Senior Policy & Strategy Advisor, Local Government

Thames-Coromandel District Council; Thames; Hybrid; NZD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible and hybrid working options

Relocation allowance

Five weeks of annual leave + sick-leve

Job summary

Thames-Coromandel District Council is seeking a Corporate Policy Advisor to join its Strategy and Policy team. This role builds and reviews policies and bylaws, translating legislation into practical guidance for communities and decision-makers.

You’ll work across council projects, engage with tangata whenua and community groups, and contribute to Long-term and Annual Plans, ensuring services are well-planned, measured and communicated.

Qualifications

• At least three years’ relevant experience in local government corporate planning, policy or a similar analytical role.
• Working knowledge of relevant legislation and planning processes.
• Ability to juggle multiple projects without dropping important ones.
• Clear writing, sound judgement and the confidence to ask good questions.
• Strong relationship skills — collaboration is essential in local government.
• Big-picture thinking with attention to detail.
• Awareness of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and engaging well with Māori.
• Genuine interest in improving how services are planned, measured and communicated.

Responsibilities

• Working with people across the Council to keep projects on track and moving forward.
• Researching local issues and helping the Council understand potential impacts for communities and services.
• Developing and reviewing policies, strategies and bylaws guiding Council activities.
• Translating legislation, technical reports and complex information into practical advice.
• Building positive relationships with tangata whenua, community groups and stakeholders.
• Helping shape the Council's Long-term Plan and Annual Plan, including service decisions and performance measures.
• Producing high-quality planning and policy work that makes a genuine difference for communities.
• Preparing clear, engaging information to help elected members and the public understand issues and make informed decisions.

Skills

Corporate planning

Policy development

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Clear writing

Te Tiriti awareness

Multitasking

Job description

Thames-Coromandel District Council is seeking a Corporate Policy Advisor to join its Strategy and Policy team. This role builds and reviews policies and bylaws, translating legislation into practical guidance for communities and decision-makers.

You’ll work across council projects, engage with tangata whenua and community groups, and contribute to Long-term and Annual Plans, ensuring services are well-planned, measured and communicated.