Strategic Communications Lead Healthy Families

Healthy Families South Auckland is a prevention-focused initiative that brings together communities, local leaders, businesses, Māori and Pacific organisations, and system partners to improve health and wellbeing outcomes across South Auckland. Using a systems change approach, the team addresses the underlying factors that influence health by strengthening relationships, shaping policies, and creating environments that support healthier choices and lifestyles.

Led by Auckland Council since 2014, Healthy Families South Auckland works across the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu, Ōtara-Papatoetoe, Manurewa and Papakura local board areas. Through collaboration and community-led action, the team helps drive improvements in food environments, mental wellbeing, active movement, and health equity, creating lasting change for current and future generations.

He angitūtanga: The opportunity

The Strategic Communications Lead – Healthy Families South Auckland is an influential, senior level position within the Healthy Families team.  This position is responsible for overseeing the design, development, and delivery of all communications, messaging, and public relations activity for Healthy Families South Auckland.  As our Strategic Communications Lead, you will play an integral role leading our storytelling and content creation. You’ll support the team with telling compelling stories of impact that demonstrate how the mahi contributes to making a difference to the health and wellbeing of South Auckland.  You’ll create quality and original content, engaging our partners, strategic leadership group and communities across a variety of communication channels.

Reporting to the Manager, Healthy Families South Auckland you have the innate ability to translate complex ideas into relatable language to effectively communicate achievements and successes of the Healthy Families Initiative.  You are responsible for providing strategic guidance and operational communication solutions to the Healthy Families South Auckland team.

This is a fixed term position that will end in June 2027.

To view full position description: click here

He kōrero mōu: About you

You have strong experience in the design, development and delivery of strategic and impactful communications activities and a proven ability to communicate key messages to a diverse audience.  You will know how to tell a story that engages people, helping bring together community, stakeholders and media around a common purpose.

You are an experienced professional who can captures the team’s impact journey, progressive wins and learnings to share across the Healthy Families NZ network to build capablity, insights and evidence.  You are able to communicate key messages of change  in a clear and compelling way, in a variety of different contexts and settings, and are skilled in utilising a range of storytelling tools (and formats) producing various forms of media (video, photography, social) that inspire change or accelerate impact. A politically savvy operator you are confident in navigating the political context efficiently and identifying risks and opportunities.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer 

At Auckland Council, you will join a dynamic, supportive environment where your mahi (work) will directly impact the lives of over 1.7 million Aucklanders. We offer flexible working conditions, a focus on well-being, and a culture of continuous improvement.

We are proud to be recognised for our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We are accredited by GenderTick, a signatory of the Pride Pledge. These commitments reflect our ongoing efforts to create a workplace where all staff feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. 

Together, we can create a Tāmaki Makaurau we can all be proud of.

Additionally, as part of our Auckland Council Group, you will gain access to many benefits and discounts including:

• An opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of Aucklanders and the communities we serve.
• A collaborative and supportive environment where innovation, learning and professional growth are encouraged.
• Opportunities to lead community-focused initiatives, programmes and partnerships that create lasting outcomes.
• Ongoing development opportunities, including strengthening your capability and te ao Māori practice.
• The chance to work with passionate colleagues who are committed to delivering outstanding community experiences across Tāmaki Makaurau.

As part of our organisation, please view a range of our: benefits

Tono Mai: Apply Now!

Applications close Friday 30th October 2026

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.

Auckland Council is committed to protecting your privacy in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020. We collect personal information directly from you and, where relevant for the purpose of assessing you for employment, and employing you as part of the transport reform process, from third parties such as referees, previous employers (including Auckland Transport) recruitment agencies, and background checking providers.

By applying for this role, you consent to Council obtaining a reference from your current employer, including information about any active conduct investigations and current performance management processes, if you are the preferred candidate. Reference checks will only be undertaken at the preferred candidate stage. Any non-active performance or conduct matters may also be discussed with referees as part of the reference checking process.

If you do not consent to this information being provided, Council may be unable to properly assess your application and your application will not progress further. If you wish to withhold your consent, or to access or correct your personal information, please contact the Privacy Officer at privacy@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz .