Community Liaison Advisor - East Coast

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About us

The Ministry of Social Development is a people-centred organisation.

We're in communities across the motu, working with partners to help New Zealanders be safe, strong and independent.

We provide social policy and advice to government and assistance, including income, employment and housing support to people of all ages, families, whanau and communities.

As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner we are committed to supporting and enabling Maori, whanau, hapu, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.

Our people are as diverse as the communities we serve.

We care about the wellbeing and success of our people and provide a supportive and inclusive working environment where people can thrive and be who they are.

Fixed term / Secondment from February

• to January

Make a real difference to communities across the East Coast Region

At the Ministry of Social Development (MSD), we're here to help New Zealanders be safe, strong and independent.

We do this by supporting people, whanau and communities to thrive.

We're looking for a talented Community Liaison Advisor to help tell our stories, strengthen our reputation, and build understanding of the important work we do across the region.

About the role | Mo te tunga :

In this key regional role, you'll support the Regional Commissioner by developing and leading our communications and engagement strategy, plans, and content.

You'll bring MSD's stories to life — showcasing the positive impact we make and helping to protect and enhance our reputation.

Your work will span proactive media, internal and external communications, issues management, and stakeholder engagement.

You'll build trusted relationships with local media, community partners, and regional leaders to ensure consistent, clear and authentic communication across all channels.

Key responsibilities :

Lead the development and delivery of regional communications and engagement strategies and plans aligned with MSD's national direction.

Proactively identify, research and share regional stories that highlight how MSD supports New Zealanders.

Build and maintain strong relationships with local journalists, community stakeholders and MSD colleagues.

Create engaging written, visual and video content for media, social media, and internal channels.

Support the Regional Commissioner and leadership team with key messages, public relations advice and internal communications campaigns.

Manage regional issues and communications during incidents or emergencies, ensuring timely and accurate information sharing.

Coordinate regional events, including logistics, and stakeholder engagement.

You'll be an experienced communications professional who thrives on variety and connection.

You're confident developing content across multiple channels and comfortable engaging with a diverse range of audiences.

You'll bring :

Strong written and verbal communication skills with a knack for storytelling.

Proven experience in media relations, public relations or strategic communications.

The ability to plan, prioritise and deliver under pressure.

A collaborative and proactive approach to building relationships.

Sound judgement when managing sensitive or confidential information.

Salary | Utu-a-tau : $90,

How to apply

To apply, click the 'Apply Now' button to upload your CV, cover letter and complete the online application form.

Note : Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key responsibilities listed in the position description.

All applications must be made online.

If this is not possible or if you have any queries, please contact us at

Internal MSD Employees – please apply through your myHR portal at work.

This will ensure that your myHR employee profile is visible as internal candidate.

Joining us

Joining MSD means being part of a whanau that celebrates the diversity each individual represents.

We show manaaki, we care about the wellbeing and success of people and want everyone to thrive, and be who they are in a supportive and inclusive working environment.

We work together to make a difference for communities while doing the right thing with integrity.

We are a Treaty partner committed to strengthening relationships with Maori, Hapu, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.

If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.

MSD has a COVID-19 vaccination policy that encourages, but does not require, employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and its variants, unless the role is identified as requiring vaccination at the time.

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