Chief Advisor Deputy Mayor's Office

He angitūtanga: The opportunity 

Te Kaunihera o Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland Council are now seeking a Chief Advisor to the Deputy Mayor – a unique and exciting opportunity to work at the centre of Auckland’s political and strategic decision-making.

This is a fixed-term or secondment opportunity until December 2028.

This role provides the opportunity to shape and influence key issues impacting Auckland, working closely with the Deputy Mayor to ensure they are well supported with high-quality strategic advice and insight. The Chief Advisor plays a critical role in helping the Deputy Mayor navigate complex organisational and political environments, ensuring emerging risks and opportunities across the council group are identified and managed effectively.

Working directly with the Deputy Mayor, you will provide strategic advice, political awareness and organisational insight, while also supporting a wide range of committees and special projects – with a particular focus on the Value for Money Committee. The role requires someone who can connect across the organisation and beyond, ensuring advice is timely, issues are addressed proactively, and relationships are strong.

This is a highly visible role that works closely with the Mayor’s Office, the Office of the Chief Executive, the Executive Leadership Team, elected members and council-controlled organisations, as well as central government and external stakeholders.

Key aspects of the role include:

• Managing key internal and external relationships
• Providing strategic advice and counsel to the Deputy Mayor
• Supporting the effective management of emerging issues and opportunities

You will act as a strategic connector across the council group and with Auckland’s partners, promoting a whole-of-council approach to issues management and ensuring the Deputy Mayor remains well informed on priorities such as the Long-term Plan, Annual Plan and key organisational initiatives.

About you

As Chief Advisor, you will be a critical link between the Office of the Deputy Mayor, the Mayor’s Office, the Chief Executive’s Office, the Executive Leadership Team and the wider council.

You will bring:

• Strong understanding of Auckland Council governance and operational relationships
• Insight into local and central government environments and Auckland’s political landscape
• Extensive experience providing strategic advice and managing relationships in complex environments
• The ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced environment where priorities shift quickly
• Strong problem-solving skills and a solution-focused mindset

An understanding and appreciation of te ao Māori and te Tiriti o Waitangi and how these shape public sector leadership and decision-making is also important.

Why this opportunity?

This is a fantastic career development opportunity to gain experience within a political office and to contribute at a strategic level to the work of Auckland Council and its leadership.

If you are interested in being part of a dynamic and influential environment, we encourage you to submit an application.

Applications close: Monday 23rd March 2026
A copy of the Position Description can be found here
Me Tono Ināianei!: Apply Now! 

Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and we are committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application to assist you through the recruitment process.