Strategic Workforce Programme Communication Manager

Mō te tūnga | About the role

The Strategic Workforce Programme is one of NZDF's most significant transformation initiatives, focused on shaping a workforce that is capable, sustainable and ready to meet future challenges. This programme sits at the heart of how NZDF attracts, develops and retains its people, helping to ensure Defence remains ready to deliver on its mission both now and into the future.

As the Strategic Workforce Programme Communications Manager, you will play a pivotal role in driving understanding, engagement and support for programme outcomes across the organisation.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a programme with organisation-wide impact while working at the centre of strategic workforce transformation.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and implementing programme communications plans.
• Providing strategic communications advice to senior leaders.
• Supporting organisational change and transformation initiatives.
• Creating high-quality communication products and collateral.
• Managing communications risks and opportunities.
• Building strong relationships across NZDF and stakeholder groups.
• Ensuring consistent messaging across communication channels.
• Supporting workforce strategy initiatives and programme outcomes.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

We're looking for a communications professional who can operate confidently in a complex environment, build trusted relationships, and translate strategic objectives into engaging communications and engagement approaches.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Significant experience in strategic communications, public relations or corporate communications.
• Experience supporting organisational change or transformation programmes.
• Excellent written communication and business writing skills.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
• Experience developing communication plans and engagement strategies.
• The ability to influence and advise senior leaders.
• Sound judgement, initiative and problem-solving capability.
• Strong planning, prioritisation and delivery skills.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Your skills and dedication deserve recognition, and NZDF delivers with competitive pay matched to your experience. But that's just the beginning – safeguard your loved ones with a fully funded life cover of up to $300,000 and critical illness protection. Other benefits include discounted additional insurances, free will services and savings schemes for the Defence community. Get expert financial guidance and mortgage broker services. Find all our benefits and more on the Force 4 Families website.

NZDF champions diversity and inclusivity, valuing every member and fuelling their success. We embrace uniqueness, understanding that diverse teams drive creativity, innovation, and excellence. With an open door to all – irrespective of gender, ethnicity, ability, age, or family dynamics – NZDF offers a flexible, empowering work environment. Join us in shaping a brighter future, where everyone thrives.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Applications close on Tuesday 27 October 2026.

Use the links on this page where you’ll be directed to the Defence Careers website.

Please Note:

• All applications must be made online, via the Defence Careers website. Each listing contains the Position Description and a Contact Us option for any queries or technical issues.
• Your cover letter will be a key part of our selection process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key activities outlined in the Advert and Position Description.
• Applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug-screening test prior to any offer of employment being made.

NZDF Employees/Members – please apply internally via the HR Toolkit; this will ensure that you are visible as an internal candidate.

NZDF Contractors – please apply via the Defence Careers website.

NZDF Reserves – please apply via the Defence Careers website if you cannot access the HR Toolkit.

Please Note:

To be eligible for the required level of government security clearance with the NZ Defence Force, you need to meet certain citizenship and residency criteria. Here’s what you need to know:

Higher Level Security Clearance

• You must be a New Zealand citizen or you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa.
• At minimum, you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa, and you must be a citizen of and have lived in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States of America or New Zealand continuously for the last ten (10) years.
• You must have a ten (10) year background history that can be verified and assessed appropriately by the NZ Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) to determine if you are suitable for a security clearance at this level.

If you do not meet the minimum criteria, unfortunately, your application will not be accepted. We do welcome your application at a time when you will meet the requirements.