Senior Specialist Communications and Eng

•    Lead community engagement for neighbourhood parking plans across Auckland
•    Turn consultation data and community feedback into clear, meaningful stories
•    Work autonomously and influence how parking challenges are addressed

He angitūtanga: The opportunity

Auckland Council has a fixed-term opportunity for an experienced communications and engagement practitioner to join the Community Engagement and Network Management team as Senior Specialist Communications and Engagement.

This role will lead public engagement for neighbourhood-level parking plans, helping communities understand what is being proposed, why it is being considered and when any changes may take place.

The parking plans and engagement approach are already being developed, with public engagement expected to begin in March. You will need to quickly understand the programme, build strong relationships and confidently lead engagement activity from planning through to delivery, analysis and reporting.

You could expect to:

•    Lead community engagement activities for neighbourhood parking plans
•    Develop and deliver clear communications and engagement plans for complex and potentially sensitive proposals
•    Explain technical parking information in a way that is accessible and relevant to communities
•    Plan and facilitate public engagement events, including a small number held during evenings or weekends
•    Analyse consultation data and community feedback, identify key themes and present clear summaries and recommendations
•    Use storytelling to explain the purpose, impacts and outcomes of proposed parking changes
•    Provide trusted communications and engagement advice to project teams and senior stakeholders
•    Monitor emerging community, political and reputational issues and ensure these are raised early
•    Work collaboratively with communications, engagement, elected-member and project-delivery colleagues
•    Produce robust engagement reports and insights that support decisions and improve future planning

He kōrero mōu: About you

You will be a highly experienced communications and engagement practitioner who can operate independently at a senior specialist level. You will be comfortable leading engagement on sensitive issues that directly affect residents, businesses and local communities.

You will know how to listen carefully, work through differing views and turn detailed information and consultation data into clear, balanced and meaningful stories. You will bring sound judgement, resilience and the confidence to advise project teams and senior stakeholders in a complex public-sector environment.

This is not an entry-level or step-up opportunity. You will need substantial experience and the ability to take ownership of the work with limited supervision from the outset.

We will be looking for:

•    Significant experience delivering communications and community engagement in complex environments
•    Strong engagement expertise, including experience with communities, community organisations, businesses or residents’ associations
•    The ability to analyse consultation data, identify themes and summarise key insights clearly
•    Strong storytelling, writing and presentation skills
•    Confidence facilitating conversations about sensitive, contentious or locally important issues
•    Experience developing and delivering communications and engagement strategies for long-term projects or programmes
•    The ability to build trusted relationships with project teams, senior stakeholders and external partners
•    Sound understanding of public-sector, local-government or politically sensitive environments
•    Strong judgement, resilience and the ability to work autonomously
•    A collaborative and adaptable working style

Previous experience with Auckland Council, an Auckland Council-controlled organisation, central or local government, or a communications and engagement consultancy would be valuable.

IAP2 accreditation is preferred but not mandatory. A relevant bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in communications, engagement, journalism, government relations or business would be advantageous.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer

This is an opportunity to take a lead role in how Auckland engages with communities about neighbourhood parking and to help shape broader thinking about how parking challenges are managed.

You will be a lead contributor to neighbourhood parking assessments, address issues that matter directly to communities and have the autonomy to influence engagement approaches and programme outcomes.

This is a fixed-term position through to October 2027, with a preferred start in early January 2027.

A small number of public engagement events will take place during evenings or weekends. You will take the lead at these events, with time off in lieu provided afterward.

You’ll also have access to a range of Auckland Council benefits, including EAP services, an Oranga Day, discounted Leisure Centre membership and other partnership discounts.

We value diversity in our thinking and recognise that we can only achieve that through a diverse and inclusive team.

Help shape better parking outcomes through meaningful community engagement.

Me Tono Ināianei: Apply Now!

Applications close: 23/11/2026 at 11:59pm 

If you have any support or access requirements, please let us know when submitting your application so we can support you through the recruitment process.

#workingforauckland

Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion.