Lead Digital Content Advisor, Wellington
Date: 17 Feb 2026
Location: Wellington, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
- Fixed term or secondment opportunity to December 2027
- Based at National Office in Wellington
About the role | Mō te tūnga
You’ll join the Digital Content team within Service Delivery Communications, working alongside content, communications, engagement and technology specialists.
The team plays a critical role in ensuring MSD’s digital content is clear, consistent, accessible and aligned — supporting both staff and the public to understand information and complete tasks with confidence.
As the Lead Content Designer, you’ll be a senior member of the Digital Content team, dedicated to a significant programme of work focused on the knowledge base, intranet and external website platform shift.
You’ll lead content strategy and delivery across this workstream, applying user‑centred design principles, content frameworks and MSD style guides to ensure content is clear, accessible and written in plain English.
A key focus of the role is making it easier for MSD staff to find, understand and use the information they need to support New Zealanders. You’ll ensure strong alignment between the knowledge base, operational policy, operating standards, training material and external public information.
You’ll work closely with business units, communications teams and IT partners, including collaborating on the introduction of new, safe AI tools to support content work. You’ll also mentor and coach team members, lifting content capability and embedding best practice across MSD.
What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga
- Senior‑level experience leading digital content design in a large, complex organisation
- Proven experience developing and delivering content strategies, frameworks, patterns and standards
- Strong experience across knowledge bases, intranets and complex content systems
- Ability to simplify complex information and write high‑quality, plain‑English content
- Experience ensuring alignment across policy, operational guidance, training and public information
- Confidence mentoring and coaching content designers
- Experience working with digital and IT teams, including AI‑enabled tools
- Commitment to accessibility, inclusion and Te Tiriti o Waitangi
What’s in it for you | Nōu te rourou
- Lead a high‑impact programme that improves how MSD staff access and use information
- Shape content strategy, standards and capability across MSD
- Do meaningful work that supports staff and improves services for New Zealanders
- Work in a supportive, inclusive environment that values wellbeing and growth
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga
A copy of the position description can be found here. Lead Digital Content Advisor, position description
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $122,381.00 - $152,296.00
Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Friday 6 March 2026
About us | Mō mātou
The Ministry of Social Development 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 and 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
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, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key responsibilities listed in the position description.
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.
