Senior Advisor, City Activation & Strategy (Fixed-Term)

Wellington City Council; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Wellington City Council seeks a Principal Advisor to join the Activation, Arts & Economy team on a fixed-term basis. You will help shape how the team operates, connect its portfolio, and deliver impact for Wellington.

The role involves guiding senior leaders, coordinating with council teams, and building relationships with communities to realise vibrant city outcomes. You will lead significant projects, provide trusted advice, and help define priorities, governance and performance processes.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in a senior advisory, strategy, policy or programme leadership role.
• Ability to provide trusted advice and influence at a senior level.
• Experience in evolving environments and establishing new teams or ways of working.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.

Responsibilities

• Establish and embed new ways of working, priorities and business practices for a newly formed unit.
• Connect work across economic development, arts, culture and city activation portfolios.
• Support leaders to navigate ambiguity and implement new approaches.
• Provide high-quality strategic advice on complex issues and lead major projects.
• Build relationships across Council and with key external partners.
• Support decision-making with analysis, insights and evidence-based recommendations.
• Contribute to governance, reporting and performance activities.

Skills

Senior advisory

Strategy development

Policy leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Economic development

Cross-team collaboration

Job description

Wellington City Council seeks a Principal Advisor to join the Activation, Arts & Economy team on a fixed-term basis. You will help shape how the team operates, connect its portfolio, and deliver impact for Wellington.

The role involves guiding senior leaders, coordinating with council teams, and building relationships with communities to realise vibrant city outcomes. You will lead significant projects, provide trusted advice, and help define priorities, governance and performance processes.