Senior Media Strategy Lead

Natural Hazards Commission - Toka Tū Ake; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5 weeks annual leave

Professional Development fund

Wellbeing fund

Hybrid working environment

IT home bundle

Job summary

Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake seeks an experienced Principal Advisor, Media to lead proactive and reactive media engagement and shape the organisation's communications across multiple channels. You will provide expert advice on priority issues, risk, and reputation, developing strategic plans that meet diverse audience needs and strengthen stakeholder trust.

Reporting to the Head of Communications and Engagement, you will mentor colleagues, manage high‑impact campaigns, and coordinate

Qualifications

• Significant experience delivering strategic communications campaigns across a range of channels.
• Strong media engagement and issues management expertise.
• Excellent writing and storytelling skills, with the ability to turn complex information into clear content.
• Experience providing trusted advice to senior stakeholders and executives.
• Strong planning and delivery skills to manage competing priorities under tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Lead proactive and reactive media engagement, including media releases, responses and risk management.
• Provide expert communications advice on organizational priorities, emerging issues and reputation.
• Develop strategic and tactical communications plans informed by audience insights and the wider operating environment.
• Shape clear messaging and storytelling across media, digital and other channels.
• Support crisis communications planning and provide issues management advice.
• Build strong relationships across NHC and with external stakeholders to support coordinated engagement.

Skills

Strategic communications

Media engagement

Storytelling/writing

Stakeholder advisory

Planning & delivery

Qualifications in communications

Education

Tertiary qualification in communications

Job description

Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake seeks an experienced Principal Advisor, Media to lead proactive and reactive media engagement and shape the organisation's communications across multiple channels. You will provide expert advice on priority issues, risk, and reputation, developing strategic plans that meet diverse audience needs and strengthen stakeholder trust.

Reporting to the Head of Communications and Engagement, you will mentor colleagues, manage high‑impact campaigns, and coordinate