Community Planning and Readiness Manager

He angitūtanga: The opportunity

Auckland Emergency Management is looking for an experienced and passionate leader to take on a permanent full-time role of Community Planning & Readiness Manager. This role is based in the Auckland city centre with some flexibility to work from home.

Reporting to the Head of Planning, this pivotal position plays a key role in ensuring Auckland’s diverse communities are informed, prepared, and resilient in the face of emergencies — from natural disasters to pandemics and other crises.

You’ll lead and support a team of seven Senior Planning Advisors, helping to grow their capability while shaping a collaborative, high-performing team culture. With a focus on both strategic direction and community impact, you'll design and deliver a tailored work programme that reflects the unique needs and aspirations of our communities across Tāmaki Makaurau.

You could expect to:
•    Lead the development of innovative, community-based emergency readiness initiatives
•    Lead a programme of activities to refresh and embed comprehensive local board emergency response plans in collaboration with local boards and communities
•    Build and maintain strong relationships with local boards, elected members, and community leaders to ensure coordinated, inclusive, and trusted emergency planning and readiness activities
•    Identify risks and build resilience by conducting detailed risk and vulnerability assessments
•    Develop and deliver risk mitigation strategies that support long-term community preparedness.

He kōrero mōu: About you

This role is ideal for an experienced people leader who thrives in complex environments and is passionate about driving meaningful, community-focused change. 

You’ll bring a track record of leading high-impact programmes within large, multi-layered organisations, and a proven ability to build and maintain team culture that empowers and supports performance.

You’ll need strong political acumen and the confidence to navigate relationships across all levels — from local boards and senior leadership to community members and public forums. 

As the vital link between Auckland Council’s emergency management efforts and the communities we serve, you’ll often be engaging on sensitive issues. Empathy, trust, and personal resilience are essential attributes.

In equal measure, this role also has a response component in a live emergency event, implementing previously rehearsed responses and working in a fast-paced environment. 

We are specifically looking for:
•    A community-first mindset, with a passion for inclusive, locally driven planning
•    A confident and effective communicator, able to convey complex ideas clearly across diverse audiences, both in writing and in person.
•    Demonstrated ability to conduct workshops, facilitate discussions, and gather input from key stakeholders. 
•    Knowledge of Auckland geography, demographics and cultural nuances 
•    5+ years’ experience in leadership, team management, working in complex teams and/ or emergency management.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer

Auckland Council is the largest local government council across Oceania, serving over 1.7 million people and contributing towards making Tāmaki Makaurau a world-class city.
 
We offer a range of employee benefits and proudly support flexible working options where possible. 

Help us make a difference to Tāmaki Makaurau. 

Me Tono Ināianei!: Apply Now!
Applications close: 28 May 2025

Salary Range: $125-145k

Find a copy of the position description HERE

If you have any support or access requirements, please advise us when submitting your application so we can assist you.

Our employer Kiwisaver contribution is additional to base salary offered. 

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.

This position is also deemed a safety sensitive position and will require pre-employment drug testing.