📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Media & Influencer Marketing Specialist
🔹 Company: KiwiRail
🔹 Location: Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
🔹 Job Type: On-site
🔹 Category: Transportation/Trucking/Railroad
🔹 Date Posted: June 27, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: No
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and executing proactive media strategies and PR campaigns
- Managing relationships with media outlets, journalists, influencers, and digital creators
- Planning, pitching, and hosting media familiarisation trips and influencer experiences
- Leading influencer marketing programmes and user-generated content (UGC) campaigns
- Monitoring, tracking, and reporting on earned media and PR performance
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a proactive and creative individual with strong communication skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships with various stakeholders in the media and influencer landscape.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Developing and executing proactive media strategies and PR campaigns across both B2C and B2B audiences
✅ Developing and maintaining media kits, press assets, brand messaging, and editorial resources
✅ Managing relationships with media outlets, journalists, influencers, and digital creators
✅ Planning, pitching, and hosting media familiarisation trips and influencer experiences
✅ Drafting, editing, and distributing approved press releases and official media responses
✅ Leading influencer marketing programmes, including identifying creators, developing briefs, and managing content delivery
✅ Responsibility for facilitating filming requests
✅ Initiating and supporting user-generated content (UGC) campaigns across key platforms
✅ Overseeing the planning, logistics, and creative direction for on-brand filming and content capture
✅ Monitoring, tracking, and reporting on earned media and PR performance, using these insights to inform future strategy
✅ Pitching stories to media outlets in New Zealand and Australia and tracking media coverage to measure campaign impact
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, relationship management, and tactical execution to ensure KiwiRail's passenger brands are consistently represented across key media outlets and driving visibility, engagement, and conversion.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: A relevant bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, or a related field
Experience: Proven experience (2-5 years) managing media relations, influencer marketing, and public relations within a consumer or tourism-facing brand
Required Skills:
- Proven experience managing media relations, influencer marketing, and public relations
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- Strong relationship-building skills
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with media monitoring tools (e.g., Mention, Brand24)
- Familiarity with the New Zealand and Australian media landscapes
- Knowledge of the rail industry
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong understanding of the media and influencer landscape, with a proven track record in delivering successful PR campaigns and managing relationships with key stakeholders.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: NZD 70,000 - 90,000 per annum (based on experience and industry standards for similar roles in Wellington)
Benefits:
- Competitive salary plus 4% employer KiwiSaver contribution
- Professional development opportunities
- Access to NZ Rail Staff Welfare Trust benefits, including holiday homes, medical support, and discounted travel
- Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace dedicated to innovation, sustainability, and community impact
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is based on industry standards for similar roles in Wellington, New Zealand. The benefits package is designed to attract and retain top talent in the marketing and communications field.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Transportation/Trucking/Railroad - KiwiRail is the primary provider of rail services in New Zealand, offering both freight and passenger transportation, as well as scenic travel experiences.
Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees - KiwiRail is a significant employer in New Zealand, with nearly 3,500 talented people working throughout the country.
Founded: 2008 - KiwiRail was established following the restructuring of New Zealand's rail network and is now a state-owned enterprise.
Company Description:
- KiwiRail is proud to be the backbone of New Zealand’s integrated transport network and one of the country’s biggest tourism operators
- The company is a significant property owner and developer, with a commitment to investing in its network to provide a world-class service to customers
- KiwiRail is dedicated to the safety and wellbeing of its staff, with a goal of Zero Harm, and fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace
Company Specialties:
- Freight and logistics services
- Commuter services
- Scenic travel experiences
Company Website: http://www.kiwirail.co.nz
ASSUMPTION: KiwiRail's diverse range of services and significant presence in New Zealand's transportation and tourism industries make it an attractive employer for professionals seeking a challenging and impactful role.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level - This role requires proven experience in media relations, influencer marketing, and public relations, with a focus on strategic planning and execution.
Reporting Structure: The Media & Influencer Marketing Specialist will report directly to the Manager of Marketing Communications and work closely with various internal stakeholders, including marketing, sales, and customer experience teams.
Work Arrangement: On-site - This role is based in Wellington, with occasional travel required for media familiarisation trips and influencer experiences.
Growth Opportunities:
- KiwiRail offers professional development opportunities to help employees grow and succeed in their careers
- The diverse range of services and significant presence in New Zealand's transportation and tourism industries provide ample opportunities for career progression
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to work for a high-profile, state-owned enterprise with a strong commitment to employee development and growth.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Corporate headquarters - KiwiRail's headquarters are located in Wellington, with additional offices in Auckland.
