Senior Communications and Media Advisor

Overview

Great, we want to hear from you! Customs is searching for a talented and motivated professional who is keen to lead internal and external communications planning and delivery for an exciting, large-scale regulatory change project.

The right candidate can communicate with impact and is inspired to work for a highly reputed organisation that’s committed to protecting and promoting New Zealand across borders.

What you’ll be doing

This is a dynamic and hands-on role where you’ll enjoy working at both strategic and operational levels and no two days are the same. You’ll be the go-to person for providing high quality advice to inform, engage and educate staff and the wider public as we move through the implementation phase of an upcoming regulatory change.

This role will be part of an implementation project team where you’ll be responsible for communications planning and delivery to highlight key decisions and changes, support staff and stakeholder engagement initiatives, develop compelling stories, and take charge of proactive and reactive media responsibilities.

• Develop communications plans to inform, engage, and educate staff and the public.
• Translate complex information into clear and concise material for target audiences.
• Manage media opportunities and enquiries, including organising media interviews.
• Oversee internal communications to build staff understanding and readiness.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts and engagement colleagues to ensure communication is consistent and protects and enhances Customs’ reputation.

This is a fixed term contract for 12 months and you will report to the Communications and Media Manager. The salary range for this role is $106,618 to $137,746.

About You

To be successful in this role you’ll be a capable, well-established professional with a strong generalist communications and / or media background who is used to liaising with, and providing advice to, colleagues at all levels in an organisation.

With at least five years’ experience in a communications and / or media advisory role, your relationship management skills, media and social media nous, written and verbal communication know-how, and can-do attitude are already strong.

You will need to think critically and strategically about reputational risk and develop fit-for-purpose plans, with the ability to interpret data, understand audiences’ needs, and tailor communications efforts to suit the project and Customs’ wider objectives.

At Customs, we protect and promote New Zealand through world-class border management.

You’ll be part of a collaborative, high-performing team committed to successfully delivering regulatory change that supports New Zealand’s future border operations.

The role offers variety, challenge, and the chance to make a meaningful contribution to New Zealand’s border and national security.

We value diversity, integrity, and a spirit of service. We also encourage the use of Te Reo Māori and Tikanga in the workplace.

To work for Customs, you must be able to meet the following requirements :

Successful applicants are also required to pass a drug test and have a clear Police record.

How to apply

Please apply online - we cannot accept applications via email - using the link provided. You’ll be asked to submit a CV and cover letter that demonstrates your ability to meet the competencies required for the role as outlined in the position description. Shortlisted candidates will also be invited to complete a psychometric assessment.

Applications close on Sunday 19 October 2025 at 11pm.

Customs will manage this recruitment independently in-house and will not engage with recruitment agencies at this stage.

The New Zealand Customs Service | Te Mana Ārai o Aotearoa is a member of Diversity Works New Zealand and is committed to developing a diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities and welcome applications from everyone who can meet the requirements of the role.

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