, compelling and audience-focused messaging.

Experience managing media enquiries, reputation risks and crisis communications with professionalism and sound judgement.

A strong focus on using insights, research and data to inform communication approaches and drive continuous improvement.

The ability to influence, coach and support others while contributing to a collaborative, high-performing team culture.

Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver quality outcomes under tight deadlines.

Joining our team means being part of a collaborative and purpose-driven environment where your expertise will be valued, your advice will influence key decisions, and your work will contribute to shaping positive outcomes for education.

Te Pou Rangatōpū | Corporate has two key roles which operate together:

keeping the Ministry safe by delivering essential Ministry-wide statutory and corporate functions and

delivering improvements to how the Ministry works, so we can achieve our priorities and support the Ministry to deliver the current Government’s priorities.

As part of the Ministry’s corporate business unit, the Communications and Records Group is responsible for media management, internal communications and major event communications. They also oversee content and channels strategies, print production services and manage the Ministry’s visual identity management. The Group ensures record keeping is consistent with Public Records Act Audit findings and aligns with the recommendations from the Royal Commission – Abuse in Care and reflect the principles of the Care Records Framework.

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.