Principal Advisor - Communications

Principal Advisor, Communications

• Shape meaningful communications that support positive outcomes for Māori
• Lead high impact messaging across internal and external communications
• Permanent role based in Te Whanganui-a-tara | Wellington

Join a small, high-performing Strategy and Communications team as Principal Advisor, Communications. This role is ideal for someone who can work confidently with complex kaupapa, maintain momentum under pressure, and shape messages that resonate across Māori communities, media, and public sector audiences.

Ko te āhua o te tūranga | About the Role
Working alongside senior leaders and teams across the organisation, you will:

• Partner with leaders to deliver communications for priority work
• Advise on issues, risk, reputation and messaging
• Draft executive content including speeches and key messages
• Support media engagement and prepare responses
• Keep content consistent across channels and collateral
• Coach the team and quality assure high profile work
• Lift communications capability with practical tools and guidance

Mōu | About You
The successful candidate will bring:

• Demonstrated Principal Advisor experience, bringing a strong strategic lens
• Relevant degree and strong editorial writing, including speeches
• Communications planning and media engagement expertise
• Public sector experience and understanding of government context
• Strong relationship management across senior stakeholders, including iwi and Māori organisations
• Confidence working within te ao Māori, with te reo Māori capability, Te Tiriti grounding, and awareness of OIA and privacy obligations.

Me tono mai inaīanei | Apply Now!

To find out more, please get in touch with Orissa Plimmer on 0272851461 for a confidential kōrero.

To apply, you must be a New Zealand citizen, resident, or hold a valid visa with the right to work in Aotearoa. We’ll be reviewing candidates as they come through, so we encourage early applications.

We are the landing place where our people can come to rest upon, a safe space.

A placewhereexcellenceandcultureareencouraged and ultimately recognised.

Kia tau ai te mauri tū, *te mauri ora ki te katoa.*Nau mai, tau mai! Vitality and well-being for all. Welcome, settle here!