Principal Engagement Advisor

Wellington based.

• Make your mark by embedding engagement into the heart of conservation and organisational strategy.
• Empower every team with the tools, systems, and support they need to deliver impactful engagement.

Our vision : Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Turoa

The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature across Aotearoa.

When nature thrives, we all thrive.

Ko ta Te Papa Atawhai he tiaki, he whakarauora ano hoki i te taiao puta noa i Aotearoa.

He oranga taiao, he oranga tangata.

Are you a seasoned engagement professional with a passion for building internal capability and driving strategic change across the public sector?

The Department of Conservation (DOC) is seeking a Principal Engagement Advisor to lead and support connected, consistent engagement work across the organisation.

This is a pivotal role focused on embedding best practice, strengthening internal systems and capability, and ensuring DOC's engagement efforts are integrated, strategic, and future-focused.

Mo te turanga | About the role

In this role you'll work closely with senior leaders, the principal advisor to the Director-General, group managers, and Treaty Partnerships teams, to align engagement efforts and influence outcomes across DOC and the wider public sector.

As Principal Advisor, you will :

• Lead the development of systems and processes that support high-quality engagement across DOC.
• Support internal stakeholder mapping and ensure engagement is embedded in organisational design and customer experience strategies.
• Design and deliver strategic engagement programmes that build trust in DOC and foster a community around nature.
• Provide thought leadership on how policy, regulatory, and operational functions engage with stakeholders.
• Build internal capability and confidence in engagement practice, ensuring teams are equipped to deliver meaningful, inclusive engagement.

Ideally this role will be Wellington based, but we will consider other locations.

Click here for the job description.

Nga pukenga me nga wheako | Skills and experience We're looking for someone who brings :

• Extensive experience in public sector engagement, including designing and delivering strategic engagement programmes.
• Strong relationship management skills, particularly with senior leaders and cross-sector partners.
• Proven leadership experience, ideally as a team leader or 2ic, with the ability to mentor and guide a team of six.
• Expertise in internal capability building, including CRM strategy, customer experience, and organisational design.
• Strategic thinking and systems design skills to set direction and articulate DOC's engagement approach.
• Cross-sector experience, with a deep understanding of how engagement intersects with policy, regulation, and service delivery.
• Cultural capability, including the use and promotion of te reo Maori and tikanga.

Tonoa inaianei | Apply now

Apply online with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai.

If you require any accommodations or adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

The salary range for this position is $109,160 to $138,333 with the starting salary of the successful applicant being based on their relevant skills and experience.

Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory - this includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment.

Ra whakakapi | Applications close at 11 : 59 pm on Tuesday 7 October 2025.

Me he patai ano, whakapa mai | For further enquiries, please contact Neil Hutton at