Workstream Lead, Communications

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

Workstream Lead, CommunicationsLocation: WellingtonType: PermanentHours: 40Salary: $129,271 - $160,871About the roleReporting to the Director Governance and Assurance, the Workstream Lead, Communications is responsible for providing high-quality strategic communications guidance and advice to support the Ministry's activities.This position provides technical leadership and day to day operational support and guidance across the communications function, ensuring communications products are timely, accurate and fit for purpose. While this position does not have any direct reports, it provides workstream leadership, coaching, mentoring, quality assurance and professional guidance to the Senior Communications Advisor and others contributing to communications activities.The Workstream Lead, Communications builds effective working relationships across the Ministry and is committed to providing high-quality, customer-focused communications support to internal clients. The role works collaboratively with communications counterparts and relevant stakeholders to coordinate messaging, share information and support the effective delivery of communications activities.About youIn this role, you will lead the Ministry's communications function, providing strategic advice, managing media and stakeholder engagement, and ensuring communications activities support organisational priorities and objectives.As Workstream Lead, Communications you will:Develop a detailed understanding of the Ministry's strategic priorities, operating environment and key drivers, and provide high-quality strategic communications advice to the Director Governance and Assurance and, through agreed pathways, support senior leaders on communications matters.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.The ideal candidate for this role will have:Extensive senior communication experience, preferably within the public sector.Experience leading strategic communications functions and complex communications programmes.Excellent understanding of the public sector environment, machinery of government and political processes.Strong understanding of strategic communications, media management and stakeholder engagement.Knowledge of diversity, inclusion and social cohesion issues.The ability to operate effectively in complex and politically sensitive environments.Relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent experience.A cultural sensitivity and understanding of tikanga Maori.Why work with us?At the Ministry for Ethnic Communities, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to building a more inclusive and cohesive Aotearoa New Zealand. You'll work alongside passionate and committed colleagues in a collaborative environment where your expertise, initiative and ideas will have real impact.Alongside meaningful work, you'll enjoy a flexible and inclusive workplace, opportunities for professional development, and a culture that values collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.About usThe Ministry for Ethnic Communities is the Government's chief advisor on ethnic communities, ethnic diversity, and the inclusion of ethnic communities in wider society. We:Provide advice to the systemDevelop the evidence baseBroker conflict and convene stakeholders to resolve issuesFoster a sense of belongingWe work with communities, government agencies and a wide range of organisations to help ensure Aotearoa New Zealand is a place where everyone feels welcome, valued and empowered to participate and thrive.Application processApplications close: 5pm Monday 16 November 2026.To apply for this position, please submit your covering letter which outlines why you are interested in the role, along with your CV highlighting your skills, knowledge and experience relevant to the role.We will be reviewing applications as they come in, so please get your application in as soon as possible.We encourage inclusion and diversity at the Ministry for Ethnic Communities and are committed to equal opportunity in all our employment policies and procedures. We want to ensure accessibility needs are well supported, so the recruitment process is fair and equitable for all. Therefore, please let us know if there is any support, we can provide to ensure the recruitment process is fully accessible to you. You can contact us at [e-mail] if you would like to discuss any accessibility needs you may have.