Head Of Communications And EngagementSelwyn District Council • Canterbury, Canterbury, New Zealand
Head Of Communications And Engagement
Selwyn District Council • Canterbury, Canterbury, New Zealand
3 days ago
Job descriptionShape, support and develop the Communications and Engagement unit, fostering a positive, motivated, and high-performing culture. Provide clear direction, coaching and people leadership that empowers your team and lifts capability. Contribute as a key member of the Strategy, Engagement and Capability leadership team. Co-lead the development of organisation-wide communication and engagement strategies that align with SDC priorities and strengthen our brand and reputation. Lead proactive, high-quality campaigns that deepen connection with our communities and improve participation. Manage Council's engagement framework and calendar, ensuring activity is meaningful, efficient, and well-coordinated. Oversee content development across digital, social, web, multimedia, internal communications, and traditional media. Lead transparent, positive media and public relations approaches. Ensure staff are well informed through effective internal communication strategies. Deliver annual planning, budgeting, and reporting aligned with strategic direction. Ensure the team uses insights, data, and digital tools to improve service delivery. Monitor performance, manage risk, and champion continuous improvement with customer experience at the centre. Build productive relationships with Councillors, community boards, stakeholders and media. Provide expert, evidence-based advice to governance and senior leaders. Uphold Selwyn District Council's values, safety culture, and commitment to the community. Extensive senior experience in communications or engagement leadership in a complex, multidisciplinary environment Expertise in community engagement and delivering customer-centred outcomes Proven ability to lead dynamic teams and foster a culture of collaboration, innovation and accountability Strong strategic agility and sound judgement Ability to establish yourself as a trusted advisor to senior leaders and governance Successful track record leading organisational and cultural change Clear, adaptable communication style suitable for diverse audiences Strong stakeholder management skills in a complex environment Great work-life balance with flexibility Career coaching and development Life insurance Wellbeing and volunteer leave Three days paid leave between Christmas and New Year Two weeks paid Partners Leave Sick leave from day one Continued KiwiSaver contributions during savings suspension Discounts with local and national businesses Be a good human Be brave - Think differently Better together- Make it happen for Selwyn.
Rolleston, New Zealand
Reference :
- Build cohesion, capability and direction within a growing Communications and Engagement team
- Drive proactive campaigns, clear messaging and trusted advice across the organisation
- Life Insurance + Flexible working options + Competitive salary + Wellbeing / Volunteering leave
About the role :
We're looking for an experienced, forward-thinking Head of Communications and Engagement to lead our Selwyn District Council's strategic communications, marketing, and community engagement functions. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real impact - strengthening how Selwyn connects with our communities, building trust, and ensuring our people, partners and residents feel informed and involved.
Reporting to the Executive Director Strategy, Engagement and Capability, you'll lead a talented team responsible for delivering proactive communication, meaningful engagement, and accessible information across the district. You'll bring strong strategic insight, exceptional leadership, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
What you'll be doing :
Aligning, developing and empowering the team
Driving strategic communications and engagement
Delivering excellent content, channels, and media
Planning, performance and continuous improvement
Representing Council positively
About you :
You'll bring extensive senior experience in communications and engagement within large, complex organisations, with the ability to provide trusted strategic advice, lead high-performing teams, and deliver customer-focused outcomes through meaningful engagement and strong stakeholder relationships.
What we can offer :
About us :
Selwyn is New Zealand's fastest growing district. We have a fantastic quality of life, great communities, and a thriving economy. Our Council works actively with residents to provide the services and facilities that help our communities to thrive and grow.
Our head office is based in Rolleston (only 25km from Christchurch), which offers an enviable family lifestyle, outstanding local facilities and an easy drive to the ski fields, rivers and hills that make up Canterbury's stunning landscape.
Our values are important to us and represent the way we work :
We honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi and we are committed to working with our Treaty partner to deliver on our obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
If you'd like to play a part in making Selwyn the best place to live, work and play, join us today!
Applications Close : 11 Dec
Create a job alert for this search
Head Of • Canterbury, Canterbury, New Zealand
Related jobs
)
Head Of Health, Safety, Security And Wellbeing
WHATJOBS • Canterbury, Canterbury, New Zealand
Mo tenei turanga mahi| About this role.We are looking for a Head of Health, Safety, Security and Wellbeing (HSSW) to lead the ongoing delivery of our HSSW Strategy and strengthen a culture where ou...Show more
Last updated: 10 days ago • Promoted
Teacher Of Technology (Food And Nutrition)
Burnside High School • Canterbury, Canterbury, New Zealand
Teacher of technology (food and nutrition).Part time, Fixed term, FTTE up to : 0.Start Date : 28 / 01 / 2026, End Date : 10 / 12 / 2026 (Cover for a person taking another role).
Secondary (Years 7–15) / wharek...Show more
Last updated: 18 days ago • Promoted
Asset Management Lead
Talent Propeller Limited • Canterbury, Canterbury, New Zealand
As a senior member of the Asset Management Team, the Asset Management Lead ensures that Council's asset management strategies, systems and plans are forward-thinking, community-centered, and aligne...Show more
Last updated: 19 days ago • Promoted
Chief Probation Officer
New Zealand Government • Canterbury, Canterbury, New Zealand
Leadership role integral to the success of Ara Poutama Aotearoa.Opportunity to drive improvement and shape the work we do.
