Director Strategic Communications

Discover a career with purpose at MBIE

• Newly created role at the centre of MBIE within the Office of the Chief Executive
• Provide trusted strategic communications advice to the Chief Executive 
• Lead high profile communications in a complex and fast moving environment

About the Role - Tēnei tūranga:

As the newly established Director, Strategic Communications within the Office of the Chief Executive, you will provide trusted strategic communications and engagement advice to the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team, and influence the wider organisaiton.

This high profile role is responsible for shaping and delivering the Chief Executive's communications programme and ensuring MBIE is well positioned to respond to emerging issues and opportunities.

Working at the centre of the organisation, you will build influential relationships across MBIE, with Ministers' offices and key stakeholders, while helping to strengthen MBIE's reputation and strategic impact.

Skills and Experience Required - Ngā pukenga me ngā wheako e hiahiatia ana:

• Extensive senior communications experience, with a strong understanding of New Zealand's political, media and stakeholder landscape.
• Proven ability to build trusted and effective relationships with senior leaders, Ministers and Ministerial offices.
• Strong organisational awareness and political acumen, with the ability to navigate complex, sensitive and high profile issues.
• Demonstrated expertise in issues and risk management, including identifying emerging risks and providing strategic advice.
• Ability to operate with a high degree of discretion, integrity and sound judgement in a confidential environment.
• Proven success developing and implementing strategic communication and engagement plans.
• In depth understanding of the machinery of government and the opportunities and challenges facing the public sector.
• Legal right to live and work in New Zealand.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Confidential National Security Clearance.

About MBIE - Ētahi kōrero mō MBIE:

MBIE's goal is to create a resilient and high-performing economy that delivers real and ongoing quality of life for all New Zealanders.

We do this by working with others to create an environment that supports businesses to be more productive and internationally competitive, enables all New Zealanders to participate in the economy through improved job opportunities and by working to ensure quality housing is more affordable.

People are at the heart of our mahi, our way of working is guided by our values which shape our behaviours.

• Mahi Tahi – Better Together
• Māia – Bold and brave
• Pae Kahurangi – Build our Future
• Pono Me Te Tika – Own It

Our aspirations are echoed in our Māori identity – Hīkina Whakatutuki – which broadly means ‘lifting to make successful'.

MBIE recognises the partnership founded under Te Tiriti o Waitangi between Māori and the Crown and is committed to giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We will do this through enduring, meaningful and effective partnerships with iwi, Māori, other Māori groups/organisations and the Crown, as this is critical to enable economic and social development, both for Māori and for wider Aotearoa New Zealand. We are committed to continuing to partner with iwi in order to find new sustainable solutions to address long standing systemic and cross-cutting issues facing Māori and wider Aotearoa New Zealand and we are also committed to identifying opportunities for iwi to lead and creating an enabling environment for iwi to leverage these opportunities.

E mōhio ana a Hīkina Whakatutuki i puea ake te kōtuinga I waenganui i a ngāi Māori me te Karauna i Te Tiriti o Waitangi, ā, kei te whai ia ki te whakaū ake i Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Mā te whai kiko o ngā kōtuinga ahunga roa o ngā iwi, o ngāi Māori, me ētahi atu rōpū Māori ki te Karauna, ka tutuki tēnei. He āhuatanga nui tēnei e āhei ai ngā mahi whanaketanga ā-ohanga, ā-pāpori hoki ki a ngāi Māori me Aotearoa whānui. E whai tonu ana mātou ki te kōtui atu ki ngā iwi mō te rapu huarahi hou ki te whakaara i ngā kaupapa kua roa nei e tāmi ana i a ngāi Māori me Aotearoa whānui, ā, e whai ana hoki ki te tautohu i ngā āheinga kōkiritanga mā ngā iwi, me te tautoko i ngā iwi kia whai mana ake ai ēnei āheinga.

How to Apply - Me pēhea te tono:

Click here to view a position description.

All applications must be submitted via our online process.

Email Sarah Frost at Sarah.Frost@mbie.govt.nz quoting ref MBIE/19968 if you have any further questions.

Applications close on Sunday, 30th August 2026, at 11:59pm.