Manager, Media Relations and Corporate Communications

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

Tauranga City Council is seeking a newly created Manager, Media Relations and Corporate Communications to lead a busy onsite team within the Communications and Engagement function and partner directly with the Chief Executive, Mayor and Executive Leadership Team to shape Tauranga’s story. The right candidate will bring eight to ten years in media, communications, journalism or public relations, a relevant tertiary qualification, and three to five years of leading teams and advising senior leaders; you’ll manage proactive and reactive media strategies, handle crisis communications in politically sensitive settings, and cultivate journalist relationships. You’ll also lead internal communications and strategic content with a strong respect for Te Tiriti o Waitangi and public accountability. To apply online by 2 August, tailor your CV to show leadership and crisis experience, include concrete examples, and contact Susan Davidson with questions; ensure you have the legal right to work in New Zealand; we value diversity and offer adjustments on request.

Tau ake rā te moana nei, e papaki kau ana ki te ākau tangata, kakenga waka ka mauru te tohu ki te arearenga o Mauao, he pou herenga mōu, he pou hononga mōu, kia herea ki te pono, kia herea ki te tika. Kia mau, kia ita, kia ū – haumi e, hui e, tāiki e!

Tō Tātou Kaunihera | About Tauranga City Council

Tauranga City Council is one of Tauranga’s largest employers, and we are always looking to attract great talent to join our driven, passionate, and community-focused team. To highlight that our people are our greatest asset, we offer a wide range of benefits that include 5 weeks annual leave, flexible work from home options, as well as career development opportunities. We always strive to ensure that you feel valued and supported in the workplace.

Te Tūranga | About the role

As a newly created Manager, Media Relations & Corporate Communications reporting to the Head of Communications and Engagement, you’ll help shape how we tell Tauranga’s story and lead a key team within our Communications and Engagement function.

Every day, decisions are made here that shape how Tauranga grows, moves and thrives, and you’ll make sure those stories are told well. You’ll partner directly with the Chief Executive, Mayor and Executive Leadership Team, build trusted relationships with journalists and newsrooms, and lead from the front when the pressure comes on. You’ll also lead our internal communications, keeping our people connected, informed and proud of the work they do. If you love the pace of the newsroom and the purpose of public service, this role brings both together.

• Tell the story of a city on the rise, with no shortage of front-page moments
• Be the trusted media advisor to the Chief Executive, Mayor and Executive Leadership Team
• Lead and inspire a skilled team across media relations, internal communications and strategic content

Ngā Pukenga | What you’ll need to succeed

To succeed in this role, you’ll bring 8 to 10 plus years’ experience in media, communications, journalism or public relations, a relevant tertiary qualification, and 3 to 5 plus years leading teams and advising senior leaders and elected members. You’ve led proactive and reactive media strategies, handled crisis communications in high-risk or politically sensitive settings, and built the kind of relationships with journalists that earn fair, balanced coverage. You understand local government, public accountability and Te Tiriti o Waitangi in practice. You write and speak with clarity, show sound judgement, and you’re at your best when the pressure is on. If shaping the narrative of a whole city sounds like your kind of challenge, we’d love to talk.

Te Tukanga | How to apply

To submit your application, please apply online, as we are unable to accept applications via email.

If you have specific questions about the role, please contact Susan Davidson at Susan [email protected] 

Applications will close Sunday 2nd August

We’re committed to building a diverse team that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those living with disabilities.
If you need any support or adjustments to take part in our recruitment process, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at [email protected]

• You must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this role.
• Tauranga City Council does not accept unsolicited contact or applications from recruitment agencies. We will not pay fees or commissions related to unsolicited contact.

Job Description: Manager, Media Relations and Corporate Communications