Strategic Communications & Engagement Leader

Ministry of Health New Zealand; Wellington; On-site; NZD 140,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Ministry of Health New Zealand is seeking a Principal Advisor to lead strategic communications and engagement initiatives across high-profile programmes. You will provide trusted advice to senior leaders, develop evidence-informed strategies, and build relationships that help drive outcomes for New Zealanders.

This leadership role focuses on influencing decisions, strengthening organisational capability, and championing best practice across the Ministry and wider sector.

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 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 to support Ministry priorities.
• Provide expert communications, engagement and media advice to senior leaders to shape decisions and manage risk.
• 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

Media advice

Writing skills

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership & mentoring

Job description

Ministry of Health New Zealand is seeking a Principal Advisor to lead strategic communications and engagement initiatives across high-profile programmes. You will provide trusted advice to senior leaders, develop evidence-informed strategies, and build relationships that help drive outcomes for New Zealanders.

This leadership role focuses on influencing decisions, strengthening organisational capability, and championing best practice across the Ministry and wider sector.