Political Advisor

Job description

We’re looking for a highly capable and politically astute Political Advisor to provide strategic advice and support to the Mayor and help advance the priorities of the Gore District locally, regionally and nationally. You’ll be someone who can see the bigger picture, anticipate emerging issues, build trusted relationships and provide sound advice in a fast-moving political environment.

Reporting to the Chief Executive, you’ll work closely with the Mayor, elected members, Leadership Team and Governance team, while developing strong relationships across local and central government, iwi, community organisations and other key stakeholders. From providing strategic advice and preparing high-quality briefings through to supporting advocacy, stakeholder engagement and mayoral priorities, this is a varied and influential role where no two days will be the same.

This is a fixed-term, full-time position until 29 December 2028, working 37.5 hours per week Monday to Friday, with some flexibility required during emergencies, significant events or other occasions. Job requirements

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, complemented by strong analytical and critical-thinking ability.
• Strong political awareness, judgement and discretion, with the ability to manage sensitive and confidential information.
• Proven stakeholder engagement and relationship-management skills across a diverse range of people and organisations.
• An understanding of the Gore District's political environment, key stakeholders and community issues.
• A high level of digital literacy, including social media, and the ability to quickly adapt to new technology.
• The resilience and adaptability to work calmly under pressure, manage competing priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-changing environment.

Experience in a local government or political environment, along with a background in public relations, political science, communications, public policy or stakeholder management, would be advantageous. Job responsibilities

• Act as a trusted advisor to the Mayor, providing research, analysis, strategic advice and sense-checking on emerging issues, opportunities and risks.
• Monitor political, legislative and policy developments and assess their potential implications for the Gore District.
• Prepare and quality-assure briefings, speeches, talking points, correspondence, Q&A material and other strategic information.
• Coordinate and monitor mayoral priorities, strategic initiatives, advocacy activities and regional and national commitments.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with government agencies, ministerial and MPs' offices, other councils, iwi, community organisations and business leaders.
• Support the Mayor at meetings, public engagements and stakeholder discussions, including helping identify and resolve emerging issues.
• Work collaboratively with Governance, Communications, the Chief Executive and Leadership Team to support effective information flow and decision-making.
• Coordinate and support portfolio holder meetings, including following up actions and helping priorities progress.
• Research, coordinate and deliver projects that support mayoral and Council priorities.
• Contribute to emergency management activities and uphold Council's information management, privacy, LGOIMA and health and safety requirements.

Job benefits

Why work for us

At Gore District Council, you’ll have the opportunity to work in a role that sits close to the issues, decisions and relationships shaping our district. You’ll work alongside passionate people who care about delivering positive outcomes for our communities, while building relationships across local and central government and the wider region. This is a rare opportunity for someone who enjoys strategic thinking, politics, relationship building and making things happen to contribute directly to the future of the Gore District. If this sounds like an opportunity for you, then we would love to hear from you!

Applications close at 5:00 pm, 16 October 2026

For more information and job description, please contact the People & Culture Business Partner at pmanral@goredc.govt.nz In accordance with Council policies, the successful candidate may be required to complete relevant pre-employment checks.