Strategic Communications Lead

New Zealand Government; Wellington; On-site; NZD 129,000 - 161,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ministry for Ethnic Communities is seeking a Workstream Lead, Communications in Wellington to guide strategic communications across the organisation. You will provide high-quality advice to the Director Governance and Assurance and lead the communications work programme, ensuring messages are clear, timely and aligned with government priorities.

You will manage media relations, engage with diverse communities, and mentor the Senior Communications Advisor and others, building effective

Qualifications

• Extensive senior communication experience, preferably within the public sector.
• Experience leading strategic communications functions and complex programmes.
• Excellent understanding of the public sector environment, machinery of government and political processes.
• Knowledge of diversity, inclusion and social cohesion issues.
• Ability to operate effectively in complex and politically sensitive environments.
• A cultural sensitivity and understanding of tikanga Maori.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the Ministry's external communications strategy, supporting operational policies and communications work programme, and lead their implementation following approval by the Director Governance and Assurance.
• Lead the Ministry's media relations approach and provide expert media advice.
• Maintain effective relationships with mainstream, ethnic and sector media.
• Maintain communications workflows, priorities and quality standards and provide communications advice and support across Ministry initiatives.
• Provide day-to-day workstream leadership, coaching, mentoring, quality assurance and professional guidance to the Senior Communications Advisor and others contributing to communications activities.
• Work collaboratively with communications counterparts and relevant stakeholders to coordinate messaging and communications activities where required.

Skills

Strategic communications

Media relations

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership

Public sector experience

Cultural sensitivity

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent experience

Job description

The Ministry for Ethnic Communities is seeking a Workstream Lead, Communications in Wellington to guide strategic communications across the organisation. You will provide high-quality advice to the Director Governance and Assurance and lead the communications work programme, ensuring messages are clear, timely and aligned with government priorities.

You will manage media relations, engage with diverse communities, and mentor the Senior Communications Advisor and others, building effective