Manager | Communications Channels and Content | Wellington
Date: 16 Sept 2026
Location: Wellington, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
- Permanent role at National Office in Wellington
- Our team is office based to best support our stakeholders and clients
- Lead the channels and content function for Service Delivery Communications.
- Provide strategic and operational leadership across communications channels, advice and content delivery.
About the role | Mō te tūnga
Service Delivery Communications supports the day-to-day delivery of MSD services to New Zealanders through effective communications advice, channels and content.
The Channels and Content team works across a wide range of communications channels and formats, including websites, printed materials, notifications and letters, emails, digital signage and presentations. The team helps ensure communication is clear, accessible, consistent and audience-focused.
The Manager Communications Channels and Content provides strategic and operational leadership to the team responsible for communications channels, advice and content delivery.
You will ensure channels support the day-to-day delivery of services while continuing to evolve in response to changing audience needs, service priorities and the wider communications environment.
You will lead high-quality, consistent and audience-focused content delivery across a wide range of channels and formats. You will also drive innovation in how channels and content are designed, managed and improved so communications remain effective, accessible and relevant for different audiences.
As a manager within MSD, you will build strong relationships across the organisation and with key stakeholders. You will foster a collaborative, audience-centred culture and support the systems, standards and ways of working needed for sustainable, adaptable and effective communications delivery.
What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga
- Strong experience in senior communications leadership roles, preferably within the public sector or a large operationally focused organisation.
- Strong experience in channels management, content development and audience-focused communication practice.
- Demonstrated experience establishing standards, governance and improvement approaches across channels and content functions.
- Expertise in using performance data, audience insights and feedback to shape strategy and improve outcomes.
- Proven people leadership experience, including building capability, supporting high performance and creating alignment across teams or functions.
- Sound experience in strategic planning, operational management, project management, financial management and performance monitoring.
- Experience delivering written, visual, video and digital content that is clear, accessible and engaging.
- Experience working with communications and publishing platforms, including web, intranet, social and digital channels.
- The ability to lead teams through change while maintaining delivery quality and momentum.
- A good understanding of the public sector environment, government processes and the context Service Delivery operates in.
- A relevant tertiary qualification in communications, marketing, public relations or a related discipline is desirable, or equivalent experience.
- A commitment to integrating Te Pae Tawhiti, Te Pae Tata and Pacific Prosperity strategies into work programmes, and championing a Te Ao Māori perspective in BAU work.
What’s in it for you | Nōu te rourou
This is an opportunity to lead a critical communications function that supports the delivery of services to New Zealanders. You will help shape effective, accessible and audience-focused communications across channels that matter to our people, partners and communities.
You will work with senior leaders, programme leads, business partners and communications colleagues to strengthen standards, systems and ways of working, while supporting a capable and collaborative team.
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $142,874.00 - $177,798.00
Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: 24 September 2026
Apply early - we may progress suitable candidates prior to the closing date.
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.
