Principal Advisor, Media at Public Service Commission Te Kawa Mataaho, Wellington - Wairarapa

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

About the role

As Principal Advisor, Media in our Communications and Engagement team, you'll lead the Commission's issues management. You'll also be the first point of contact for media and other external stakeholders. You'll give timely, high-quality advice to the Public Service Commissioner and senior leaders on high-risk and politically sensitive matters across the Public Service. These include chief executive employment matters, integrity and conduct, reviews and inquiries, and collective bargaining. You'll also give fast media support to the Minister's office.

This is a fast-paced role for someone who can think strategically and act tactically, change gears quickly, and write fast and well. You'll help present the Commission as a trusted system leader, working with chief executives, senior leaders and communicators across the Public Service.

About you

We are looking for someone who is:

• an experienced senior communications professional with a strong track record in media and issues management
• confident advising Ministers' offices and senior leaders on politically sensitive issues, with a strong understanding of political neutrality and the constitutional role of the Public Service
• a clear, persuasive writer who does high-quality work under pressure and to tight deadlines
• well connected, with strong relationships across media and communications networks
• calm and discreet, with sound judgement in a complex, confidential environment

Key responsibilities include:

• leading the Commission's external communications strategy and media relations, including media queries, releases, speeches for the Minister and the Commissioner, and social media content
• spotting, monitoring and managing emerging issues, and advising the Commissioner and senior leaders on high-risk communications
• giving fast media support to the Minister's office, including reactive lines, statements and briefing material
• building strong relationships with chief executives, senior leaders, agency communications teams and media, and coaching colleagues to build media capability.

To succeed in this role, you'll need strong media and issues management skills, plus the judgement and composure to handle complex, sensitive matters at pace. You'll need to be available after hours and on weekends when required. This role will give you a unique insight into how the Public Service works at the highest level, and a chance to shape how New Zealanders see it.

About Us

Public Service Commission Te Kawa Mataaho leads the public sector to make a positive difference for New Zealand and New Zealanders.

This position sits within the Communications and Engagement team, part of the Enabling Services group, which supports the Commission to deliver and perform at its best. The team looks after the Commission's media, issues management, and internal and external communications and engagement.

For more information about our role and purpose, visit our website at www.publicservice.govt.nz.

Important Information

We are committed to building a talented and inclusive Public Service through a recruitment approach focussed on merit. We value diverse experiences, perspectives and skills that strengthen our ability to deliver for the Public Service. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and identities. We welcome every gender, ethnicity, ability, religion, age, and background and encourage people to be their authentic selves at work. Talk to us about what flexible work arrangements might work for both you and us.

Salary

The full salary range for this band is $132,000 – $184,203. We typically look to appoint to the role between $132,000 and $161,830, depending on skills and experience.

How to apply:

If you would like to discuss this role, please contact Nardine Sleeman, Nardine.Sleeman@publicservice.govt.nz

In your cover letter we'd like to know:

• about you and your values
• your interest and motivations for this role
• the abilities, strengths, personal attributes, and diverse perspectives you would bring to the role and our organisation.

Requirements

To be appointed to this position, you must be able to obtain and maintain a Confidential/Secret/Top Secret security clearance. Ordinarily, to obtain this level of clearance you must have sufficient checkable background in countries where meaningful and reliable checks can be undertaken. Where requisite checks are unable to be made, your application may not be able to be progressed.

Use this online tool (process: http://www.protectivesecurity.govt.nz/eligibility-tool) to self-check your eligibility for a clearance. Please note that this tool is indicative only, and initiation of a  formal security clearance will be undertaken prior to any appointment.  

Please note that all applicants are required to apply via jobs.govt.nz. You will need a RealMe account to apply.

If you are not a New Zealand citizen, you must hold current eligibility to work in New Zealand and for Te Kawa Mataaho. Please refer to the New Zealand Immigration Service for further information.

Please submit your application by or on: 16 November 2026 at 5pm