Principal Advisor Strategic Communications

Principal Advisor Strategic Communications

Posted : 03 / 11 / 2025

Closing Date : 17 / 11 / 2025

Job Type : Permanent full-time

Job Category : Marketing & Communications

The Water Services Authority - Taumata Arowai is the water services regulator for Aotearoa New Zealand.

It is a Crown entity governed by a Minister-appointed Board and advised on Maori interests and knowledge by Te Puna, a statutory Maori Advisory Group.

Our responsibilities are to protect and promote drinking water safety and related public health outcomes - we regulate drinking water suppliers on behalf of the public .

We also have an oversight role in relation to the environmental performance of drinking water, wastewater and stormwater networks.

If you're a passionate and driven individual who shares our vision for making water safe every day for everyone, then join us and be part of making a difference.

Job Description

The Principal Strategic Communications Advisor will lead the development and delivery of strategic external communications and engagement strategies that grow the Authority's reputation as a credible, trusted regulator and increase its social licence among people in New Zealand.

As the Principal Strategic Communications Advisor, you will :

shape and deliver the Authority's strategic narrative and engagement approach to grow the Authority's social licence to operate as a regulator

manage the end-to-end development and delivery of integrated and measurable communications strategies and plans for the Authority's most complex projects and issues

develop strategic communications content that is written in plain language, is technically accurate and presented in ways that best match the intended audience / s

advise and support senior leaders, including the Chief Executive on emerging issues and opportunities.

Innovation and creativity are key drivers in the way we work – our size requires us to be smart and agile.

We are looking for someone who has :

a tertiary qualification or equivalent experience in communications, journalism or similar

extensive experience in strategic communications, including collaborating with and working alongside diverse stakeholders and navigating complex environments

central government and / or local government experience

experience communicating scientific and technical content

the ability to take a strategic approach to all forms of communication, including media, social media, public information and channel management

ideally, experience in social licence communications and building enduring relationships

a reputation as a team player with a positive, can-do attitude and a commitment to excellence.

Me pehea te tuku tono | How to apply

Click "apply" you will be redirected to our Talent Portal.

You must have a legal right to work in New Zealand.

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