Senior Communications Advisor

New Zealand Government Joba; Wellington; On-site; NZD 94,000 - 118,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Internal Affairs seeks a senior communications adviser to provide strategic guidance, engage diverse audiences, and manage reputational risks. You will help staff understand the department’s priorities and support change communications while working with senior leaders on major initiatives.

Applicants should think strategically with strong political radar, juggling multiple projects and delivering high-impact communications across the organisation.

Qualifications

• Experience in developing and executing communications strategies aligned with organisational priorities.
• Experience managing change communications and complex stakeholder groups.
• Strong knowledge of communications principles and frameworks.
• Understanding of government structures and processes.
• Ability to interpret data to tailor communication approaches to audiences.
• Ability to engage with stakeholders across all levels of an organisation.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic communications advice to senior leaders.
• Engage with diverse audiences and manage reputational issues and risks.
• Support change communications and help convey department strategy and priorities.
• Work with senior leaders on priority projects and cross-agency collaboration.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Change communications

Governance knowledge

Audience analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Communications frameworks

Job description

About Us

Mō mătou Enterprise Services | Nuku Toiere plays a pivotal role in shaping how the organisation operates and succeeds. As an enterprise-wide function, the branch delivers high-impact services across legal, finance, people and culture, communications, and strategy, governance and risk, supporting informed decision-making and strong organisational performance.

The role

We’re looking for a senior communications adviser to join our communications team to provide strategic advice, engage with diverse audiences and manage reputational issues and risks. You’ll play a key role in helping our people understand the department’s strategy and priorities, and support change communications. This is a great opportunity to work with senior leaders and focus on providing communications support for some of our biggest priorities. We are looking for someone who can think strategically and see the big picture, who has a good political radar and can juggle multiple projects.

What you bring

• Experience in developing and executing communications strategies that align with an organisation’s priorities.
• Experience managing change communications.
• Strong knowledge of communications principles and frameworks.
• An understanding of government structures and processes.
• The ability interpret data to understand audience needs and tailor the communications approach accordingly.
• The ability to work at all levels of organisations and to relate to and gain the confidence of stakeholders.

For you

At the Department of Internal Affairs, we are committed to offering a collaborative and innovative culture where your perspective and ideas will be welcomed. We want you to thrive in a successful, high-performing team of communications professionals, where development is a priority. We want our people to thrive within a culture of best practice, while being able to set and achieve goals and being encouraged to challenge the status quo. To learn more about the diverse, important mahi we do at the Department and see why we’re a great place to work check out our website https://www.dia.govt.nz/. Benefits - About Internal Affairs - Careers with us - Benefits - dia.govt.nz

Salary

The appointing range for this role is $94,499 - $117,598

Application deadline

Applications for this role close 11 October 2026, 5.00pm. Please also note that you must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand to be considered for this role.

Questions

If you have any questions, please e-mail Manager Corporate Communications, [e-mail]