Senior Communications and Engagement Specialist at Western Bay of Plenty District Council

Tauranga, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

13 Sep, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

15 Jun, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Communications, Community Engagement, Writing, Content Creation, Media Management, Issues Management, Stakeholder Management, Emergency Management Communications, Public Information Management, Relationship Building, Strategic Planning, Consultation

Industry

Government Administration

Description

Let’s be honest — when people hear “Council”, they often have an immediate reaction. Sometimes it’s interest. Sometimes it’s frustration. Sometimes it’s somewhere in between. And fair enough. Council is a complex beast. That’s the focus for the Communications team – helping shift that in the right direction, so people better understand what’s happening, and why it matters. Because across the Western Bay, there’s a lot of important mahi happening every day. Work that keeps things running, supports communities, and makes a difference - from the parks and playgrounds people enjoy to the roads, cycleways, infrastructure and services we rely on every day - even if it’s not always seen. We’re putting real effort into how we share that, and how we connect with people along the way. That might mean hearing from us on Channel X, sharing your views through a quick online survey, seeing updates in your local Facebook group, reading about it in the local paper, or having a kōrero with elected members at a community event. It’s about meeting people where they are - not just to share information, but to listen, respond, and make it clear what happens next. Because there’s a big difference between saying we’re listening, and showing that we are. And how we communicate that - how we explain it, and how we follow through - makes a real difference. That’s where this role comes in. About the role This is a senior role within our Communications and Engagement team, working across a wide range of Council activity. The work is varied and visible. It can range from community-facing projects like transport and roading upgrades, through to larger regional initiatives and partnerships that help shape the future of the District. You’ll be working across both communications and engagement - ensuring we not only tell the story well, but create opportunities for people to be part of it. That includes helping teams communicate clearly, plan meaningful engagement, and connect their work to what matters for people in the community. One day you might be working with the Chief Executive or elected members on a high-profile piece of communication. The next, you’re out in the community supporting an event, or working alongside a project team to bring their work to life. You’ll also build on work already underway – including our Your Place Tō wāhi project pages, community-led engagement like Community Quest, which generated more than 22,000 pieces of feedback across the District, and supporting communications during weather events, incidents and emergency responses. At its core, this role is about helping improve how we connect with people — making a difference one conversation, one interaction, and one story at a time. You’ll bring 5+ years’ experience delivering communications and engagement across a range of projects or programmes Strong writing and content skills, with the ability to turn complex or technical information into clear, accessible messages Engagement Institute (formerly IAP2) accreditation Experience planning and delivering community engagement — from drop-ins and meetings through to wider campaigns and consultation Experience in media or issues management Confidence working with communities and managing a range of perspectives, including in high-interest or sensitive situations The ability to provide clear, practical advice to teams and senior stakeholders Strong relationship skills and the ability to work effectively across the organisation Good judgement and the ability to stay calm and focused when things move quickly — including during issues, incidents or weather-related events Experience or training in emergency management communications (e.g. Public Information Management / PIM), or the ability to quickly build capability in this space Knowledge and ability to work with tangata whenua on key Council issues and projects. Applicants for this position should have NZ residency or a valid NZ work permit. For further information please call Luke Balvert on 0800 926 732. Want to know who the Western Bay of Plenty District Council is? It's simple. We’re a Council of real people, just like you – and we’re here to make a real difference. Whether it’s reuniting dog owners with their lost pups, asking communities what they think of policies, responding to community emergencies, or designing playgrounds – we’re part of everyday life.In fact we provide nearly 40 services! We work hard every day to make this a great place to live for all. For our whenua. For our communities. For our people.

Responsibilities

Lead communications and engagement efforts across various Council activities, ranging from infrastructure projects to regional initiatives. The role involves creating clear messaging, planning community engagement, and managing high-profile communications for senior stakeholders.