Senior Strategic Advisor

Kāpiti Coast; Wellington; Remote; NZD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dependant leave

Thriving team culture

On-site parking

Free access to pools

Council staff discounts

Job summary

Kāpiti Coast District Council in Wellington, New Zealand, is seeking a Senior Strategic Advisor to lead strategic thinking and provide high‑level, evidence‑based advice within the Strategy and Policy team. You will influence key decisions, shape community-oriented strategies, and support elected members and senior leaders.

With a focus on environment strategy and cross‑agency collaboration, you will apply strong systems thinking, analysis, and communication skills to deliver timely advice in a

Job description

Contract: Permanent / Full Time.

Lead strategic thinking that shapes the Kāpiti Coast's future. Influence key decisions, solve complex challenges, and make a real impact.

Are you an experienced strategic advisor with a proven ability to think big picture and develop advice in a dynamic operating environment? If so, come and join the Strategy and Policy team at the Kapiti Coast District Council.

We require a Senior Strategic Advisor who is a well-developed systems thinker, thought leader and problem solver. This is a fantastic opportunity to provide strategic leadership across the development of key strategies, projects and work programmes.

Reporting to the Lead, Strategy Development, in this key position you will provide high-quality advice and insights on complex, cross-cutting issues important to our communities. You will support the work of, and be supported by, a Strategic Advisor within the team, leading work on community facing strategies, such as an Environment Strategy. You will work with the Principal Advisor to provide fit-for-purpose and timely advice to elected members and the senior leadership team.

You will work alongside the broader Strategy and Policy team and its manager to lead or support aspects of the team’s work programme and provide input and advice on the work of other teams across the Strategy and Growth Group and the organisation.

If you’re excited to work in a community focused, energised and enthusiastic team environment, we’d love to hear from you.

Nā tōu rourou | What you will bring

To excel in this role, you will have a minimum of 3 years-experience in a senior advisor role, or an equivalent analytical role.

Ideally, you will have experience in local or central government, or, have extensive experience working with local or central government in an advisory capacity. We are interested in hearing from you if you enjoy working through ambiguity and taking a flexible and agile approach to your work.

You’ll bring experience in the provision of robust evidence-based advice, the exercise of good judgement and strong relationship development and communication skills.

You will be adept at working collaboratively, at developing strategic frameworks, at critically analysing information, and at written communication. You are solutions-focused and able to gain the trust and confidence of others. You demonstrate a good level of knowledge and awareness of interests, perspectives and issues relevant to Māori and other groups in the district.

If this sounds like you, come and join us in making a positive different in the community we serve!

Mō Kāpiti Coast District Council | About us

Located on the picturesque Kāpiti Coast, KCDC plays a pivotal role in shaping the community and environment of our region. With around 480 employees, we deliver services spanning urban planning, infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and community wellbeing—working together to create a sustainable future for our diverse communities.

Ngā huanga | What we offer

• Dependant leave – because family matters.
• Thriving team culture – we work hard and support each other.
• On-site parking – say goodbye to parking hassles.
• Free access to pools – dive into fun.
• Council staff discounts – because who doesn’t love a good deal?

Closing date Thursday, 19 November 2026.

View the full job description here

Enquiries about this position should be directed to Sheryl Pinckney on 04 296 4700 or free phone [phone]

Applicants must be eligible to work in New Zealand. Preferred candidates will be required to complete pre‑employment checks, including drug and alcohol screening and Police checks.