Designer and Illustrator Communications and Engagement
Date: 12 Jul 2026
Location: Wellington, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
• Fixed term/Secondment opportunity until August 2027
• Wellington based
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced designer and illustrator to work on meaningful projects that reach audiences across New Zealand.
About the role | Mō te tūnga
As a Designer and Illustrator, you will play an important role in helping the Ministry communicate clearly and effectively. You will create high-quality print and digital design materials that support a wide range of communication projects across the organisation.
Working closely with the Corporate Communications team and wider Communications and Engagement team, you will provide design advice and creative solutions that meet the needs of different audiences and communication goals. You will help maintain and promote the Ministry’s brand by ensuring all design work aligns with our brand guidelines and visual identity.
You will also contribute to improving design processes, sharing best practice, and supporting the ongoing development of the Ministry’s communication products. Working alongside the Manager Corporate Communications, you will help strengthen the Ministry’s visual identity and identify opportunities to better engage with our people and communities.
What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga
We're looking for someone who brings a strong mix of creativity, technical expertise, and relationship-building skills. You'll have:
• A qualification in graphic design, or equivalent experience providing professional design services across print and digital channels.
• Experience using Adobe Creative Suite and other industry-standard design and illustration tools to create high-quality communications across a range of formats.
• Strong graphic design and illustration skills, including visual storytelling, with experience creating artwork in a range of styles from realistic to more stylised approaches using both traditional and digital techniques.
• Knowledge of print production processes, materials, and web design principles, with an understanding of design best practice across different channels.
• Experience working collaboratively with stakeholders throughout the design process, from initial concepts through to final delivery.
• Strong research skills and a commitment to keeping up to date with emerging design trends, technologies, and best practices.
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with a wide range of people and provide a professional, customer-focused service.
• Strong problem-solving skills, sound judgement, and excellent attention to detail.
• The ability to manage competing priorities, work independently, and deliver high-quality work within tight timeframes.
• A collaborative and flexible approach, with the ability to adapt to changing demands and contribute positively as part of a team.
You'll play a key role in bringing the Ministry's messages and stories to life through high-quality visual communications. Apply now!
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $79,200.00 - $95,873.00
Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Wednesday 22nd July, 2026.
About us | Mō mātou
The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) is a people-centred organisation. We’re in communities across the motu, working with partners to help New Zealanders be safe, strong and independent.
We provide social policy advice to government, and assistance including income, employment and housing support to people of all ages, families, whānau and communities.
As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner, we are committed to supporting and enabling Māori, whānau, hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.
Our people are as diverse as the communities we serve. We care about the wellbeing and success of our people and provide a supportive and inclusive working environment where people can thrive and be who they are.
How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono
Before you submit your application, please take a moment to review our guidance to understand how AI can best support your application. Candidate Guidance - Responsible AI use in recruitment
To apply, click the 'Apply Now' button to upload your CV, cover letter and complete the online application form.
Note: Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process. Please highlight how your skills and experience relate to the key responsibilities listed in the position description and job advertisement.
All applications must be made online. If this is not possible or if you have any queries, please contact us at jobs@msd.govt.nz
Internal MSD Employees – please apply through your myHR portal at work. This will ensure that your myHR employee profile is visible as internal candidate.
Joining us | Ko te hono mai
Joining MSD means being part of a whānau that celebrates the diversity each individual represents.
We show manaaki, we care about the wellbeing and success of people and want everyone to thrive and be who they are in a supportive and inclusive working environment. We work together to make a difference for communities while doing the right thing with integrity. You can find out more about our values here.
If you have any support or accessibility requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.
