Head of Communications
Date: 1 May 2025
Location: Wellington, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
- Permanent opportunity
- Wellington based
Ko wai mātou | About Us:
Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People has a unique mandate of having responsibility to steward change across Government, while commissioning disability support services, as well as transforming how these services are delivered.
Disabled people expect to have greater choice and control over the supports and services they receive to lead their best life. We are committed to this by strengthening relationships and working in partnership with disabled people, tāngata whaikaha Māori, Pacific disabled people and their whānau.
Whaikaha presents an exciting opportunity to make a real difference. The call for “Nothing about us, without us” is an integral part of our operation.
Mō te tūnga | About the Role:
As the Head of Communications, you will be responsible for leading a team of communication specialists to create, develop, and deliver communications strategies and services within and external to Whaikaha that are truly accessible.
You will be responsible for the big picture strategic direction of communications for Whaikaha. You'll be able to set the course for the Whaikaha communication and engagement role and oversee it.
This is a challenging, broad ranging and exciting opportunity to lead from the front in changing the way people see and understand disability and the disability community. You will understand accessibility and be passionate about it.
You will create a powerful communications strategy that will share the perspectives and stories of disabled people within and outside of Whaikaha to support Whaikaha’s strategic objectives.
This will allow Whaikaha to build on existing and develop new relationships across the disability community to become an organisation disabled people and their whānau engage with and trust.
Mōu | About You:
You will be a seasoned communications professional with an extensive background in internal, external and media communications who not only enjoys leading people but rolling up your sleeves and doing the mahi.
You will have led teams to deliver a full range of communications across a variety of channels and platforms and have an understanding of accessibility.
You have excellent relationship management skills that have enabled you to easily build productive partnering relationships with the internal and external stakeholders including other government agencies and the Ministers Office.
You will be able to build credibility and trust with disabled people and develop a deep understanding of the unique and diverse experiences they have.
You will have experience delivering high quality communications and engagement strategies through robust channel management, including the strategic use of social media across a diverse range of channels.
To undertake this role successfully, you will either be a disabled person or be able to establish credibility and trust with the disability community.
He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga | Position Description:
The job description can be found here: Head of Communications Position Description
Salary range: $175,102.00 - $258,401.00
Tono Mai | We encourage you to apply:
Joining Whaikaha means being part of a whānau that celebrates the diversity that each individual brings. Currently, just over 40% of our people identify as disabled people and we want this number to grow. 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 really are. We are committed to the application of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in all levels of our work.
Me He Pātai Anō | Further Enquiries:
We encourage you to talk to us about any support you need. We want you to present this information in a way that plays to your strengths. For example, you may prefer to use video instead of traditional CV and cover letter. You might want whānau or a friend to tell us about you or use social media or a PowerPoint presentation. Let's kōrero about what you need to feel supported in your application.
Contact us about the best way for you to apply by emailing us at:
PeopleandCulture@whaikaha.govt.nz
Te Tono | Application:
Please click the 'Apply' button to submit your application.
If you work for Whaikaha - Please apply through the myHR portal. You can do this by clicking the ‘Apply’ button to complete the online application form and upload your CV and cover letter. This will ensure that your employee profile is visible as an internal candidate.
Ka Kati Ngā Tono | Applications Close: Tuesday 13th May, 2025.
Whaikaha has adopted the Ministry of Social Development's (host agency) COVID-19 vaccination policy. This policy applies to all Whaikaha employees and 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.
