Senior Communications Advisor

Department-of-Internal-Affairs-Nz; Wellington; On-site; NZD 94,000 - 118,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Internal Affairs is seeking a senior communications adviser to provide strategic communications guidance, engage diverse audiences and manage reputational risks. You will support change communications and help teams understand the department's priorities, including work with senior leaders in Wellington.

You will think strategically with a strong political radar, able to juggle multiple projects and contribute to overall corporate communications objectives.

Qualifications

• Experience developing and executing communications strategies that align with priorities.
• Experience managing change communications.
• Strong knowledge of communications principles and frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic communications advice to senior leaders and teams.
• Engage with diverse audiences and manage reputational issues and risks.
• Support change communications and priority initiatives across the department.
• Think strategically and manage multiple projects with political radar and big-picture focus.

Skills

Strategy development

Change communications

Communications principles

Government structures

Audience insights

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

About Us | Mō mātou

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 | Te tūnga

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 | Nōu te rourou

• 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 | Mōu

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 whywe'rea great placeto work check out our website https://www.dia.govt.nz/

Benefits - About Internal Affairs - Careers with us - Benefits - dia.govt.nz

The appointing range for this role is $94,499 - $117,598
To review the full job description, please click here

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