Senior Communications Adviser

Marketplace; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 105,000 - 148,000; Full time

Job summary

Ara Poutama Aotearoa – Department of Corrections in Wellington (Te Whanganui a Tara) seeks a Senior Communications Adviser for the Internal and Strategic Communications Team. You will translate priorities into clear, engaging messaging and provide trusted advice to leaders and project teams.

This role blends strategy with hands-on content delivery, supporting major initiatives and events. You will manage digital channels, develop resources, and align communications with the department’s goals

Qualifications

• Proven communications experience across multiple channels.
• Ability to provide trusted advice to leaders and project teams.
• Experience shaping messages for large, complex organisations.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic communications guidance to leaders and teams.
• Develop communication plans and compelling content across formats.
• Manage digital channels and intranet platforms to deliver outcomes.
• Support change initiatives and events with targeted messages.
• Build stakeholder relationships and promote best practices in comms.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic communications

Content creation

Advisory skills

Digital channels

Job description

# Senior Communications Adviser at Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections), Wellington (Te Whanganui a Tara)## Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role* Join a collaborative team where your ideas and expertise will make a real impact.* Use your creativity and communications expertise to influence outcomes that matter.* Fixed Term/Secondment opportunity until June 2027.**Mō te tūnga | About the role**As a Senior Communications Adviser in our Internal and Strategic Communications Team, you'll help bring priorities, initiatives, and strategic direction to life through clear, engaging, and effective communications. Working closely with leaders and teams across the organisation, you'll provide trusted advice, develop communication plans, create compelling content, and deliver communications that inform, connect, and inspire our people.This is a varied role that combines strategic thinking with hands-on delivery. You'll support key projects, change initiatives, and events, manage digital communication channels, develop engaging resources, and identify opportunities to strengthen organisational communication and engagement. As a communications champion, you'll promote best practice, build strong stakeholder relationships, and help ensure our messaging is clear, consistent, and aligned with our Department's goals.**Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience**To be successful in this role, you'll bring:* Proven communications experience, with the ability to develop clear, engaging, and audience-focused content across a range of channels and formats.* Strong relationship-building and influencing skills, with the confidence to provide trusted advice to leaders, managers, and project teams.* Experience partnering with leaders as a trusted adviser, providing strategic guidance and practical solutions.* Confidence using digital communications channels, content management systems, intranet platforms, and emerging technologies to deliver effective communication outcomes.* An understanding of the New Zealand public sector environment and the ability to operate effectively in a complex and politically aware setting.**Ngā painga | The benefits**The midpoint of the salary range is $123,511 per annum and the full range (85%-120%) is $104,985 - $148,214 per annum. Appointment and remuneration will reflect skills and experience relevant to the role.**Mō mātou | About us**Join Ara Poutama Aotearoa - Department of Corrections, where your work will contribute to improving public safety, reducing re-offending, and address the overrepresentation of Māori in correctional facilities. As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship), and whānau (relationships) to guide our work and achieve the goals of our Hōkai Rangi strategy.We value inclusion and diversity in our workforce, and as a Public Service organisation we are committed to building a workforce that reflects the public we serve. We strive to make our recruitment process fair, and we encourage you to discuss reasonable accommodations with us if required.**Tono ināianei | Apply Now**To submit an application and view the position description, click the apply link. All applications must be submitted through our careers site to ensure transparency – applications received via email will not be considered.When applying, submit a tailored **CV and a cover letter** describing your motivation for joining the department highlighting relevant skills and experience and the alignment to our work.**Applications close on: Sunday the 1st of November**If you have any questions or want to learn more about a career with us, contact [e-mail], or visit **careers.corrections.govt.nz.****We are not accepting applications via recruitment agencies for this role. Unsolicited CVs submitted by agencies will not be accepted and no agency fees will apply.**## Ngā taipitopito tūranga mahi | Job details| | || --- | --- || Employer: | Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections) || Location: | Wellington (Te Whanganui a Tara) || Position type: | Fixed Term/Secondment || Category: | Communications, media, & marketing || Date listed: | 19-Oct-2026 || Salary range: | $104,985 - $148,214 || Closing date: | 01-Nov-2026 || Reference: | NZ/1953055 || Attachment: | P&C - Communications & Govt Services - Senior Communications Adviser - Internal Comms.DOCX (Word, 306KB)Position Description || File links: | || Website: | |