Principal Communications Advisor

Discover a career with purpose at MBIE

• Permanent, full-time opportunity based in our Wellington CBD offices
• Supporting the Regional Development & Commercial Services Group at MBIE
• $118,390 - $143,639 + KiwiSaver + Employee Wellness Benefit

Tēnei tūranga - About the Role:

We are looking for a principal communications advisor to support the communications for the Regional Development & Commercial Services Group at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). 

The Regional Development & Commercial Services Group is responsible for delivering government investment into New Zealand’s regions to build their economies, grow businesses, and strengthen communities.  It plays a role in the administration of over $4.5 billion in funding across a wide variety of Regional Development funds. As a centre of commercial expertise within MBIE, the Group also leads and supports government property and procurement through the Government Property Office (GPO) and New Zealand Government Procurement (NZGP).

Our communications work programme includes supporting significant announcements regarding regional development funding and milestones, government procurement and the management of government office accommodation, all of which contribute to strong regional and national economies and thriving communities.  

We’re seeking an experienced and adaptable communications practitioner who’s eager to contribute and make a meaningful impact. The ideal candidate will be a skilled writer with extensive experience working with the media and with ministers’ offices. You’ll thrive in a dynamic environment, quickly get up to speed in new areas, and consistently deliver high-quality, purposeful work as part of a small, collaborative team.

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

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• experience as a senior communications professional and the ability to think on your feet, work under pressure, show leadership and demonstrate best practice
• write well, develop, design and deliver comprehensive communications strategies
• strong management of media relationships and have a sound understanding of the media landscape
• the ability to quickly establish and maintain build strong working relationships with senior managers, ministers’ offices and subject matter experts
• significant knowledge of central Government decision-making and operating procedures
• a proactive, positive approach, bringing great ideas to the table, with sound judgement and discretion
• deep experience in issues and risk management, proactive engagement and communications planning.

Ētahi kōrero mō MBIE - About 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 ahungaroa o ngāi wi, o ngāi Māori, me ētahi atu rōpū Māori ki te Karauna, katutuki 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 kaupapakua 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.

Me pēhea te tono - How to Apply:

All applications must be submitted via our online process and include a Cover Letter and CV outlining your interest and suitability for the role. 

Email Jess Dalbeth atEmail Jess Dalbeth at jess.dalbeth@mbie.govt.nz quoting ref MBIE/17804 if you have any further questions.quoting ref MBIE/17804 if you have any further questions.

Applications close on Thursday 31 July 2025 (midnight)