Senior Communications Specialist – Policy and Advocacy

About Us 
The Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand (MHF) is a not‑for‑profit organisation working towards creating a society free from discrimination, where all people enjoy positive mental health and wellbeing. 

We value ōritetanga (fairness and equity), whanaungatanga, and relationship‑building grounded in tika, pono and aroha. Our work is toitū (sustainable), and we embrace te pae tawhiti (innovation) in all that we do. 

Join our Policy & Advocacy Team! 

If you’re someone who enjoys translating complex issues into clear, engaging communications and you thrive in work that supports meaningful change, this role might be a great fit for you. 

Our Policy & Advocacy team works to influence systems, policies and public understanding so that all people in Aotearoa can experience positive mental health and wellbeing. As part of this team, you’ll contribute to impactful advocacy efforts that center evidence, equity and community voices. 

The Role 
As our Senior Communications Specialist – Policy and Advocacy, you will guide and lead the communications that support MHF’s policy and advocacy mahi. You’ll ensure that complex mental health issues, policy positions and advocacy priorities are communicated clearly, strategically and in ways that engage and empower priority audiences. 

This role reports to the Head of Policy and Advocacy and has no direct reports. 

What you will do 
 

• Lead communication strategies that promote policy positions and advocacy priorities.
• Develop key messaging and communication plans for projects, submissions, petitions and advocacy campaigns.
• Create engaging content and provide media support.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure accessible, culturally sensitive communications.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with NGOs, government agencies, media and advocacy groups. 
   

You can find the job description here. 

You will have 
We know great candidates come with varied experience, even if you don’t meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. 

You’ll bring: 
Several years’ experience in communications or marketing. 

• Tertiary qualification in communications, marketing, public health or related field.
• Experience in public health, advocacy or social justice communications. 
• Strong writing, editing and content‑development skills. 
• Experience developing and delivering communication or marketing strategies. 
• Ability to translate complex information into compelling, accessible messaging. 
• Understanding Te Tiriti o Waitangi and willingness to grow knowledge of te ao Māori. 

What we offer 

• Vibrant office in Maungawhau, Mt Eden
• Flexible working: Mondays and Fridays from home
• Half‑day Fridays 
• Day off on your birthday 
• 20 days’ sick leave 
• Equitable, annually reviewed salary 
• Opportunities to build strong networks

Salary band: $84,000 - $96,000 to commensurate with experience.

We will review applications as they come in and close the role once we find the right person so don’t wait! 

The MHF often works with sensitive mental health and distress‑related content. Please consider your own wellbeing before applying. Rainbow and takatāpui candidates are warmly encouraged to apply.  The MHF actively upholds Te Tiriti o Waitangi.