Communications and Engagement Lead

• Drive Strategic Comms Across Council and CCOs
• Lead Change Messaging in Complex Environments
• Manage Networks and Deliver Impactful Campaigns
• 12 Fixed-term role with potential to extend
• Salary between $145K - $155K per annum

He angitūtanga: The opportunity

As the Communications and Engagement Lead, you will be responsible for developing and delivering the communications and engagement strategy for the Group Shared Services (GSS) programme. This pivotal role ensures that communications are aligned with Auckland Council’s organisational values and priorities, supporting understanding, engagement, and confidence across the Council group as we transition to a shared services model.

Key initiatives this role will perform include:

• Acting as a strategic advisor to the Programme Director and senior leaders, offering expert guidance on communication risks, opportunities, and executive messaging. You’ll lead the development of clear, inclusive, and culturally responsive communications for internal and external stakeholders, including kaimahi, unions, partners, and the wider public.
• Working in close partnership with Council Group CCOs, entity communications leads, and change teams to ensure a unified and coordinated engagement approach across the organisation.
• Leading and supporting a network of communication professionals, including direct management of the programme’s Communications and Engagement Advisor, to maintain consistent and high-quality messaging.
• Overseeing communication campaigns aligned to key programme milestones, build strong stakeholder relationships, and ensure all messaging supports and reflects the broader change journey.
• Champion continuous improvement by developing tools to measure communication effectiveness and using insights and feedback to refine your approach over time.

This is a unique opportunity to influence how we tell the story of transformation and build trust during a significant period of change.

Click this link to access the full Position Description

He kōrero mōu: About you

To succeed in this role, you’ll need more than just a relevant tertiary qualification in communications, journalism, marketing, commerce or a related field—you’ll need significant experience leading strategic communications and engagement in complex, high-stakes environments. A strong background in the public sector, particularly within local government, will serve you well, as will your ability to operate confidently in programme and change-driven settings. You must be comfortable advising senior leaders, managing competing priorities, and crafting communications that cut through complexity with clarity and impact.

This is not an entry-level or soft advisory role. It demands resilience, political acumen, and the perseverance to influence at all levels within a large and highly complex organisation. You'll be at the heart of a major transformation—supporting the successful delivery of Group Shared Services (GSS) and aligning communications across Auckland Council’s most significant entities, including Auckland Transport, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, and Watercare. So if you are someone whom is ready to roll up your sleeves, lead agendas with conviction  and help shape the future of shared services across the Auckland Council group, we want to hear from you.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer

Auckland Council is one of the largest local authorities in the South Pacific providing essential services and facilities to more than 1.5 million people. This is your chance to be part of something big. You’ll help shape how services are delivered across Auckland, work with passionate people, and contribute to a programme that’s making a real difference. Plus, we’re committed to te ao Māori and creating an inclusive, forward-thinking workplace.

Ehara taku toa, he takitahi, he toa takitini My success is not mine alone, but the success of many.

You’ll also have access to a range of fantastic Auckland Council benefits, including discounted Leisure Centre membership, Kiwisaver employer contribution additional to your base salary offered and a range of other partnership discounts! Click this link to find out more.

If you have questions about this role, email me directly at kennedy.sua@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Applications close Sunday, 27 July 2025

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.