Strategic Public Affairs Leader

New Zealand Government; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life cover

Critical illness protection

Discounted insurances

Free will services

Savings schemes

Job summary

New Zealand Government, through the Defence Force, is seeking a Public Affairs Manager based in Wellington to provide strategic advice to senior leaders and shape how the organisation engages with people, stakeholders and the public. The role focuses on strategy, influence, and advisory work across a collaborative Public Affairs team.

You will coordinate activity across multiple workstreams, identify risks, and build trusted relationships with internal and external partners to support

Qualifications

• Experience in public affairs, communications or stakeholder engagement.
• Proven ability to advise senior leaders on complex issues.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Experience developing communication or engagement strategies.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
• Strong influencing skills and the ability to build trusted partnerships.
• Sound judgement and the ability to identify risks and opportunities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic public affairs advice to senior leaders.
• Develop and deliver public affairs strategies and engagement plans.
• Identify and manage reputation risks and emerging issues.
• Support key organisational priorities, projects and initiatives.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate public affairs activity across multiple workstreams.
• Help leaders effectively communicate through change and uncertainty.
• Contribute to long-term reputation and stakeholder outcomes.

Skills

Public affairs

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic thinking

Advising senior leaders

Communication skills

Relationship management

Influencing skills

Risk assessment

Job description

New Zealand Government, through the Defence Force, is seeking a Public Affairs Manager based in Wellington to provide strategic advice to senior leaders and shape how the organisation engages with people, stakeholders and the public. The role focuses on strategy, influence, and advisory work across a collaborative Public Affairs team.

You will coordinate activity across multiple workstreams, identify risks, and build trusted relationships with internal and external partners to support