Strategic Communications & Engagement Lead

New Zealand Government; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Ministry of Health in Wellington seeks a Principal Advisor Communications and Engagement to lead strategic communications across high-profile programmes. You will provide trusted advice to senior leaders, shape evidence-informed messages, and build relationships that drive meaningful outcomes for New Zealanders.

You will coach and mentor teams, improve capability, and champion best practice across the Ministry and wider sector, while working closely with government partners and health

Qualifications

• Extensive experience delivering strategic communications and engagement in complex environments.
• Exceptional writing skills, turning complex issues into clear, compelling messages.
• Trusted judgement and political savvy, with experience advising senior leaders and Ministers.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills and ability to build influential relationships across government and sector.
• Advanced expertise across key communications disciplines including media, digital, internal or Ministerial communications.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic communications and engagement initiatives that support Ministry priorities.
• Provide expert communications, engagement and media advice to senior leaders.
• Drive complex projects and workstreams to deliver high-quality outcomes.
• Coach and mentor others, building team capability and continuous improvement.
• Build influential relationships across government, health sector and external partners.

Skills

Strategic communications

Engagement

Writing skills

Political savvy

Stakeholder engagement

Media advice

Coaching and mentoring

Job description

Ministry of Health in Wellington seeks a Principal Advisor Communications and Engagement to lead strategic communications across high-profile programmes. You will provide trusted advice to senior leaders, shape evidence-informed messages, and build relationships that drive meaningful outcomes for New Zealanders.

You will coach and mentor teams, improve capability, and champion best practice across the Ministry and wider sector, while working closely with government partners and health