Principal Adviser Communications and Engagement (PN0282)

Pou Tohu Mātāmua, Te Pae Tuitui Kōrero

Principal Adviser Communications and Engagement   

Te Iho | Corporate Services

Permanent/Full-time 
Wellington  

Salary range Grade 9: $130,063 -$150,919 

Ki te puāwai te ahurea, Ka ora te iwi  
Culture is thriving, the people are well 

Kōrero mō te tūranga | About the role  

We are looking for a Principal Adviser to join our Communications and Engagement team. This is a full-time permanent position, reporting to the Manager Communications and Engagement.  

This is an opportunity to step into a key strategic role where you’ll help shape the Ministry’s communications direction and actively grow capability within the team. 

You’ll draw on deep experience in public sector communications and engagement to strengthen the Ministry’s profile, lead our approach to reputational risk and provide sharp, strategic advice. You need to be adaptable to working across a range of subject matter and channels. 

Working confidently across the organisation, you’ll spot opportunities, make strategic connections and build strong relationships both within the Ministry and across the cultural and public sectors. 

You will be comfortable working with ambiguity and have the confidence to provide senior leaders with high quality communications and engagement advice.  You will lead issues management for the Ministry, provide mentoring and coaching across the function, and take a continuous improvement lens to the work we do. 

Knowledge of the machinery of government is . A knowledge of the cultural sector would be beneficial. 

Please download a copy of the full Position Description by clicking here

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

Me pēhea te tono | How to apply 

For more information about the role and how to apply, please follow the online process on our Careers Website.

Applications close 5pm Thursday 26 March 2026.  

For enquiries about this position contact Ace Espino: [email protected] 

Āheinga | Eligibility
If you are not a New Zealand citizen, you must hold current eligibility to work in New Zealand and for Manatū Taonga. Please refer to the New Zealand Immigration Service for further information.

To learn more about Manatū Taonga | Ministry for Culture & Heritage please explore our Corporate Website (mch.govt.nz)