Communications Advisor, Mike Butterick MP

Bring your first-class communications expertise to the heart of Parliament!

About the role

Mike Butterick MP is looking for a Communications Advisor to join their team for 10-20 hours per week. There is flexibility about where the role is based, either in Wellington at the Parliamentary precinct or in the Wairarapa, working out of the Masterton electorate office.

You’ll primarily develop developed targeted content across a variety of traditional and social media channels to engage the community.

Working as part of the team, you’ll step into an environment that is unique, exciting, and rewarding. This position offers real variety and plays a vital role in supporting Aotearoa New Zealand’s democracy.

What you will bring to the role

Ideally, you will have a wide range of experience to call upon for this position, including finely honed communications and social media expertise. Your friends and whānau describe you as community minded, technologically savvy, resilient, proactive, and willing to roll your sleeves up and get things done!

You’ll be able to work independently and as part of a team. You’ll proactively identify opportunities to engage with the community and inform them about your MP’s work.

In your application, please clearly outline how your experience and knowledge make you the right candidate for the role.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of the MP’s communications plan
• Identify and recommend opportunities to promote the MP’s Parliamentary profile to the public across media; print, television, radio, and social
• Write material in relation to current reactive topics specific to the MP’s electorate and/or areas of interest
• Create, identify, advise and recommend on media opportunities for the MP
• Chart, assess and evaluate the performance of all media and report this to the MP
• Create and maintain positive working relationships with local and regional media, and networks both inside and outside Parliament to support the MP’s profile and media engagement
• Organise and run press briefings, conferences, and media advisories for the MP

Why work for Parliamentary Service?

• We offer a range of benefits including 5 weeks’ annual leave, an eye and hearing subsidy, and an annual well-being payment.
• You will receive an induction from Parliamentary Service to set you up to succeed, as well as having access to ongoing learning, development, and professional networking opportunities.
• We are proud of He Ao Takitaki (our Te Ao Māori strategy); we offer karakia, waiata, and reo Māori opportunities along with opportunities through other staff networks.
• Our core values are at the heart of how we work: Integrity, Manaakitanga, Accountability, Whanaungatanga, and Empowerment.

As an employee of Parliamentary Service, you will be politically impartial in your role. An awareness of the political landscape may be beneficial in supporting your MP.

The pay band for the role starts at $74,270 (fulltime equivalent) per annum and appointments will be based on skills and experience. All employees who work for MPs are employed on an ‘events-based’ agreement, with your employment linked to your MP.

This role is based either in Wellington at the parliamentary precinct or in the Wairarapa working out of the Masterton electorate office for 10-20 hours per week.

In your application please state your preference for where you would be based and how many hours between 10-20 that you want to work.

Applications close 11:59pm Wednesday 7th January 2026. Please note that applications will only be accepted online. If you have any confidential questions, please contact: Fredwyn.kisona@parliament.govt.nz 

Important Note: This vacancy will remain open through the Christmas break. There will be no replies to questions from 25 December until the advert closes, so please plan accordingly. 

If you have any questions, please contact Fredwyn.kisona@parliament.govt.nz

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. 

The Parliamentary Service and the Office of the Clerk appoint on merit and are committed to diversity and inclusion and good employer principles. We welcome applicants from all walks of life and value the experience that your point of difference brings.