Senior Communications Advisor, Wellington
Date: 20 Aug 2025
Location: Wellington, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
About us
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.
Senior Communications Advisor, Wellington
• Join a great communications team working on challenging and interesting work
• Full-time permanent role
• Based at National Office Wellington
About the Role / Mō te tūnga
We’re looking for a skilled communicator to join our high-performing Service Delivery Communications team.
We work closely with our operational colleagues delivering services to Work and Income, StudyLink, NZ Super clients, and employers across the country.
We contribute to the business achieving its objectives through excellent communications.
You’ll be developing and delivering engaging and easy to understand communications for clients, employers, our people, and external stakeholders.
MSD’s Service Delivery Communications team is more than just a support function – we’re strategic partners. We’re trusted, involved early, and proud of the impact we make.
Skills and Experience / Mōu – Ngā Pūkenga me ngā Wheako
Working as part of a high performing team you’ll need:
• to demonstrate a successful track record in leading communications in an operational environment
• a strategic mindset and the ability to translate complex ideas into clear, engaging communications
• excellent writing and editing skills across both digital and traditional channels
• a strong focus on the needs of your audience
• proven experience in delivering quality work to tight deadlines
• great relationship management skills, with the ability to engage and influence at all levels
• experience in using a variety of media to tell stories and deliver engaging communications
• a passion for helping New Zealanders lead better lives.
We’re looking for a person who is energetic, a team player, calm under pressure and passionate about plain English.
Position Description
Salary range: $103,815.00 - $125,958.00
How to apply
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: 28 August 2025
Apply early - we may progress suitable candidates prior to the closing date.
Joining us
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.
