Senior Media & External Communications Leader — Hybrid

KiwiRail Freight; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 100,000 - 140,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

4 days a week with flexi/hybrid

Competitive salary

KiwiRail benefits

Job summary

KiwiRail is seeking a Senior Media and External Communications Advisor to shape and protect our reputation across national media. Auckland or Wellington based, with a fixed-term parental leave cover and flexible hybrid work options.

You will lead strategic communications, coach spokespeople, manage briefing for senior leaders, and coordinate crisis responses while building strong journalist and stakeholder relationships.

Qualifications

• Experience across communications, media relations and public relations.
• Ability to develop and deliver communications strategies and plans.
• Excellent writing skills and ability to translate complex information into clear messages.
• Experience handling Official Information Act (OIA) requests.
• Strong media judgement in sensitive or high-profile situations.

Responsibilities

• Develop proactive and reactive communications plans that support KiwiRail’s strategy and protect our reputation.
• Identify compelling stories and content opportunities to bring KiwiRail’s work to life.
• Build and maintain relationships with journalists and media contacts.
• Prepare media releases, articles, and briefing material for external channels.
• Coach spokespeople for media interviews and briefings.
• Coordinate clear, timely responses during emergent issues or crisis situations.
• Lead communications planning for sensitive, high-profile matters.

Skills

Media relations

Public relations

Stakeholder management

Written communication

Crisis communications

Strategic thinking

Education

Tertiary qualification in journalism or communications

Job description

KiwiRail is seeking a Senior Media and External Communications Advisor to shape and protect our reputation across national media. Auckland or Wellington based, with a fixed-term parental leave cover and flexible hybrid work options.

You will lead strategic communications, coach spokespeople, manage briefing for senior leaders, and coordinate crisis responses while building strong journalist and stakeholder relationships.