Lead Advisor Communications - Media
Wellington, NZ
Permanent position available - National Office, Wellington
- Lead on strategy and positioning on key issues
- Positive and supportive environment
About the role | Mō te tūnga
Are you cool and calm under pressure? Do you enjoy tackling complex issues? Would you like to be part of a positive, supportive and high-performing team?
If so, we would love to hear from you. You will work on media issues that really matter. 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.
This is a key position, and you’ll be working with people across the organisation to manage media issues and to develop proactive stories. We’ll look to you to lead on strategy and positioning on important public issues.
The role is within the Media and Social Media team.
What’s in it for You?
You’ll have opportunities to develop your strategic media management skills to the next level in one of New Zealand’s biggest government agencies. You’ll be part of an organisation that is making a difference in the lives of many New Zealanders.
What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga
Skills & Experience
Our ideal candidate will offer:
- Proven record in the Communications industry, particularly Government Communications
- Experience in the news media
- Experienced in working in a fast-paced environment, juggling competing priorities
- Ability to quickly build trust, rapport and credibility with senior leaders
- Experienced in risk management of media issues
- Up to date knowledge of social media environment
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga
Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Tuesday 1st September 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.
