Senior Communications and Engagement Advisor

IAWAI; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

IAWAI - Flowing Waters is delivering a transformative $3 billion water infrastructure programme across Hamilton and Waikato. We are seeking two Senior Communications and Engagement Advisors to support engagement with communities, mana whenua partners, and stakeholders while translating complex information into clear narratives.

These senior roles require a proven track record in major projects, exceptional writing, and the ability to lead multi-project communications.

Qualifications

• 10+ years' experience delivering communications and engagement for significant, complex infrastructure projects.
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with senior leaders, project teams, community groups, partners, and external stakeholders.
• Strong strategic and operational communications capability with integrated plans.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and delivery of strategic communications and engagement plans for major infrastructure projects and organisational initiatives.
• Provide trusted communications and engagement advice to senior leaders, project managers, and technical specialists.
• Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders across local government, communities, customers, and partner organisations.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic communications

Writing and storytelling

Public sector experience

Collaboration across teams

Education

Tertiary qualification in communications/public relations/journalism/engagement

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Senior Communications and Engagement Advisor

Hamilton City and Waikato District Councils have formed a publicly owned, Council-controlled Organisation (CCO) to deliver water services across Hamilton city and Waikato district. The company is called IAWAI - Flowing Waters and will take over the provision of water services from 1 July 2026. This transition will occur in stages such as the current Watercare contract for Waikato District Council transferring to the CCO on 1 July 2026.

Job Description

He angituutanga: The opportunity

Senior Communications and Engagement Advisor (x2)

Join IAWAI's high-performing communications and engagement team and support the delivery of a transformative $3 billion infrastructure programme that will make a lasting difference for our communities.

We're recruiting for two Senior Communications and Engagement Advisor positions to help connect people with the essential work we do to deliver safe, reliable and sustainable water services across Hamilton and Waikato.

About the Role:

Join a high-performing team supporting the delivery of IAWAI's ambitious infrastructure programme. We're looking for experienced communications and engagement professionals who can quickly establish trusted relationships, navigate complex environments, and make an immediate impact.

These are influential senior advisory roles that sit at the intersection of infrastructure delivery, organisational communications, and community engagement. You'll partner closely with project teams, technical specialists, leaders, and stakeholders to develop and deliver communications and engagement strategies that support understanding, build trust, and enable successful project outcomes.

Our programme is fast paced, diverse, and highly visible. Success in these roles will require adaptability, sound judgement, and the ability to confidently lead communications and engagement activity across multiple projects and priorities. You'll be part of a supportive, collaborative team that works together to deliver outstanding outcomes for our organisation, stakeholders, mana whenua partners, and communities.

At IAWAI, everything we do relies on water. We're committed to bringing our people, stakeholders, customers, mana whenua partners, and communities with us as we build, renew, and maintain essential water infrastructure. If you're passionate about meaningful engagement, can translate complex information into clear and compelling narratives, and remain calm and effective under pressure, we'd love to hear from you.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Leading the development and delivery of strategic communications and engagement plans for major infrastructure projects and organisational initiatives.
• Providing trusted communications and engagement advice to senior leaders, project managers, and technical specialists.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders across local government, infrastructure delivery teams, community groups, customers, and partner organisations.
• Translating complex technical, operational, and project information into clear, accessible communications for a range of audiences.
• Developing high-quality content, messaging, narratives, briefings, and engagement materials across multiple channels.
• Supporting community and stakeholder engagement activities that help build understanding, trust, and confidence in IAWAI's work.
• Contributing to issues and reputational communications, including managing sensitive and high-profile matters.
• Working collaboratively across Communications, Engagement, Corporate, and Māori Partnership teams to ensure communications are aligned, culturally informed, and delivered to a high standard.
• Providing guidance, coaching, and quality assurance to support capability across the wider communications and engagement function.

Qualifications

Oo puumanawa me oo wheako | Your skills and experience

Essential:

• 10+ years' experience delivering communications and engagement for significant, complex infrastructure projects, ideally within a public sector, utility, or service delivery environment.
• Proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including senior leaders, project teams, community groups, partners, and external stakeholders.
• Strong strategic and operational communications and engagement capability, with experience developing and delivering integrated communications and engagement plans.
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex technical, operational, or regulatory information into clear and engaging communications.
• Experience providing trusted communications and engagement advice to senior leaders and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Strong writing and storytelling skills, with experience developing high-quality content across a range of channels and audiences.
• Experience supporting issues, risk, and reputational communications in complex or high-profile environments.
• Experience working in complex, fast-paced environments and managing competing priorities.
• A collaborative approach and willingness to support the wider team across multiple projects when required.

Desirable:

• Experience in infrastructure, water, utilities, local government, or other public sector environments.
• Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and experience working alongside iwi and mana whenua partners.
• Relevant tertiary qualification in communications, public relations, journalism, engagement, or a related discipline.

Why Join IAWAI?

Everything we do relies on water. From homes and businesses to industry and recreation, water is at the heart of daily life.

At IAWAI, our purpose is to care for wai as taonga, sustaining life and safeguarding water for future generations. We are building an organisation grounded in partnership, connected to the communities we serve, and focused on delivering long-term outcomes for Hamilton and Waikato.

This is an opportunity to help shape a growing organisation, work alongside great people, and contribute to projects that will have a lasting impact on our communities.

He wai, he ora. Water is life.

Additional Information

He aha te wariu o te utu kaimahi? | What’s the salary?

Circa$115k dependent on skills and experience.

Applications close on the: 14 September 2026

Note:

• We are recruiting for two Senior Communications and Engagement Advisor positions and are keen to fill these roles as soon as possible.
• Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and suitable candidates may be shortlisted and interviewed prior to the closing date. Early applications are encouraged.

All candidates will be notified of the outcome on their application via email. Short-listed candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks and a criminal check. Further background checking will be required when relevant to the role. View more information about these checks, our commitment to the Privacy act and details for international applicants by clicking here