Senior Communications Adviser | Kaitohutohu Take Matihiko Matua

Mō te tīma | About the Team

The Communications team sits within the Parliamentary Engagement function in the Corporate Services group. We’re a collaborative team made up of kaimahi from both the Parliamentary Service and the Office of the Clerk, working together to help make Parliament more accessible and easier to engage with.

Our mahi spans internal communications across the parliamentary agencies, as well as external communications, media relations, and stakeholder engagement. We support teams and leaders across the parliamentary precinct to communicate clearly, consistently, and with confidence, and we play an important role in helping New Zealanders connect with the work of Parliament.

Mō te tūnga | About the Role

As the Senior Communications Adviser, you’ll provide trusted, practical communications leadership across a wide range of work. This is a senior, hands-on role where you’ll shape and deliver communication plans, provide day-to-day advice to teams and leaders, and help lift communications capability across the parliamentary organisations.

You’ll support both internal and external communications including media relations and stakeholder management, and contribute to the delivery of the Parliamentary Engagement Strategy. The role plays an important part in strengthening two-way communication with Members of Parliament, agencies on the precinct, and key stakeholders, in a politically sensitive environment.

You’ll report to the Communications Lead and work closely with colleagues across Parliamentary Engagement and the wider organisation.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing communication planning and advice, and supporting delivery of communications strategies and the Parliamentary Engagement Strategy
• Developing communication plans, including stakeholder analysis, key messages, channel selection, and sequencing
• Researching, editing, and producing high-quality content such as web content, newsletters, business documentation, and press releases
• Supporting effective two-way communications across the parliamentary agencies, including with Members of Parliament and other agencies on the precinct
• Providing media relations and stakeholder management support, including helping manage reputational risk
• Coaching and mentoring junior team members and contributing to a positive team culture
• Supporting evaluation and continuous improvement of communication activity and outcomes
• Participating in project work as a team member, adviser, or project manager, as required

Tō kete | What You’ll Bring

You’ll be confident operating at a senior level, able to move between strategy and delivery, and comfortable providing advice in a complex and politically aware environment.

You’ll bring:

• Proven experience in a communications role, with excellent writing and editing skills
• Experience providing operational communications advice that is practical, timely, and audience-focused
• Sound judgment and experience supporting media relations and stakeholder engagement
• Strong relationship management skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across diverse teams
• Experience developing and delivering communication plans across a mix of channels
• A good understanding of the New Zealand parliamentary environment and political context
• Experience using online communication channels and producing content for business systems
• An ability to identify risks and opportunities to improve engagement and service delivery
• Experience coaching and mentoring others and sharing knowledge generously
• Project experience, with the ability to contribute effectively in a project environment
• Cultural competence and a genuine commitment to strengthening understanding of Te Ao Māori, mātauranga Māori, tikanga Māori, and te reo Māori

Mō mātou | About us:

We offer a range of benefits including 5 weeks annual leave, end of trip facilities, access to an on-site gym and pool, learning and development opportunities. Our ever-changing environment allows us to be part of the action at Parliament including attending question time, select committees and other key events. We support flexible working where possible and offer a clear, structured remuneration progression framework, strong organisational stability, and a genuine commitment to staff wellbeing and development.

Our values: Integrity, Manaakitanga, Accountability, Whanaungatanga and Empowerment guide how we work. We honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi and aim to make Parliament a welcoming and accessible environment for all. If you would like to know more about who we are and the mahi we do, visit Careers at Parliament.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply:

If you’re looking to build your procurement career, take ownership of meaningful work, and grow within a supportive, experienced team, we’d love to hear from you. Applications close at 11:59pm, Sunday 6 August 2026. All applications must be made online. To arrange a confidential kōrero, please contact Fredwyn.Kisona@parliament.govt.nz

Please note: we will begin screening applications as they are received and may move to interviews shortly after the advert closes. Depending on application volumes, timeframes may change, and we reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than advertised. You may also be invited to complete a pre-interview screening via phone or video.

If you have any support or access requirements, please let us know when you apply so we can support you through the recruitment process.

Note to Recruitment Agencies: We appreciate your interest, but we are not accepting applications from recruitment agencies at this time. Unsolicited CVs will not be accepted, and Parliamentary Service and the Office of the Clerk are not responsible for any related fees.