Senior Communications and Media Advisor

New Zealand Customs Service; Auckland; On-site; NZD 106,000 - 138,000; Full time

Job summary

A government agency in New Zealand is seeking a skilled communications professional to lead internal and external communications for a large-scale project. You will manage media inquiries and develop engaging communications plans that support the project's objectives. This role requires strong relationship management and communications skills, and a minimum of five years' experience in a relevant position. Join us to make a meaningful impact on New Zealand's border operations.

Qualifications

• At least five years' experience in a communications and/or media advisory role.
• Ability to interpret data and understand audience needs.

Responsibilities

• Develop communications plans to inform, engage, and educate staff and the public.
• Manage media opportunities and enquiries.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts for consistent communication.

Skills

Relationship management skills

Written and verbal communication skills

Media and social media knowledge

Critical and strategic thinking

Job description

Overview

Great, we want to hear from you! Customs is searching for a talented and motivated professional who is keen to lead internal and external communications planning and delivery for an exciting, large-scale regulatory change project.

The right candidate can communicate with impact and is inspired to work for a highly reputed organisation that's committed to protecting and promoting New Zealand across borders.

What you'll be doing | He aha tāu e mahi ana

This is a dynamic and hands-on role where you'll enjoy working at both strategic and operational levels and no two days are the same. You'll be the go-to person for providing high quality advice to inform, engage and educate staff and the wider public as we move through the implementation phase of an upcoming regulatory change.

This role will be part of an implementation project team where you'll be responsible for communications planning and delivery to highlight key decisions and changes, support staff and stakeholder engagement initiatives, develop compelling stories, and take charge of proactive and reactive media responsibilities.

Responsibilities Will Include

• Develop communications plans to inform, engage, and educate staff and the public.
• Translate complex information into clear and concise material for target audiences.
• Manage media opportunities and enquiries, including organising media interviews.
• Oversee internal communications to build staff understanding and readiness.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts and engagement colleagues to ensure communication is consistent and protects and enhances Customs' reputation.

This is a fixed term contract for 12 months and you will report to the Communications and Media Manager. The salary range for this role is $106,618 to $137,746.

About You

Ko wai koe

To be successful in this role you'll be a capable, well-established professional with a strong generalist communications and/or media background who is used to liaising with, and providing advice to, colleagues at all levels in an organisation.

With at least five years' experience in a communications and/or media advisory role, your relationship management skills, media and social media nous, written and verbal communication know-how, and can-do attitude are already second to none.

You will need to be able to think critically and strategically about reputational risk and develop fit-for-purpose plans, with the ability to interpret data, understand audiences' needs, and tailor communications efforts to suit the project and Customs' wider objectives.

Why Join Us

Mahi ki te Mana Ārai o Aotearoa

At Customs, we protect and promote New Zealand through world-class border management.

You'll be part of a collaborative, high-performing team committed to successfully delivering regulatory change that supports New Zealand's future border operations.

The role offers variety, challenge, and the chance to make a meaningful contribution to New Zealand's border and national security.

We value diversity, integrity, and a spirit of service. We also encourage the use of Te Reo Māori and Tikanga in the workplace.

Working for Customs

Mahi ki te Mana Ārai o Aotearoa

To work for Customs, you must be able to meet the following requirements:

• Be a New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident
• Residing in New Zealand at the time of application
• Have resided continuously in New Zealand for the last 5 years*
• If you are a New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident who has resided in New Zealand for the last 5 years but have been absent from New Zealand for periods of 6-9 months within the past five years, preferably in one or more of the following countries: Australia, Canada, UK or the USA, you will be required to provide overseas Police certificates for these periods spent outside of New Zealand.

Successful applicants are also required to pass a drug test and have a clear Police record.

How to apply

Me pehea te whakauru

Please apply online - we cannot accept applications via email - using the link provided. You'll be asked to submit a CV and cover letter that demonstrates your ability to meet the competencies required for the role as outlined in the position description. Shortlisted candidates will also be invited to complete a psychometric assessment.

Applications close on Sunday 19 October 2025 at 11pm.

Customs will manage this recruitment independently in-house and will not engage with recruitment agencies at this stage.

The New Zealand Customs Service | Te Mana Ārai o Aotearoa is a member of Diversity Works New Zealand and is committed to developing a diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities and welcome applications from everyone who can meet the requirements of the role.