Lead Communications Advisor | Wellington

* Permanent role * Based on site at National Office, Wellington * Develop and lead significant communications strategies, work programmes and campaigns * Contribute to meaningful outcomes for New Zealanders. About the role | Mō te tūnga
This is a senior communications role in the operational group within MSD, where we deliver services and support to New Zealanders every day. As Lead Communications Advisor, you'll provide strategic communications advice to operational and project leaders. You'll work close to the services, decisions and changes that affect clients, staff, partners and employers, helping leaders communicate clearly and at the right time. You'll lead communications strategies, work programmes and campaigns that support the delivery of MSD services across New Zealand. This includes client communications, staff communications, stakeholder engagement, employer-focused activity, marketing, social media opportunities and support for significant operational change. You'll work closely with senior leaders, frontline teams and colleagues across Service Delivery Communications. You'll build trusted relationships, bring clear thinking, and turn complex information into communications that are practical, timely and easy to understand. Your work will help New Zealanders get the information they need, understand what they need to do, and feel supported to take action. It will also help staff and partners understand priorities, changes and expectations, so they can deliver services well. This role also contributes to the leadership of the Communications Planning and Delivery team. You'll help lift the quality of our work, support good planning, and bring a strong focus on performance, delivery and outcomes. What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga * Proven communications experience at a senior level and/or a relevant qualification. * Experience providing strategic and risk communications advice to senior leaders, preferably in a government context. * Strong strategic thinking, with the ability to quickly understand complex issues and translate them into clear communication and campaign strategies and plans. * Excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills across a range of channels and audiences. * Experience developing and delivering storytelling opportunities through social, traditional and internal channels. * Strong relationship management skills and confidence working with external partners, providers, Ministers' offices and senior stakeholders. * Proven project management skills, including the ability to lead communications work in a complex and fast-moving environment. * Strong political and environmental awareness, sound judgement, attention to detail, and the ability to provide clear recommendations when escalating issues or risks. * Confidence participating in situations involving processes, systems and organisations based on Mātauranga Māori. What's in it for you | Nōu te rourou This is an opportunity to work on communications that support nationally significant work and make a meaningful difference for New Zealanders. You'll work with senior leaders on communications that drive understanding, confidence and action. Not just updates. Not just information sharing. Your work will help people know what is changing, what it means for them, and what they need to do next. You'll deliver effective client communications that support people to access services, meet requirements and take up opportunities. You'll also support employer engagement and employment-focused marketing, helping connect people with work and strengthening relationships with employers. You'll be part of a purpose-driven organisation that values inclusion, collaboration, integrity and the wellbeing of its people. This role is based at National Office in Wellington. You'll be on site with the rest of the team, just like our frontline colleagues who are serving New Zealanders every day. Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga
Lead Communications Advisor, position description
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $122,381.00 - $152,296.00
Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: 29 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 [email protected]
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.