Senior Advisor Communications

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Senior Advisor Communications

🔹 Company: Ministry of Social Development

🔹 Location: Wellington, New Zealand

🔹 Job Type: Permanent Full time

🔹 Category: Government Administration

🔹 Date Posted: April 27, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Providing strategic communications and engagement advice to Whaikaha
• Contributing to the development and implementation of digital and social media strategies
• Creating accessible and inclusive content for various digital platforms
• Managing stakeholder engagement and media relations

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking and strong communication skills to effectively advise and engage with stakeholders.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Provide strategic communications and engagement advice to Whaikaha

✅ Contribute to the development and implementation of digital and social media strategies

✅ Create, edit, and manage content across digital platforms that meets New Zealand Government Web Standards

✅ Develop and execute digital and social media plans, using analytics and insights to improve reach and accessibility

✅ Manage stakeholder engagement, including media and speech writing

✅ Provide technical leadership and senior expertise on complex communications, media, or stakeholder engagement programmes

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a mix of strategic planning, hands-on content creation, and stakeholder management skills.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, or a related field (or equivalent experience)

Experience: Proven experience (5-10 years) in a communications role, with a focus on digital strategy, content development, and stakeholder engagement

Required Skills:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proven experience in digital strategy and content development
• Knowledge of New Zealand Government Web Standards
• Ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working in the New Zealand public sector
• Fluency in Te Reo Māori or other languages spoken in New Zealand
• Experience working with disabled people and their communities

ASSUMPTION: While a degree in a related field is preferred, equivalent experience and a strong portfolio may be considered.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: NZD 102,533 - 124,402 per year

Benefits:

• Government employee benefits package
• Flexible work arrangements
• Professional development opportunities

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)

ASSUMPTION: Salary range is based on the New Zealand Government's pay scales for senior communications roles.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Government Administration

Company Size: 5,001-10,000 employees

Founded: 2001

Company Description:

• Ministry of Social Development (MSD) is the New Zealand government agency responsible for social development, including income support, employment services, and family support
• MSD works closely with other government agencies, non-government organizations, and communities to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of New Zealanders
• MSD offers varied careers in policy, corporate support, service delivery, and more, with professionals operating in over 300 locations across New Zealand

Company Specialties:

• Income support and employment services
• Family support and community development
• Policy development and research

Company Website: www.msd.govt.nz

ASSUMPTION: MSD's large size and diverse range of services offer opportunities for career growth and development within the organization.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Senior Advisor

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Head of Communications or a similar role

Work Arrangement: On-site, with potential for flexible work arrangements

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to a management or leadership role within the communications team
• Expanding expertise in digital strategy and content development
• Broadening knowledge of the New Zealand public sector and government communications

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for career growth and development within the communications field and the broader public sector.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Modern, professional office environment

Office Location(s): 56 The Terrace, Wellington, 6011, NZ

Geographic Context:

• Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand, offering a vibrant urban environment with a high quality of life
• The office is located in the central business district, with easy access to public transportation and amenities
• Wellington has a temperate marine climate, with mild winters and warm summers

Work Schedule: Standard office hours, with potential for flexible work arrangements

ASSUMPTION: Wellington's central location and vibrant culture make it an attractive place to live and work.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application and resume screening
• Phone or video interview with the hiring manager
• In-person interview with the hiring manager and a panel of stakeholders
• Reference checks and final decision

Key Assessment Areas:

• Communication skills and strategic thinking
• Digital strategy and content development expertise
• Stakeholder management and engagement skills
• Alignment with MSD's values and mission

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills
• Provide specific examples of your experience in digital strategy, content development, and stakeholder engagement
• Demonstrate your understanding of MSD's mission and values, and how your skills and experience align with the role's requirements

ATS Keywords: Strategic communications, engagement advice, digital strategy, content development, stakeholder engagement, media relations, speech writing, communications planning, digital platforms, analytics, accessibility principles, inclusive design, plain language, project leadership, community engagement

ASSUMPTION: MSD's recruitment process is designed to assess candidates' skills and fit for the role, with a focus on communication, digital strategy, and stakeholder engagement.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Content management systems (e.g., Adobe Experience Manager, Drupal)
• Social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn)
• Analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, social media analytics)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and technologies is expected, but training may be provided for the right candidate.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Respect for diversity and inclusion
• Integrity and accountability
• Collaboration and partnerships

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Results-driven and proactive
• Adaptable and responsive to change

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you demonstrate respect for diversity and inclusion in your work?
• Can you provide an example of a time when you had to adapt to a significant change in your work environment?
• How do you approach building and maintaining effective working relationships with stakeholders?

ASSUMPTION: MSD values diversity, inclusion, and collaboration, and seeks candidates who align with these values.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple stakeholders with competing priorities and expectations
• Keeping up with the fast-paced and ever-changing digital landscape
• Working in a high-pressure environment with tight deadlines
• Navigating the complexities of the New Zealand public sector and government communications

ASSUMPTION: These challenges require strong communication, stakeholder management, and adaptability skills.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to related roles in the private sector, this role offers the opportunity to work on high-impact communications initiatives that directly influence government policy and public opinion
• In the New Zealand public sector, this role is similar to communications roles in other government agencies, with a focus on digital strategy and stakeholder engagement
• Career progression in government communications typically involves moving into management or leadership roles within the communications team or transitioning to a policy or strategic advisory role

ASSUMPTION: This role offers unique opportunities and challenges compared to similar roles in the private sector and other government agencies.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and implementing a comprehensive digital and social media strategy for a major government initiative
• Creating accessible and inclusive content for a wide range of stakeholders, including disabled people, Māori and Pacific communities, and the general public
• Managing a high-profile media campaign in response to a significant event or crisis

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the breadth and depth of responsibilities for this role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does this role contribute to MSD's mission and strategic goals?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
• How does MSD support the professional development and growth of its communications team members?
• What are the key challenges facing the communications team in the next 12-24 months, and how can this role help address them?
• How does MSD engage with and support disabled people, Māori and Pacific communities, and other diverse stakeholders in its communications efforts?

ASSUMPTION: These questions demonstrate a proactive and strategic approach to understanding the role and MSD's communications priorities.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the MSD Careers portal
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills, using the ATS keywords provided
• Prepare examples of your work that demonstrate your digital strategy, content development, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.