Senior Advisor Communications and Engagement | Wellington | 6 month fixed term or secondment
Date: 1 Apr 2026
Location: Wellington, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
- Develop and deliver internal and external communication plans to ensure successful delivery
- Ensure communication plans and initiatives are aligned with the strategic direction of Disability Support Services and MSD
- 6 month fixed-term Wellington-based role
Shape the voice of our organisation and drive impactful communications.
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 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 for the communities we serve.
About the role | Mō te tūnga:
As Senior Advisor Communications, you’ll play a central role in developing and executing communication plans and campaigns.
You’ll support the Communications team to deliver strategic initiatives and ensure operational excellence across all outputs.
This is a 6 month fixed term opportunity based in our Wellington office.
Key responsibilities include:
- Support the day-to-day development and delivery of internal and external communication plans and campaigns
- Provide high quality communication products and supports the Manager Communications and wider Business Support team
- Monitor and report on audience engagement through all channels to inform improvements
- Advise senior leaders on strategic and operational communications
- Develop tools and resources to support best practice across the team
- Build capability and consistency in communication delivery
- Provide and draft speeches for DSS leaders and kaimahi and provide communications plans that support leaders to connect effectively with staff and external 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 in developing and implementing of communication projects
- Skilled in communication change management, able to simplify complexity and bring people on the journey.
- Excellent writing and editing skills across multiple formats and audiences
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality outputs
- Experience advising senior leaders and managing reputational risk
- Strong emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and collaborate across diverse teams.
- Comfortable navigating ambiguity able to provide clarity, maintain momentum, and drive work forward even when direction or detail is still emerging.
- Extensive experience in professional writing, plain English editing and proof-reading.
- Excellent attention to detail - ability to produce quality outputs at a rapid rate whilst maintaining accuracy
- Experience working with or understanding disability communities and inclusive communication practices (advantageous).
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga:
A copy of the position description can be found here. Senior Communications Advisor position description.
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $103,815.00 - $125,958.00
Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Sunday 19 April 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 and advice to government and assistance, including income, employment and housing support to people of all ages, families, whānau and communities.
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, 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.
