Lead Communications and Engagement Advisor

Job Type: Permanent | Full Time

Location: Christchurch, New Zealand

Job Category: Marketing

• Public Transport & Urban Development focus
• Shape how communities understand, use, and engage with public transport
• Join a collaborative team delivering meaningful engagement on Canterbury growth

Kaunihera Taiao ki Waitaha │ About Environment Canterbury

As a regional council, we are responsible for managing natural resources including air, soil, water and land. We work in partnership with mana whenua Ngāi Tahu to protect the health of our environment to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for our region.

The region’s evolving environmental and political context means we will continue to be agile and adaptive, as we respond to regulatory and environmental changes.

Our mahi (work) is organised around the delivery of our three core services:

• Environmental Regulation and Protection
• Community Preparedness and Response to Hazards
• Public Transport

Council plays an important role in responding to national legislation and policy changes – this mahi is part of our operating environment and is embedded in our everyday mahi. The current proposals from central government are significant, and Council is working through the opportunities and implications. However, our mahi must continue to deliver our three core services for our partners, communities and te taiao (environment).

Kōrero mō te Tūranga | About the Role

As our Lead Communications and Engagement Advisor, you will provide strategic leadership and hands-on delivery of communications and engagement across major public transport initiatives and urban development programmes. You’ll lead a small, high-performing team, supporting and guiding their work while also remaining hands-on in delivery.

You’ll work closely with internal teams, partners, mana whenua and stakeholders to build understanding, support behaviour change, and enable meaningful community input into complex and high-impact work.

• Lead communications and engagement for public transport changes, improvements, and campaigns
• Support urban development, growth and place-based initiatives across Canterbury
• Plan and deliver end-to-end engagement strategies for complex, regionwide programmes
• Translate complex policy, planning, and technical information into clear, accessible messaging
• Support media responses and issues management in a public and political environment
• Use data and insights to improve communication and engagement approaches

For more information on this role, please refer to the job description at the bottom of the advert.

Mōu │ About You

You’ll ideally have a relevant tertiary degree in Communications and Engagement, or related discipline, along with 10 years or more of experience in community engagement, iwi/rūnanga relations, communications or digital communications.

Mātau ā-Wheako | Experience

• Significant experience in communications and engagement roles, including complex projects
• Strong ability to simplify complex information and communicate clearly across channels
• Experience in leading people
• Experience in a public-facing or political environment
• Strong stakeholder and community engagement skills
• Ability to manage competing priorities and adapt quickly
• Strong relationship skills and collaborative mindset
• Understanding of iwi engagement and working with mana whenua
• Experience across digital and traditional communications channels

A background or interest in public transport, urban development, or behaviour change communications would be advantageous. Understanding of te ao Māori and te reo Māori is also beneficial.

Ngā hua o te Mahi i te Kaunihera Taiao ki Waitaha |

Working at Environment Canterbury

Our Mahi Is Underpinned By Our Values

• Kaitiakitanga (stewardship)
• Pononga (integrity)
• Manaakitanga (people first)
• Whanaungatanga (collaboration)
• Māiatanga (can do)

We understand and embrace a diverse workforce; this diversity will enable us to better serve our people, our community, and our greatest taonga, the environment. We value everyone’s contribution, diverse thinking, and skills.

We're on a journey to become a treaty partner of excellence, including incorporating te ao Māori into our work. We offer supportive opportunities to develop capability in this area and encourage our people to use kaupapa Māori, mātauranga Māori, and te reo Māori in our daily work. We welcome you with an open heart & mind, wherever you are on your personal te ao Māori journey.

Ko ētahi atu kōrero | Additional Information

Apply directly by completing the online application form and submitting your CV and cover letter. Applications close on Wednesday, 24 June and will be reviewed as they are received, so early applications are encouraged. Interviews may begin before the closing date, and we reserve the right to close the advertisement early.

Short-listed candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks, and a criminal check. Further background checking will be required when relevant to the role.

We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you're excited about this role but don't meet every qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply.

Me mahi tahi tātou - Together we can