Public Affairs Manager

CGR Services; Wellington; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life cover

Critical illness protection

Discounted insurances

Will services

Savings schemes

Mortgage guidance

Diversity & inclusivity

Flexible work environment

Job summary

New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) in Wellington invites applications for a Public Affairs Manager. You will provide strategic advice to senior leaders, develop engagement plans, manage reputation, and coordinate across workstreams.

Based in Wellington with after-hours roster duties and compensation. You will bring proven experience in public affairs or stakeholder engagement, with strong written and verbal communication and stakeholder relationship skills.

Qualifications

• Experience in public affairs, communications or stakeholder engagement.
• Proven ability to advise senior leaders on complex issues.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Experience developing communication or engagement strategies.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic public affairs advice to senior leaders.
• Develop and deliver public affairs strategies and engagement plans.
• Identify and manage reputation risks and emerging issues.
• Support key organisational priorities, projects and initiatives.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate public affairs activity across multiple workstreams.
• Help leaders communicate through change and uncertainty.
• Contribute to long-term reputation and stakeholder outcomes.

Skills

Public affairs experience

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Advising senior leaders

Written and verbal communication

Job description

Public Affairs Manager New Zealand Government Wellington - Wairarapa, Wellington, NZ

Mō te tūnga | About the role

As a Public Affairs Manager, you will be at the centre of some of New Zealand Defence Force's most important conversations, providing strategic advice to senior leaders and helping shape how the organisation engages with its people, stakeholders and the public. This is a unique opportunity to influence organisational outcomes, protect and enhance reputation, and support leaders operating in a complex and highly visible environment. Working as part of a professional and collaborative Public Affairs team, you'll focus on strategy, influence and advice while drawing on the expertise of communications and media specialists across the wider function. In this role, you will:

• Provide strategic public affairs advice to senior leaders.
• Develop and deliver public affairs strategies and engagement plans.
• Identify and manage reputation risks and emerging issues.
• Support key organisational priorities, projects and initiatives.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate public affairs activity across multiple workstreams.
• Help leaders effectively communicate through change and uncertainty.
• Contribute to long-term reputation and stakeholder outcomes.

This role is based in Wellington. You will also participate in a rostered after-hours duty system to support media enquiries and emerging issues, for which compensation is provided.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

We're looking for a strategic thinker who can provide trusted advice, build strong relationships, and confidently navigate complex and dynamic environments. You may currently be working in public affairs, communications, media, stakeholder engagement, corporate affairs, or a related advisory role and be looking for an opportunity to broaden your influence and operate at a more strategic level. You will bring:

• Experience in public affairs, communications or stakeholder engagement.
• Proven ability to advise senior leaders on complex issues.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Experience developing communication or engagement strategies.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
• Strong influencing skills and the ability to build trusted partnerships.
• Sound judgement and the ability to identify risks and opportunities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Your skills and dedication deserve recognition, and NZDF delivers with competitive pay matched to your experience. But that's just the beginning – safeguard your loved ones with a fully funded life cover of up to $300,000 and critical illness protection. Other benefits include discounted additional insurances, free will services and savings schemes for the Defence community. Get expert financial guidance and mortgage broker services. Find all our benefits and more on the Force 4 Families website. NZDF champions diversity and inclusivity, valuing every member and fuelling their success. We embrace uniqueness, understanding that diverse teams drive creativity, innovation, and excellence. With an open door to all – irrespective of gender, ethnicity, ability, age, or family dynamics – NZDF offers a flexible, empowering work environment. Join us in shaping a brighter future, where everyone thrives.

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