Senior Infrastructure Communications & Engagement Lead

CGR Services; Auckland; On-site; NZD 98,000 - 132,000; Full time

Job summary

IAWAI seeks two Senior Communications and Engagement Advisor to support a major water infrastructure programme. You will lead strategic plans, advise senior leaders, and build trust with communities, mana whenua, and partner organisations across Hamilton and Waikato.

These roles require exceptional storytelling, clear technical translation, and the ability to manage high-profile issues in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years' experience delivering communications and engagement for significant, complex infrastructure projects.
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders, including senior leaders and communities.
• Strong strategic and operational communications capability with integrated plans.
• Ability to translate complex information into clear, engaging communications.
• Experience providing trusted communications advice to senior leaders and multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong writing and storytelling across multiple channels.
• Experience with issues, risk and reputational communications in complex environments.
• Collaborative approach across multiple projects and wider teams.

Responsibilities

• Leading the development and delivery of strategic communications and engagement plans for major infrastructure projects.
• Providing trusted communications advice to senior leaders, project managers, and technical specialists.
• Building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders across local government, communities, and partner organisations.
• Translating complex technical information into clear communications for diverse audiences.
• Developing high-quality content, messaging, narratives, and engagement materials across channels.
• Supporting community and stakeholder engagement to build understanding and trust.
• Contributing to issues and reputational communications for high-profile matters.
• Collaborating across Communications, Engagement, Corporate and Māori Partnership teams.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Strategic communications

Engagement planning

Clear writing

Public sector communications

Relationship building

Te Tiriti o Waitangi understanding

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification in communications, public relations, journalism, engagement, or related discipline

Job description

IAWAI seeks two Senior Communications and Engagement Advisor to support a major water infrastructure programme. You will lead strategic plans, advise senior leaders, and build trust with communities, mana whenua, and partner organisations across Hamilton and Waikato.

These roles require exceptional storytelling, clear technical translation, and the ability to manage high-profile issues in a fast-paced environment.