Principal Advisor Communications | MSD - services for the future | Wellington
Date: 25 Jun 2026
Location: Wellington, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
- Permanent role
- Based at National Office Wellington
About our team | Mō te tīma
You will be part of the Communications and Engagement team within MSD – services for the future. This is a large, complex transformation programme that will reshape how MSD delivers services and supports to over a million New Zealanders. The team works across the programme and the wider Ministry to deliver strategic, integrated communications and engagement.
About the role | Mō te tūnga
As Principal Advisor Communications, you will provide strategic communications and engagement advice across MSD – services for the future. You will contribute to communications planning, content development, stakeholder engagement and digital and social channel management.
You will play a lead role in developing high quality speeches and presentations for senior leaders, and mentoring others to strengthen capability across the programme. You will build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders and act as a trusted advisor to support delivery of programme priorities.
What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga
• Extensive experience at a senior level in communications and engagement for complex transformation programmes
• Proven ability to provide strategic advice and influence senior leaders and stakeholders
• Strong experience across stakeholder engagement, communications planning and delivery and media management
• Ability to develop and deliver integrated communications strategies and plans
• Excellent writing and communication skills, with strong political awareness and judgement
• Proven ability to work in fast-paced environments and manage competing priorities
• Experience mentoring, coaching and building capability in others
• Sound understanding of the New Zealand public sector environment, including relevant legislation such as the Official Information Act and Privacy Act
• Strong commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and improving outcomes for Māori
Note this role is full time and required to be in the office.
What’s in it for you | Nōu te rourou
This is a unique opportunity to be part of a once in a generation transformation programme at MSD. You will contribute to meaningful outcomes for New Zealanders while working alongside experienced professionals in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $142,874.00 - $177,798.00
Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: 9 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.
