Senior Adviser - Communications & Engagement

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Small friendly government agency located on the Wellington waterfront
• Two flexible WFH days per week | Additional Ministry leave and wellbeing days
• Wellington CBD office based | Perm full time (38 hours working week) 
• Varied role, working across the organisation on a range of transport policy and projects | Primarily external comms focus

We are looking for an experienced communicator to join our small multi-disciplinary communications and engagement team working on a variety of interesting policies and projects across the Ministry.



He kupu mō mātou Te Manatū Waka | About Ministry of Transport

Te Manatū Waka, Ministry of Transport, is the system leader for the transport sector whether it's on land, at sea, in the air, or connecting Aotearoa to the world. We are the government's principal adviser on transport policy, regulation and investment and play a crucial role in ensuring the transport system is working to improve the prosperity for New Zealanders.

Our key responsibilities include providing policy advice to Government including developing investment and regulatory settings, legislative advice and Crown agency governance, accountability and performance. 



Ngā whakamārama mō te tūnga | About the opportunity

As the Senior Advisor Communications & Engagement you will have the opportunity to work on complex and interesting projects that will help shape the transport system for the future of New Zealand. You will enjoy working on fast moving pieces of work, as well as longer-term projects and strategies. While largely external focused, the role can include internal communication as well as engagement and digital content management.

The work is fast paced and varied and includes strategic communications planning and delivery including providing support to Ministerial offices, dealing with media queries, writing a range of content and providing stakeholder engagement support.

This is a new role, established recently when Te Manatū Waka implemented a new structure and operating model to position is to support the Government to deliver its priorities.

Te wāhi ki a koe | What you'll bring

• A tertiary qualification preferably in communications or relevant work experience
• Solid experience delivering strategic communications and engagement advice and services as well as implementing communication and engagement plans and activities
• Experience working in government communications and engagement and a sound understanding of the role of the public service
• Demonstrated relationship management and influencing skills from working with Ministers, stakeholders and service providers  
• Excellent writing skills and ability to communicate with a wide range of audiences using a variety of channels (including website, newsletters, social media and events) and be skilled at writing content that is accessible, engaging and uses plain language.

Whānuitanga Utu ā-Tau | Salary range

The salary budget is $108,126 to $125,000 per annum. The salary offered will be based on your skills and experience.

Te wāhi ki a mātou | What we offer

• Small, friendly, supportive work environment within a flat structure
• Exposure to the communications and engagement requirements of the wider Ministry
• Additional Ministry leave days, wellbeing days and volunteer day
• Laptop, mobile and WFH equipment
• A range of health and wellbeing benefits including an annual wellness payment
• Modern offices located on Wellington's scenic waterfront with collaborative working spaces, showers, storage for bicycles/scooters and personal lockers
• A welcoming employee network such as the Māori and Pasifika, Wāhine, and Rainbow networks as well as the PSA and Eco Groups

Me pēhea te tono mai | How to apply

To view the job description or apply online including a cover letter and CV click Apply.

We will be screening and interviewing applicants as they are received and may withdraw advertising at any time. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.

For further information or to speak confidentially, in the first instance please contact Rebeca Bakker, Senior Recruitment Adviser at r.bakker@transport.govt.nz or on 022 014 5419.  

We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds, orientations and identities. We aim to have a Ministry that represents the wider Aotearoa that we serve. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels relevant, valued, supported and a sense of belonging.

For any support or accessibility needs during our recruitment process, please contact us at applications@transport.govt.nz



Please note unsolicited CVs from recruitment agencies will not be accepted.