Strategic Communications Advisor

Queenstown Lakes District Council; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government organization in Queenstown is seeking a Strategic Communications Advisor to develop and implement communications strategies. The ideal candidate will have over 7 years of experience in strategic communications and public relations, with strong skills in stakeholder engagement and collaboration. This role offers a competitive benefits package and opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Competitive market remuneration

Discounted health and fitness facilities

Commitment to training and career development

Qualifications

• 7+ years’ experience in strategic communications, public relations, or a related environment.
• Experience in local or central government communications.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive communications strategies for policy initiatives.
• Coordinate public engagement activities and advise managers on consultation approaches.
• Translate complex policy into accessible content.

Skills

Strategic communications

Public relations

Stakeholder engagement

Influencing

Written communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe Creative Suite

Umbracco CMS

Job description

Base Salary + Employee Benefits + Kiwisaver

Live, work and play in Aotearoa New Zealand’s most spectacular setting.

No two days at Queenstown Lakes District Council are the same. Every day we provide services, facilities and programmes essential to the health and wellbeing of our people and environment, while stepping up to the challenges and opportunities that come with being New Zealand’s fastest growing territorial authority.

We’re proud to be QLDC. Our people are motivated by a shared purpose driven by care, connection and community. All our roles are at the heart of a dynamic and diverse set of communities where you will be making a genuine difference every day. Join us.

We are looking for a Strategic Communications Advisor to join our Engagement and Communications team. The successful applicant will hold a pivotal role in shaping and delivering clear, engaging, and effective communications that support the Strategy and Policy team’s work, including Climate & Biodiversity, Spatial Planning, Policy development, government reform, iwi partnerships, and economic development.

What you’ll be doing / He aha te mahi

The Strategic Communications Advisor is a member of the Engagement and Communications team. This role ensures that strategic initiatives, policy development, and community engagement and research efforts are communicated in a way that builds trust, transparency, and understanding across the Queenstown Lakes District. The advisor will work collaboratively across Council teams to align messaging, support engagement and formal consultation processes, and enhance the visibility, impact and understanding of strategic projects

This role will involve:

• Develop and implement comprehensive communications strategies for strategic and corporate policy initiatives and projects — including public consultations, community research programmes, engagement with strategic partners and stakeholders, long-term activity planning, and bylaw development/reviews.
• Translate complex policy, strategy and project information into clear, accessible, engaging content and long-term storytelling for diverse audiences across channels.
• Produce and support key documents and outputs (reports, discussion papers, media releases, web content, social posts) and work closely with the in-house design team to deliver accessible, creative visual assets.
• Coordinate and deliver public engagement activities (events, workshops, digital platforms) and advise managers on engagement and consultation approaches in line with QLDC’s Significance & Engagement Policy, the Local Government Act and IAP2 practice.
• Provide strategic communications advice on risks, opportunities and stakeholder engagement; develop key messaging and prepare speeches/talking points for the Mayor and Chief Executive in collaboration with subject matter experts.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with media, community groups and external stakeholders (working with the Media & Channels Advisor), and manage internal staff communications to increase understanding of strategic projects.
• Monitor, evaluate and report on communications and engagement effectiveness — ensuring “closing the loop”, lessons learned are captured, and strategies are adjusted.
• Act as a member of the Council’s Public Information Management team during emergency activations and participate in the Winter Roads morning update and out-of-hours communications support rosters; follow brand, media and local government publication policies and support the Engagement & Communications Manager as required.

What you’ll bring to the role / Ko wai to Pukeka

A strong background in strategic communications, with proven experience delivering high-quality engagement and consultation in complex government or community settings. You’ll be an exceptional communicator with the ability to influence, build trusted relationships, and manage multiple priorities under pressure.

To best succeed in this role, you’ll have:

• A relevant bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) and 7+ years’ experience in strategic communications, public relations, or a related environment.
• Experience in either local government or central government communications or detailed understanding of government processes, particularly around community engagement and consultation.
• A good working knowledge of IAP2 engagement principles and legislative requirements for public consultation.
• Outstanding written, editing, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence, persuade, and engage diverse audiences.
• Strong planning, organisational and stakeholder relationship skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities to a high standard.
• Familiarity with the use of social media within the context of local government, including its challenges and opportunities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, and ideally Adobe Creative Suite, Umbracco CMS, and social media tools; administrative skills including budgeting and campaign coordination, are an advantage.

What we offer / Ko a matou whakaratoka

We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports your health, wellbeing, and professional growth, including:

• Competitive market remuneration
• Discounted membership to our health and fitness facilities
• Genuine commitment to your training and career development

To apply, please follow the link or for any questions please contact Naell Crosby-Roe, Stakeholder & Democracy Services Manager.