Office Location(s): 2 Bunny St, Wellington, Wellington 6011, NZ and 8 Stanley St, Parnell, Auckland 1011, NZ
Geographic Context:
- Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand, known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, as well as its proximity to nature and outdoor activities
- Auckland is New Zealand's largest city, offering a mix of urban and coastal living, with a strong focus on business and commerce
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week) - KiwiRail offers flexible working arrangements, with core hours between 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday.
ASSUMPTION: KiwiRail's offices provide a professional and collaborative work environment, with a strong focus on employee wellbeing and work-life balance.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume screening
- Phone or video screening
- Face-to-face interview with the hiring manager and a representative from the HR team
- Final interview with the relevant department head or senior leadership
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills, both written and verbal
- Relationship-building skills
- Strategic thinking and planning
- Cultural fit and alignment with KiwiRail's values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of successful PR campaigns and influencer partnerships you've managed in the past
- Research KiwiRail's services and industry position to demonstrate your understanding of the company and its goals
ATS Keywords: Media Relations, Influencer Marketing, Public Relations, Campaign Management, Relationship Building, User-Generated Content, Media Familiarisation Trips, Content Performance Tracking
ASSUMPTION: KiwiRail's application process is designed to assess candidates' relevant skills and cultural fit, with a focus on communication, relationship-building, and strategic planning.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Google Suite
- Media monitoring tools (e.g., Mention, Brand24)
- Social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter)
- Content creation and design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite)
ASSUMPTION: KiwiRail provides the necessary tools and technologies for employees to perform their jobs effectively, with a focus on collaboration and productivity.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Safety - KiwiRail is committed to the safety and wellbeing of its staff and customers
- Integrity - The company operates with honesty, transparency, and accountability
- Innovation - KiwiRail fosters a culture of continuous improvement and creativity
Work Style:
- Collaborative - KiwiRail encourages teamwork and cross-functional collaboration
- Adaptable - The company values flexibility and adaptability in the face of change
- Customer-focused - KiwiRail prioritises the needs and expectations of its customers
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you ensure the safety of yourself and others in a work environment?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you demonstrated integrity in a professional setting?
- Describe a situation where you had to adapt to significant change or uncertainty, and how did you approach it?
ASSUMPTION: KiwiRail's values and work style reflect the company's commitment to safety, integrity, innovation, collaboration, adaptability, and customer focus, with a strong emphasis on employee wellbeing and work-life balance.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The role may require occasional travel and working flexible hours to accommodate media familiarisation trips and influencer experiences
- KiwiRail's diverse range of services and significant presence in New Zealand's transportation and tourism industries may present complex communication challenges
- The role may involve working with tight deadlines and managing multiple projects simultaneously
- The role may require navigating the unique dynamics of the New Zealand and Australian media landscapes
ASSUMPTION: While this role offers a unique opportunity to work for a high-profile, state-owned enterprise, it may also present challenges related to travel, complex communication, time management, and navigating diverse media landscapes.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role differs from related positions in its focus on the rail industry and the unique dynamics of New Zealand's transportation and tourism sectors
- KiwiRail's size and diverse range of services provide opportunities for career progression and growth not typically found in smaller organisations or more specialised roles
- The role's focus on strategic planning, relationship management, and tactical execution sets it apart from more junior or specialised positions in media relations and influencer marketing
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of strategic planning, relationship management, and tactical execution, with a focus on the rail industry and New Zealand's transportation and tourism sectors.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a successful PR campaign to launch a new scenic tourism route, including media outreach, influencer partnerships, and user-generated content initiatives
- Managing a media familiarisation trip for international journalists, including itinerary design, hosting, and follow-up, to generate positive coverage and drive tourism growth
- Creating and implementing an influencer marketing strategy to promote KiwiRail's commuter services, including identifying relevant creators, developing briefs, and managing content delivery
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the strategic planning, relationship management, and tactical execution required for success in this role, with a focus on driving visibility, engagement, and conversion for KiwiRail's passenger brands.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe a recent PR campaign that was particularly successful, and what made it so?
- How do you approach building and maintaining relationships with journalists, influencers, and digital creators?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you had to adapt your communication strategy due to changing circumstances, and how did you handle it?
- How do you prioritise and manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously?
- Can you discuss a time when you had to navigate the unique dynamics of the New Zealand or Australian media landscape, and how did you approach it?
ASSUMPTION: These interview questions are designed to assess candidates' strategic thinking, communication skills, relationship-building abilities, adaptability, and time management skills, with a focus on their fit for this role and KiwiRail's values and work style.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the provided link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of successful PR campaigns and influencer partnerships you've managed in the past
- Research KiwiRail's services and industry position to demonstrate your understanding of the company and its goals
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
