Senior Engagement Advisor

We’re looking for an experienced engagement professional who can lead complex work, build trusted relationships and strengthen engagement practice across Council.

Help shape Nelson’s future. Lead with expertise. Make a difference. We’re looking for an experienced engagement professional who can lead complex work, build trusted relationships and strengthen engagement practice across Council.

Shaping our future | Kōmiria te anamata

Our vision for Whakatū Nelson is a creative, prosperous and innovative city. Our community is inclusive, resilient, and connected – we care for each other and our environment.

Nelson City Council is undertaking one of the most significant local government transformations in New Zealand. Through Shaping Our Future, we’re organising ourselves around the people and communities we serve, getting clearer about who does what, and investing in the capability we need for the years ahead. That includes customer experience, data and digital, asset planning, economic development, and contract and programme delivery, to name just a few. We’re also working more closely with iwi, neighbouring councils and other partners to deliver better outcomes for Whakatū Nelson. Our new structure is in place, and we’re now recruiting for the roles that will bring it to life. 

This isn’t a one-off change. It’s the foundation for a council that keeps improving, and we’d love you to help build it.

About Nelson City Council | E pā ana ki te Kaunihera o Whakatū

Our vision for Whakatū Nelson is a creative, prosperous and innovative city. Our community is inclusive, resilient, and connected – we care for each other and our environment. 

About the role | Kō tēnei tūranga mahi

We're looking for an experienced Senior Engagement Advisor to lead the design and delivery of inclusive, accessible and effective community engagement across complex, sensitive and high-profile work. You’ll help build the relationships, frameworks and internal capability needed to strengthen meaningful community participation across Council.

You will:

• Design and lead high-quality engagement processes that enable communities to participate and influence outcomes.
• Lead engagement for complex, high-profile or politically sensitive projects, navigating competing interests and risks with sound judgement.
• Build trusted, ongoing relationships with communities, organisations and key stakeholders.
• Partner closely with Te Kāhui Whiria to support meaningful, coordinated engagement with iwi, hapū and Māori communities.
• Develop practical frameworks, tools and guidance that improve the quality and consistency of engagement across Council.
• Coach and support leaders, project teams and advisors to build capability and embed genuine participation.
• Mentor Communications and Engagement Advisors and provide guidance and quality assurance.
• Use engagement outcomes, feedback and insights to support continuous improvement

About you | Ko ngā pūmanawa ō

You’ll be an experienced engagement professional who can translate complex issues into plain language, tailor approaches for different audiences and build trusted relationships across diverse communities. You’ll bring sound judgement, cultural responsiveness and a genuine commitment to strengthening the capability of those around you.

• Proven experience designing and delivering community engagement in a complex, public-facing environment, ideally within local government or the public sector.
• Experience leading engagement for complex, sensitive or high-profile projects involving multiple and sometimes competing stakeholder interests.
• Strong knowledge of engagement practice, including the IAP2 framework and Local Government Act consultation requirements.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain complex issues clearly and adapt your approach for different audiences.
• The ability to build and sustain trusted relationships with diverse communities, including Māori, and work in a culturally responsive way.
• Skill in developing practical frameworks, tools and guidance that lift engagement quality and consistency.
• Experience mentoring or coaching others and a genuine commitment to building capability.
• A relevant tertiary qualification in engagement, communications, social science or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.

What we offer | Ko ngā painga mōu 

• Wellbeing leave, platforms and initiatives 
• A fully subsidised health insurance scheme 
• A flexible workplace
• Generous leave provisions 
• Learning and professional development opportunities
• Access to various employee benefits and discounts 
• Opportunities to contribute to meaningful projects that shape our community's wellbeing and future 
• Mountains, beaches and national parks at your doorstep 

At Nelson City Council, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where everyone feels safe, valued, and has a true sense of belonging. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from diverse ethnicities and cultures, LGBTQ+ communities, neurodivergent individuals, and people with disabilities. If you require any assistance with your application, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. 

Applications close | Rā whakakapi

11pm on Sunday 15 November 2026

Applications will be reviewed as received, and the vacancy may close early if a suitable candidate is found. We encourage you to apply without delay.

For further enquiries | Ina he pātai anō, whakapā mai

For questions relating to the role, please email nccvacancy@ncc.govt.nz