Senior Media & Communications Advisor at Department of Conservation - - Kaikohe
We put nature and people at the heart of our mahi, guided by te reo Māori, te ao Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.He angitūtanga | About the roleAre you a passionate, creative storyteller who loves getting out into nature? Are you keen on the great outdoors and getting up-close and personal with some of the most unique native species and stunning locations Aotearoa has to offer.As Senior Media and Communications Advisor you will report to the Team Lead Regional Communications and lead, influence and deliver strategic media and communications support to critical DOC work in the Northern North Island Region and across national priority work.We're after a great strategist and writer, a confident influencer who can transform complex information and policy into engaging material that explains and promotes the full range of DOC's work programmes.The position will be focussed on:Strategic leadership: Drive communications planning and support complex issues and large-scale projects, providing advice and support to senior leadership.Story telling: Working with DOC staff and stakeholders to develop impactful and engaging content that informs and educates people on New Zealand's conservation challenges and successes and showcases our unique landscapes and wildlife.
Media relations: Manage national media relationships to seize opportunities and manage reputational risks for DOC, including crisis management. You will also support Ministerial announcements and liaise with other agencies and provide surge support for crisis when required.This role will be part of our 24/7 on call media roster.Iwi and stakeholder engagement: Work with Treaty Partners and influence and support internal and external stakeholders, including Ministers and other government agencies fostering strong relationships and networks.Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience We are looking for a flexible self-starter, confident influencer and capable multi-tasker with government communications experience.
A strong writer, with exceptional planning skills. You will be a natural storyteller, easily able to identify opportunities, and equally have a solid risk radar. If this sounds like you, please get in touch:Significant experience leading strategic communications and media relations, including in governmentExperience telling stories using a range of internal and external communications channels, with a proven track record of communicating across a diverse and distributed organisationExperience developing and implementing effective systems to manage critical communications issues and risksAbility to quickly understand multiple issues, manage conflicting priorities and operate to a high standardExcellent communicator and collaborator with both internal and external stakeholdersProven ability to provide strategic advice to senior leaders, mentor teams, and foster collaboration across teams.Strong political acumen and judgement to navigate complex landscapes effectively.A tertiary qualification in communications, media, public relations or marketingDesirable:Experience partnering and engaging with iwi and tangata whenua as well as an understanding of the implications of the Treaty of WaitangiFull NZ Drivers LicenseClick here for the job description.
Mō te tīma | About the team The Media and Communications team provides strategic media and external communications support across DOC, working closely with the Ministers' offices and senior leadership. The team is made up of a national and regional team distributed across New Zealand.All advisors support national and regional staff on operations, projects, programmes of work and significant issues and reputation risks. Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What's in it for you? The Department of Conservation /Te Papa Atawhai places importance on developing a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow.
We're working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable and inclusive by default. You can learn more about what we offer here.Tono ināianei | Apply now Apply online with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai.
Please note, due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept direct or emailed applications and provide feedback to those not shortlisted. The salary range for this position is $92,912 -$117,570 with the starting salary of the successful applicant being based on their relevant skills and experience.
Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory - this includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment.Please note we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role. Rā katinga | Applications close at 11:59pm Friday 17 October 2025.
Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries, contact Robyn Orchard, rorchard@doc.govt.nz .