Senior Advisor – Media and Communications | Kaitohutohu Matua

At Stats NZ we’re all about data that improves lives today and for generations to come. If you’re a communications professional with strong experience in media handling and you are interested in joining an organisation contributing to meaningful outcomes through data – read on. 

• Bring your specialist media relations and communications skills to help lead media engagement in a fast-moving, high-profile public sector environment
• Shape how data stories land in the national conversation
• Operate at the intersection of proactive storytelling and real-time issues management
• Permanent full-time role based in our central, modern offices in Wellington

The role | Te tūnga 

As Senior Advisor – Media and Communications you will be an integral part of the Communications Team within the Office of the Chief Executive. We are a centralised communications and marketing function providing strategic and tactical marketing and communications support across Stats NZ.  

You will be responsible for leading and owning media engagement across Stats NZ – from proactive storytelling that shapes the narrative, to fast-moving issues where judgement and pace are critical. This includes providing expert advice and support to business units and organisational projects, proactively identifying and managing media risks and issues, and protecting and enhancing the organisation’s reputation.

We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running – to be successful in this role you'll need a strong understanding of the New Zealand media landscape, including what drives news, how stories move, and how to influence coverage under pressure.

What’s in it for you? | Ngā hua ka riro ki a koe

The Communications team is an awesome mix of people who are at their best working as a team. They like a good laugh and a healthy amount of banter. If this sounds like you, read on.   

Here you’ll find: 

• diverse strategic and tactical media and communications work 
• supportive management and a fun and hardworking team 
• comfortable, modern offices in central Wellington  
• varied and important work for Stats NZ and Aotearoa’s data future
• a competitive salary   
• a broad range of social and community networks.   

The salary band for this role is: $97,270 - $131,601 + KiwiSaver

What you bring | Nōu te rourou 

To be successful in this role you’ll:  

• be a media relations specialist with at least five-years’ experience in a similar senior media and communications role    
• be skilled at converting strategic, complex or technical information into clear, compelling material that’s fit for purpose and audience    
• be able to demonstrate a track record in providing high quality advice to senior leaders
• be comfortable switching between big picture, creative thinking, tactical marketing and communications operations and reactive issues management  
• be able to demonstrate sound relationship building skills  
• bring a can-do, whatever it takes attitude  
• have a good understanding of the media landscape and economic, social and governmental influences, the political environment and other agencies and groups likely to impact on our organisation. 
• Have an understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a willingness to learn and grow in Te Ao Māori.
• Bring a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in or outside of work.

 About us | Ko mātou 

Stats NZ Tatauranga Aotearoa - is a central government employer of 1300+ people across Aotearoa. We provide data and statistics to support the decisions of Government, Māori and Iwi organisations, businesses, NGOs, and New Zealanders.

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono 

If this sounds like you, click on the Apply now button to be redirect to the application page on our careers site. The position description is located on the right-hand side of the page. 

We may choose to interview candidates as applications are received, so early applications are encouraged.  You may be asked to complete a pre-interview screen via phone or video. Please let us know in your application if we need to make any specific accommodations during our process. 

Please reach out to recruitment@stats.govt.nz  if you have any questions.  

You must have a valid work permit or visa to live and work in Aotearoa New Zealand. Background and various pre-employment checks are part of our recruitment process. 

Note to Recruitment Agencies: unsolicited CVs will not be accepted.