Principal Communications Advisor

Discover a career with purpose at MBIE

• 12-month fixed term role – Central Wellington location
• Supporting the Regional Development & Commercial Services Group at MBIE
• $118,390 - $143,639 + KiwiSaver + Wellness Benefit

About the Role - Tēnei tūranga:

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 brings together the management of significant regional investments and commercial activity as a centre of commercial expertise for MBIE. It delivers government investment into New Zealand’s regions to build their economies, grow businesses, and strengthen communities, through Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit. The group also leads and supports government property and procurement through the Government Property Office (GPO) and New Zealand Government Procurement (NZGP).

As part of a small, collaborative team, you’ll support a communications work programme that includes significant announcements regarding regional development funding and milestones, government procurement and the management of government office accommodation. The team sits within MBIE’s broader communications function, offering the opportunity to work alongside and draw on the expertise of a much larger group of communications professionals.

We’re seeking an established principal-level communications practitioner who can provide communications advice in a complex and high-profile environment. The ideal candidate will bring strong experience in issues management, media management and working with Ministers’ offices, along with the ability to work at pace as part of a project team on significant, high-interest work. You’ll be a skilled writer, trusted adviser and collaborative operator who can quickly build credibility with senior leaders, subject matter experts, project teams and external communications stakeholders.

Ngā pukenga me ngā wheako e hiahiatia ana -

Skills and Experience Required
 

• experience operating at principal advisor level, including providing communications advice, sound judgement and leadership in complex environments
• excellent writing skills, with the ability to develop clear strategies, messaging and communications materials
• strong media and issues management experience, including managing reactive media, advising on risk and communications planning
• experience working with Ministers’ offices and a sound understanding of central government decision-making and operating procedures
• experience working as part of project teams on significant, high-profile or complex work
• the ability to build strong relationships with senior leaders, subject matter experts, project teams and external communications stakeholders
• the ability to work effectively as part of a small, collaborative team, contributing flexibly across priorities and supporting colleagues to deliver high-quality communications advice and outputs
• a proactive, positive approach, bringing sound judgement and discretion.

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. 

When you are ready to apply please send a CV and cover letter telling us why you're the perfect fit for this role.

All applications must be submitted via our online process.

Email jane.ransfield@mbie.govt.nz quoting ref MBIE/19852 if you have any further questions.

Applications close on 2 August 2026