Two-year fixed term / secondment opportunity, open to candidates around the m...Show more
Last updated: 9 days ago • Promoted
Head Of Estates
Nhs • Canterbury, Canterbury, New Zealand
We are seeking a experienced Headof EStates to lead the Estates Department andensure the optimal operation across 3 hospital sites, based at the Kent andCanterbury Hospital and also managing 2 anci...Show more
Last updated: 13 days ago • Promoted
Campaign Manager (Remote)
Taskify Ai • Canterbury, Canterbury, New Zealand
We are seeking professionals experienced in campaign planning and execution to participate in AI training projects.You will assess AI outputs related to marketing strategy, campaign coordination, a...Show more
Last updated: 2 hours ago • Promoted • New!
Senior Bas & Advisory Leader - Transform & Grow
Consult Recruitment • Canterbury, Canterbury, New Zealand
A professional services firm in Christchurch is seeking a BAS Manager to Senior Manager.The role involves providing strategic advisory services and leading teams to enhance operational efficiency f...Show more
Last updated: 6 days ago • Promoted
Heb Talent Community
Heb Construction • Canterbury, Canterbury, New Zealand
Whether you're on the tools, on site, or shaping major infrastructure, there's a place for you here.If you care about doing work that matters, work that connects people, strengthens communities, an...Show more
Last updated: 9 days ago • Promoted
Y7–8 Team Leader And Collaborative Teacher
Clarkville Te Kura Ki Waimatao • Canterbury, Canterbury, New Zealand
Y7–8 team leader and collaborative teacherFull time, PermanentPrimary and intermediate (Years 1–8) / kura tuatahi, Syndicate leaderSubjects : English, Health and physical education, Learning languag...Show more
Last updated: 5 days ago • Promoted
Teacher Of Tourism
Riccarton High School • Canterbury, Canterbury, New Zealand
Full time, Fixed term, Start Date : 28 / 01 / 2026, End Date : 27 / 01 / 2027 (Maternity leave).Secondary (Years 7–15) / wharekura, Certificated teacher.
Riccarton High School is a coeducational, multicultura...Show more
Last updated: 20 days ago • Promoted
Head Of Delivery (Sport And Active Health)
Canterbury Christ Church University • Canterbury, Canterbury, New Zealand
Organisation Canterbury Christ Church University Salary £46,049–£56,536 Location Canterbury Contract type Permanent (Full time) Closing date 5 December • • • • Job Description Lead, Inspire & Transfor...Show more
Last updated: 1 day ago • Promoted
H R Manager (Remote)
Ai Jobs • Canterbury, Canterbury, New Zealand
We are seeking students or early-career professionals to assist with AI training projects in HR communication and administration.
Review AI-generated HR responses for tone and accuracy.Provide struc...Show more
Last updated: 7 days ago • Promoted
Teacher Of Technology
Burnside High School • Canterbury, Canterbury, New Zealand
OverviewFull time, Fixed term, Start Date : 28 / 01 / 2026, End Date : 10 / 12 / 2026 (Maternity leave)Secondary (Years 7–15) / wharekura, Certificated teacherTechnologyAbout the SchoolBurnside High School i...Show more
Last updated: 5 days ago • Promoted
Programme Lead (Fixed Term)
Department Of Conservation (Doc) • Canterbury, Canterbury, New Zealand
Join to apply for the Programme Lead (Fixed Term) role at Department of Conservation (DOC).OverviewThis is a full-time, 2-year fixed-term role based ideally in Aoraki / Mt Cook or the Mackenzie Basin...Show more
Last updated: 15 days ago • Promoted
Local Democracy Reporter
The Press • Canterbury, Canterbury, New Zealand
Local Democracy Reporter – The Press.Do you have a deep passion for crafting high-quality journalism that enriches our communities?.
We are looking for an enthusiastic journalist to join our team as...Show more
Last updated: 5 days ago • Promoted
National Infrastructure Opportunities & Partnerships Lead
Utilities Infrastructure Nz • Canterbury, Canterbury, New Zealand
A growing civil and trenchless contractor based in Canterbury is seeking a New Business & Opportunities Manager to drive growth throughout New Zealand's infrastructure sector.This high-impact role ...Show more
Last updated: 6 days ago • Promoted
Inspiring Business Studies Teacher | Ks4 / 5, Canterbury
Guardian Selection Limited • Canterbury, Canterbury, New Zealand
A leading education recruitment agency is seeking a passionate Business Studies Teacher for a secondary school in Canterbury.
The role involves delivering engaging lessons and preparing students for...Show more
Last updated: 5 days ago • Promoted
Creative Sous Chef — Lead Kitchens, Menus & Events
Hind Management • Canterbury, Canterbury, New Zealand
A premier hotel in Kaikoura is seeking an experienced Sous Chef to lead a passionate kitchen team.In this role, you'll assist the Head Chef in delivering exceptional dining experiences while showca...Show more
Last updated: 5 days ago • Promoted