Public Affairs Manager

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Mō te tūnga | About the role

You will be responsible for developing and delivering public affairs solutions and advice to support the achievement of desired outcomes for the New Zealand Army and the wider NZDF. 

As a trusted advisor to the Chief of Army and their leadership team, working in a constructive partnership, you will assist in decision-making through knowledge, expertise and innovation.

A typical day could include:

• Supporting and advising the Chief of Army and the Senior Leadership team.
• Developing and implementing the annual public affairs plan for the New Zealand Army.
• Overseeing initiatives and responding to occurrences with an expected or potential public affairs consequence relating to New Zealand Army and NZDF.
• Identifying and assessing public affairs risks and opportunities to ensure desired NZDF and New Zealand Army relationship, reputation and engagement outcomes are met.
• Promoting and connecting NZDF public affairs policy, practices and objectives to New Zealand Army communications.

This role is based at Defence House in Wellington CBD. Flexible working arrangements are negotiable once you have undergone training and are up to speed. Remote working applications will be considered however you will be required to travel to Wellington frequently at your own cost.

You will be required to go on an on-call roster responding to media enquiries outside of regular office hours, for which you will receive additional compensation.

Please Note: The formal title for this role within NZDF is Public Affairs Manager (Army).

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

You will bring a sound understanding of strategic communications, change communications and public relations along with an understanding of issues and reputation management. You will be flexible and adaptable to changing needs with the ability to effectively build trusted working relationships and engage with senior stakeholders.

You will also have:

• Senior experience in public relations, corporate public affairs or related field, including media.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills for all levels and complexities.
• Proven risk mitigation and an ability to identify opportunities.
• An ability to think methodically, establish and maintain sound processes and systems, and respond quickly to complex issues.

This role requires occasional domestic travel to the NZDF's Camps and Bases. A Class 1 Full Driver's Licence is useful, but not essential.

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 Tuesday 7 May 2024.

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.

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:

Higher 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 ten (10) years.
• You must have a ten (10) 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.