Head of Communications and Engagement

Help shape Nelson’s future. Lead with expertise. Make a difference. We’re looking for a strategic communications and engagement leader who can build trust, strengthen community participation and influence at the highest levels of Council.

Shaping our future | Kōmiria te anamata

Nelson City Council is undertaking one of the most significant local government transformations in New Zealand. Through Shaping Our Future, we’re organising ourselves around the people and communities we serve, getting clearer about who does what, and investing in the capability we need for the years ahead. That includes customer experience, data and digital, asset planning, economic development, and contract and programme delivery, to name just a few. We’re also working more closely with iwi, neighbouring councils and other partners to deliver better outcomes for Whakatū Nelson. Our new structure is in place, and we’re now recruiting for the roles that will bring it to life.

This isn’t a one-off change. It’s the foundation for a council that keeps improving, and we’d love you to help build it.

About Nelson City Council | E pā ana ki te Kaunihera o Whakatū

Our vision for Whakatū Nelson is a creative, prosperous and innovative city. Our community is inclusive, resilient, and connected – we care for each other and our environment.

About the role | Kō tēnei tūranga mahi

This is a unique opportunity to lead how Nelson City Council connects with its communities, shapes its public narrative, and builds trust through meaningful engagement. Reporting to the Executive Director People & Customer Experience, you'll provide strategic counsel to the Chief Executive, Executive Directors and elected members while leading a high-performing Communications & Engagement team that helps bring the voice of the community into Council decision-making.

You Will

• Set and drive a coordinated Council-wide communications and engagement strategy aligned with organisational priorities and community outcomes.
• Lead a community-centred approach that strengthens trust, participation and customer experience.
• Provide strategic advice on communications, engagement, reputation, public information management, brand management and public narrative.
• Use customer and community insight, data and feedback to inform strategy and Council decision-making.
• Champion digital channels and proactive information sharing to improve accessibility and reduce barriers to engagement.
• Lead media, issues and crisis communications in complex and politically sensitive situations.
• Build communications and engagement capability and consistency across Council.
• Develop and inspire a skilled, adaptable and high-performing team.
• Maintain readiness for Civil Defence activations and lead public information management during emergency responses.

About you | Ko ngā pūmanawa ō

You’ll bring significant experience leading communications and engagement functions in complex, high-profile environments, along with a track record of building high-performing teams and influencing organisational capability. You'll be comfortable providing strategic advice to Chief Executives, senior leaders and elected members on reputation, risk and public narrative, and have proven experience managing media, issues and crisis communications in politically sensitive settings.

You'll combine deep expertise in community-centred communications and engagement with a strong understanding of how insight, data and feedback can be used to shape strategy and improve outcomes. An understanding of local government, statutory consultation requirements, public accountability obligations and Te Tiriti o Waitangi will enable you to build trusted relationships and champion culturally responsive practice. A relevant tertiary qualification in communications, public relations or a related discipline, or equivalent experience, is also required.

What we offer | Ko ngā painga mōu

• Wellbeing leave, platforms and initiatives
• A fully subsidised health insurance scheme
• A flexible workplace including hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance
• Generous leave provisions
• Learning and professional development opportunities
• Access to various employee benefits and discounts
• Opportunities to contribute to meaningful projects that shape our community's wellbeing and future
• Mountains, beaches and national parks at your doorstep

At Nelson City Council, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where everyone feels safe, valued, and has a true sense of belonging. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from diverse ethnicities and cultures, LGBTQ+ communities, neurodivergent individuals, and people with disabilities. If you require any assistance with your application, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Applications close | Rā whakakapi

Monday 26 October 2026. Applications will be reviewed as received, and the vacancy may close early if a suitable candidate is found. We encourage you to apply without delay.

For further enquiries | Ina he pātai anō, whakapā mai

For further enquires relating tot he role, please email Andrea at nccvaccancy@ncc.govt.nz