Manager Communications
Date: 29 Aug 2025
Location: Wellington, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
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.
Manager Communications
• Lead a high-performing team to deliver impactful, inclusive communications
• Shape strategic messaging that builds trust and transparency across DSS activities
• Permanent Wellington-based role
Join a team committed to strengthening disability support services through clear, engaging, and inclusive communication.
About our team | Mō te tīma
The Disability Support Services (DSS) Group is responsible for commissioning, funding, and stewarding high-quality services that support disabled people, their families, and whānau.
We’re building leadership and management capacity across our teams to deliver both change and business-as-usual effectively.
We work closely with providers, stakeholders, and communities to ensure services are fair, consistent, transparent and sustainable. With a strong focus on performance monitoring, data, and insights, we’re committed to continuous improvement and evidence-based decision-making.
It’s an exciting time to join DSS as we strengthen our systems and expand our capabilities.
We’re looking for passionate people to help us achieve our goals and make a meaningful impact.
About the role | Mō te tūnga
As Manager Communications, you’ll lead a team responsible for designing and delivering innovative internal and external communications that support DSS’s strategic direction and enhance its reputation.
You’ll work closely with senior leaders to shape messaging that is timely, consistent, and aligned with organisational values, while fostering trust and engagement across diverse audiences.
This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on delivery, requiring a deep understanding of inclusive communication practices, accessibility standards, and stakeholder engagement. You’ll be instrumental in driving continuous improvement, embedding best practice, and supporting change initiatives across DSS.
Key responsibilities include:
• Lead the development and execution of integrated communication strategies and campaigns
• Translate organisational strategy into compelling narratives for diverse audiences
• Lead and manage the Communications team to deliver consistent and aligned, high-quality communications, champion continuous improvement and drive capability uplift
• Provide strategic advice and hands-on support to senior leaders
• Monitor and evaluate communication effectiveness using analytics and feedback
• Build strong relationships with government and community stakeholders
We value diversity and welcome applications from disabled people and those who have lived experience with whānau, or the disability community.
Please contact us if there is any support that we can provide to ensure the recruitment process is accessible to you.
What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga
• Proven experience leading high-performing communications teams
• Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver integrated campaigns across multiple channels
• Strong understanding of inclusive communication and accessibility standards
• Experience providing strategic advice to senior leaders and managing sensitive issues
• Excellent relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills
• Deep knowledge of public sector communication protocols and political sensitivities
• Ability to translate complex information into clear, compelling messaging
• Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and equity-focused communication
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $142,874.00 - $177,798.00
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.
Closing date: 14 September 2025
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. We are a Treaty partner committed to strengthening relationships with Māori, Hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.
If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.
MSD has a COVID-19 vaccination policy that encourages, but does not require, employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and its variants, unless the role is identified as requiring vaccination at the time.
