Lead Communications Advisor

Job Description

Te Haeata/The Opportunity

Join the Centre for Family Violence and Sexual Violence Prevention and help shape the national conversation on one of New Zealand's most significant social issues. This senior role provides strategic communications leadership to the Executive Board, Ministers, and the Centre, supporting the implementation of Te Aorerekura, New Zealand's strategy to eliminate family violence and sexual violence.

As a trusted advisor, you will lead communications planning, media engagement, storytelling, and stakeholder communications across a complex, multi-agency environment. You'll work closely with senior leaders, government agencies, Ministerial offices, and communications professionals to ensure clear, coordinated, and effective communication across the system.

In this role, you will:

• Lead strategic communications and media advice.

• Shape compelling narratives and engagement approaches.

• Provide expert advice to senior leaders and Ministers.

• Build cross-agency communications networks and partnerships.

• Coach and mentor others to strengthen communications capability.

Ō pūkenga/Skills and Experience

If your experience looks a little different from what we have outlined and you believe you can bring value to the role, we'd love to hear from you.

To be successful in this role, you will:

• Bring senior communications and media advisory experience.

• Develop compelling content for diverse audiences.

• Influence and build credibility with senior stakeholders.

• Navigate complex and sensitive issues with confidence.

• Demonstrate commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and public service.

Experience working in government, including Ministerial and media processes, will be highly regarded.

Mō mātou/About Us

The Centre for Family Violence and Sexual Violence Prevention supports the Executive Board for the Elimination of Family Violence and Sexual Violence to deliver Te Aorerekura, New Zealand's national strategy to eliminate family violence and sexual violence. The Centre is hosted by the Ministry of Justice and works across government to coordinate collective action and drive long-term system change.

No single agency can eliminate family violence and sexual violence alone. The Centre brings a whole-of-system perspective and works alongside agencies, iwi, providers, and communities to ensure sustainable improvements are achieved.

Our work is guided by five values:

• Innovation and Auahatanga

• Equity and Ōritetanga

• Integrity and Tika, Pono

• Collaboration and Kotahitanga

• Compassion and Aroha

Ngā painga o tēnei wāhi mahi/What's great about working here

We offer a range of benefits to support your wellbeing and help make the Ministry a great place to work, including:

• 4.4 weeks holiday leave

• flexible work hours where possible

• an online professional development portal

• access to a variety of inclusive and proactive networks

See our full range of benefits here.

With a wide range of jobs, you also get the chance to gain a variety of skills and experience while developing your career.

Utu ā-tau/Salary

The remuneration band for this role is $130,129 to $179,192. While the appointing salary will be based on skills and experience.

Tono mai/Apply

You can view a detailed position description and complete an online application by attaching your CV and cover letter.

Applications close on 31 October 2026. However, we will be reviewing applications as they are received and may invite suitable candidates to interview prior to the closing date.

If you have any questions, please contact recruitment@justice.govt.nz and include “MOJ XXX” (job number) in your subject line.

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