Principal Engagement and Communications Advisor - LSE

Job Description

• A senior role in a dynamic team managing engagement and communications across a wide range of government policy/initiatives.
• Helping lead a team supporting forming and implementation of some of the most critical work to grow New Zealand.

About us

The purpose of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is to Grow New Zealand for All. These aspirations are echoed in our Māori identity – Hīkina Whakatutuki – which broadly means ‘lifting to make successful'.

MBIE backs New Zealand's talent, ideas and business enterprise through ensuring safe and fair workplaces, developing and supporting the science and innovation system, and streamlining regulation.

About the role.

The Principal Engagement and Communications Advisor delivers high-level strategic communications advice and services to the Deputy Chief Executive, senior managers and other staff in the Labour, Science and Enterprise (LSE) Group.  They also perform as practice leaders to other communications staff assigned to LSE.

This senior role requires an experienced communications professional able to think on their feet and manage effectively.  Showing leadership is a critical component of this role, as they will be working with a team of senior communications advisors and communications advisors managing an array of client portfolios across the respective branches; Labour and Immigration Policy, Science, Innovation and International, Science System Investment and Performance, Tourism, Sectors, Regions and Cities, and LSE Business Management team.

The Principal Engagement and Communications advisor is expected to fully understand the LSE Group's needs while providing strong linkages back to the Communications branch to create a seamless client service.

Managing relationships is key, particularly with senior managers and General Managers, external stakeholders such as media, and with Ministerial offices.  The role requires someone with a strong understanding of government process and possessing political savvy.

Skills and experience required:

• More than 7 years of demonstrated experience in designing and delivering engagement strategies
• Proven experience in government and political communications
• A proven ability to work strategically and deliver strategies to manage communications challenges
• Wide ranging knowledge of government process, media landscape
• Experience in managing key relationships, both externally and internally
• Experience in crisis management.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
• Must have legal right to live and work in NZ

How to apply

To apply for this position, please click the ‘Apply online' button. 

For tracking purposes, all applications will need to be submitted through our online process. For further information please email Lapulou.Moale@mbie.govt.nz

Applications close 5.00pm Monday, 30 April 2018.

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