Director Communications & Government Services at Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections), Wellington (Te Whanganui a Tara)

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Step into a role where your leadership will shape public trust and organisational integrity
• Work directly with the Chief Executive, Executive Leadership Team and other senior leaders
• Build and grow a high-performing team delivering at pace and under pressure

Mō te tūnga | About the role

Are you ready to lead at the highest level, shaping how the Department communicates, responds, and builds trust across Aotearoa?

As Director, Communications & Government Services, you will be at the forefront of our strategic response to complex and sensitive issues, guiding how we manage reputational risk and engage with the public, Ministers, and key stakeholders. This is a role for a leader who thrives in complex environments and understands the power of communication to influence, connect, and protect.

You will be a trusted adviser to the Chief Executive, Deputy Chief Executive, and Executive Leadership Team, providing expert guidance on media and communications matters that impact the Department's reputation. This includes oversight of media and communications, ministerial servicing, and Official Information Act (OIA) responses, which are critical to maintaining transparency and public confidence. You will lead a high-performing team, ensuring our communications are timely, responsive, and aligned with our strategic goals.

From supporting major organisational change to enhancing our public profile, your leadership will shape how we are seen and understood both inside the organisation and across the wider public.

This is your opportunity to lead with purpose, shape national conversations, and strengthen public trust.

Mōu | About you

You're someone who's confident operating at pace, juggling shifting priorities, and staying calm when the pressure's on. You know how to assess situations quickly, spot reputational risk early, and respond with clarity and impact.

You've led large teams, advised senior leaders, and shaped communications that make a real difference. You're politically savvy, values-led, and passionate about building capability and lifting performance. You know how to bring people with you, and you're not afraid to challenge when it counts.

You connect deeply with our organisational values and understand the power of communication to build trust, drive change, and protect the integrity of the Department. You're ready to step into a role where your influence will shape how Corrections is understood and trusted.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

You'll bring the following with you to the role:

• Political nous, allowing you to quickly understand the political context in any situation
• Senior leadership experience across complex corporate functions, with a strategic lens
• A deep understanding of industry best practice and trends
• Confidence operating at the political interface, including direct engagement with Ministers and central agencies
• Proven people and thought leadership skills, with the ability to lead through influence
• A tertiary qualification in a related field, or a history of driving your professional learning and development.

Ngā painga | The benefits

The mid-point of the salary range is $244,422 and the full range (85%-120%) is $207,759 -$293,307. Appointment and remuneration will reflect skills and experience relevant to the role.

Mō mātou | About us

Join Ara Poutama Aotearoa - Department of Corrections, where your work will contribute to improving public safety, reducing re-offending, and address the overrepresentation of Māori in correctional facilities. As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship), and whānau (relationships) to guide our work and achieve the goals of our Hōkai Rangi strategy.

We're entering an important new chapter in People & Capability. As part of our refreshed structure, we're focused on delivering clear, consistent, and high-quality services that enable safe, supported and capable staff across our organisation. Join us as we lay the foundations for a stronger, more visible service that has our people at the heart of everything we do.

We value inclusion and diversity in our workforce, and as a Public Service organisation we are committed to building a workforce that reflects the public we serve. We strive to make our recruitment process fair, and we encourage you to discuss reasonable accommodations with us if required.

Tono ināianei | Apply Now

To submit an application and view the position description, click the apply link. All applications must be submitted through our careers site to ensure transparency – applications received via email will not be considered.

When applying, submit a tailored CV and a cover letter describing your motivation for joining the department highlighting relevant skills and experience and the alignment to our work.

Applications close on: Sunday the 8th of February. 

If you have any questions or want to learn more about a career with us, contact Sarah.Newbold@corrections.govt.nz, or visit careers.corrections.govt.nz.