Head of Strategic & District Communications

New Zealand Police is working with the community to make New Zealanders be safe and feel safe. With over 15,000 staff, we provide policing services 24 hours a day, every day. We operate by land, sea and air, manage over 860,000 emergency calls a year and are always actively preventing crime and crashes. We’re working towards specific goals and targets that highlight our intent to work collaboratively with iwi and communities, other government sectors and business partners to deliver ‘Our Business’ and achieve long-term change. Head of Strategic and District Communications * Based at Police National Headquarters - Wellington * Grade 23 * Police Employee * Permanent/ Full Time * Nationally Advertised Vacancy * JR 6007698 E tῡ ki te kei o te waka, kia pakia koe e ngā ngaru o te wā. Stand at the stern of the canoe and feel the spray of the future biting at your face Mō te tūnga | About the role We are seeking an experienced and strategic communications leader to help shape the next phase of our Media and Communications evolution. This is a unique opportunity to assess, shape and optimise the capability, structure and operating model of a high-profile communications function supporting New Zealand Police. Working at both strategic and operational levels, you will drive continuous improvement, strengthen team performance across the country, enhance media and stakeholder engagement, and ensure our communications services remain responsive to a rapidly changing environment. You will bring a proven track record of leading change, building high-performing teams, and providing trusted advice to senior leaders on complex reputational and organisational issues. In return, you will have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on how New Zealand Police communicates with its people, partners, communities and the wider public. Key Accountabilities: * Lead communications transformation and continuous improvement. * Shape a high-performing District communications function. * Set the strategic direction for district communications, ensuring communications activities align with organisational priorities, operational needs, and reputation objectives. * Strengthen, stakeholder and community engagement. * Provide trusted advice on reputational and strategic issues. * Drive consistent, responsive communications across New Zealand. He aha taau e kawe mai | What you’ll bring Whilst we are looking for skills, knowledge and experience relevant to the role, we also place high importance on your state of mind, the alignment of your values with ours, your ability to contribute to and build high performing teams, and the way that you lead yourself or others. To be successful in this role, you will: * Consider and evaluate a wide range of external factors when making decisions * Balance multiple strategic priorities and expectations * Know how to think and act strategically to engage others in our vision and the delivery of our strategic priorities * Have experience to collaborate with and influence key strategic partners to achieve better outcomes * Have the experience to lead transformational change initiatives Whakaritenga motuhake | Special requirements The successful candidate will bring with them: * Relevant tertiary qualification in Communications, Public Relations, Political Science, or similar * Desirable – Post Graduate qualification e.g. MBA, Master of Communication/Public Policy or equivalent Leadership qualification * Desirable – experience in media * OR significant equivalent senior experience may substitute for formal qualifications * Significant demonstratable experience in senior leadership roles * Significant demonstratable communications experience This role is based at our National Headquarters in Wellington. Some travel may be required. This role is Strategic People Leader level. You can refer to Indicators for Success for further information on the requirements To view the position description for this role please copy and paste this link into a new browser: https://www.police.govt.nz/sites/default/files/pd/2026-07/Head%20of%20Strategic%20and%20District%20Communications.pdf To be eligible for this role, you may be asked to obtain and maintain a SECRET national security clearance. The minimum criteria for this level of national security clearance is: NZ Citizen who has resided continuously in NZ for the last 10 years, or: * A Permanent Resident who has resided continuously in NZ for the last 10 years, or * A citizen of or has resided continuously in one or more of the following countries for the last 10 years: Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, or United States of America, and has a background that can be verified by the NZSIS. Use this online tool to self-check your eligibility for a security clearance. Please note that this tool is not part of the formal security clearance process: http://www.protectivesecurity.govt.nz/eligibility-tool Mo tātou | About us New Zealand Police is the lead agency responsible for preventing crime and enhancing community safety. It works in partnership with individuals, communities, businesses, and other public sector agencies towards the vision of making New Zealand the safest country. Police is the government’s largest front-line response agency with around 15,000 staff in large and small communities all over New Zealand and in liaison and policing development roles overseas. Your development is highly valued at NZ Police. Our employees enjoy significant investment in their development not only at an individual level, but also at the team and community practice level. We work hard to match you with work that will both play to your strengths and challenge you in new ways. The work you’ll be engaged in is real, tangible work that directly benefits our frontline and communities. Taken all together, this means we can offer you career path opportunities to progress in your chosen profession and become a more well-rounded, experienced leader, with opportunities across the range of work we support. To view more detailed information about our recruitment process along with further details about requirements please click below link: Applicant Information Pack (External) Tono ināianei | Apply now If this position sounds like you, click apply now and submit a tailored CV. You will be required to submit an application form. Before confirmation of hire, pre-employment checks will be undertaken which include reference, drug and alcohol testing and police vetting prior to any written offer being made. For further information on the application process, please copy and paste this URL: https://www.police.govt.nz/careers All applications must be submitted online and will not be accepted directly via email. All applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand. Utu ā-tau | Salary This position is covered by a collective agreement and salary will commence between $171,055 and $191,061 dependent on skills and experience relevant to the role. If you are an internal applicant, you must apply internally through the police system. You must provide an alternative contact email address and state your future commitments should you be successful in the next stage of the recruitment process. Please note: Deadline for applications is 5:00 pm on Monday 3rd August. Applications may be reviewed prior to the close date as well as contact made with candidates. Interviews are tentatively scheduled for late August, early September. If you have any questions about this vacancy, please contact [email protected]