Senior Marketing Advisor

Mō te tūnga | About the role

Behind every future sailor, soldier and aviator is a decision to take that first step. As Senior Marketing Advisor, you'll help make that happen.

Joining Defence Recruiting's close-knit Marketing and Communications team, you'll play a key role in attracting talented New Zealanders to careers in the Navy, Army and Air Force. Working alongside the Marketing and Communications Manager, Marketing Automation Specialist and Marketing Projects Coordinator, you'll help shape and deliver recruitment marketing campaigns that attract the talented people NZDF needs for the future.

From billboards and train station advertising to digital, social and content campaigns, you'll create marketing that reaches audiences across Aotearoa and inspires them to explore a career in service. Using audience insights and campaign performance data, you'll help refine our approach and deliver recruitment outcomes that make a real difference.

Some of your key responsibilities will include:

• Leading the planning and delivery of integrated recruitment marketing campaigns.
• Using audience insights, market intelligence and campaign performance data to drive decision-making.
• Managing relationships with creative agencies and external suppliers.
• Supporting and mentoring team members while contributing to a positive and collaborative team culture.
• Producing and overseeing content across digital, social, web, video and print channels.
• Presenting campaign outcomes, insights and recommendations to senior stakeholders.

Based in Wellington, this role offers variety, visibility and the opportunity to create campaigns that directly influence how NZDF attracts future sailors, soldiers and aviators. Flexible working arrangements are available once established in the role.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

We're looking for an experienced marketer who combines strategic thinking with a practical, hands-on approach. You'll be equally comfortable developing campaign strategy, working with creative partners, analysing performance data, and building strong relationships with stakeholders across the organisation.

To be successful, you'll bring:

• Demonstrated success delivering multi-channel marketing campaigns and initiatives.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, with the ability to communicate effectively at all levels.
• A data-informed approach, using insights and market intelligence to drive decisions and improve outcomes.
• Experience leading, mentoring or supporting others, coupled with a collaborative team-first mindset.
• Excellent organisation, project management and communication skills, with the ability to balance competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

It would be advantageous if you also have experience in recruitment marketing, employer branding, digital content creation or Adobe Creative Suite, along with a relevant tertiary qualification.

Most importantly, you'll be someone who enjoys working in a small team, building strong relationships and creating marketing that delivers real results.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Your skills and dedication deserve recognition, and NZDF delivers with competitive pay matched to your experience. But that's just the beginning – safeguard your loved ones with a fully funded life cover of up to $300,000 and critical illness protection. Other benefits include discounted additional insurances, free will services and savings schemes for the Defence community. Get expert financial guidance and mortgage broker services. Find all our benefits and more on the Force 4 Families website.

NZDF champions diversity and inclusivity, valuing every member and fuelling their success. We embrace uniqueness, understanding that diverse teams drive creativity, innovation, and excellence. With an open door to all – irrespective of gender, ethnicity, ability, age, or family dynamics – NZDF offers a flexible, empowering work environment. Join us in shaping a brighter future, where everyone thrives.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Applications close on Wednesday 26 August 2026.

Use the links on this page where you’ll be directed to the Defence Careers website.

Please Note:

• All applications must be made online, via the Defence Careers website. Each listing contains the Position Description and a Contact Us option for any queries or technical issues.
• Your cover letter will be a key part of our selection process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key activities outlined in the Advert and Position Description.
• Applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug-screening test prior to any offer of employment being made.

NZDF Employees/Members – please apply internally via the HR Toolkit; this will ensure that you are visible as an internal candidate.

NZDF Contractors – please apply via the Defence Careers website.

NZDF Reserves – please apply via the Defence Careers website if you cannot access the HR Toolkit.

Please Note:

To be eligible for the required level of government security clearance with the NZ Defence Force, you need to meet certain citizenship and residency criteria. Here’s what you need to know:

Low Level Security Clearance

• You must be a New Zealand citizen or you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa.
• At minimum, you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa, and you must be a citizen of and have lived in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States of America or New Zealand continuously for the last five (5) years.
• You must have a five (5) year background history that can be verified and assessed appropriately by the NZ Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) to determine if you are suitable for a security clearance at this level.

If you do not meet the minimum criteria, unfortunately, your application will not be accepted. We do welcome your application at a time when you will meet the requirements.