Media Relations Specialist

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

Take on Tauranga City Council's full-time on-site Media Relations Specialist role within the Communications and Engagement team, delivering a proactive, responsive media function by spotting strong story angles, shaping clear messaging and responding quickly to enquiries to protect and strengthen the Council’s reputation. You’ll identify media opportunities, develop media releases and statements, build robust relationships with journalists, monitor coverage and provide support for issues or crisis communications across the organisation. To apply effectively, cite concrete examples of compelling writing, rapid and accurate media handling, proactive storytelling, stakeholder collaboration and the ability to translate complex information into audience-friendly messages. Apply online by Sunday 2 August; contact Susan Davidson with questions; ensure you have the legal right to work in New Zealand; adjustments or support are welcome.

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 tika, kia herea ki te pono. Kia mau, kia ita, kia ū – haumi e, hui e, tāiki e!

Te Tūranga | About the role

Are you an experienced media relations professional who knows how to spot a great story, shape a clear message, and respond with confidence when things move quickly?

We’re looking for a Media Relations Specialist to join our Communications and Engagement team and help deliver a proactive, responsive and trusted media function for Tauranga City Council.

This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys working at pace, building strong relationships with journalists, and turning complex information into clear, accurate and engaging media content. You’ll play a key role in identifying positive stories, supporting timely responses to media enquiries, and helping protect and strengthen Council’s reputation through clear and consistent messaging.

What you’ll be doing

In this role, you’ll work closely with teams across Council to identify media opportunities, respond to media interest, and support issues and crisis communications when needed.

You’ll be responsible for:

• developing and distributing media releases, statements, story pitches and media responses
• responding to media enquiries in a timely, accurate and well-coordinated way
• building and maintaining strong relationships with journalists and media outlets
• identifying proactive media opportunities that align with Council priorities
• supporting clear and consistent messaging during issues, incidents or high-pressure situations
• monitoring media coverage, trends and sentiment to support reputational awareness
• working with internal stakeholders to source, check and shape information for media use
• maintaining media contact lists, enquiry logs and reporting information.

Ngā Pukenga | What you’ll need to succeed

You’ll be a confident writer and communicator with sound news judgement, strong relationship skills and the ability to stay calm and focused under pressure.

We’re looking for someone with:

• experience in media relations, PR, journalism or communications
• strong writing skills, including media releases, statements and reactive responses
• experience managing media enquiries quickly, accurately and professionally
• the ability to identify, shape and pitch proactive media stories
• an understanding of media cycles, newsroom priorities and what makes a good story
• strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to work across different teams
• the ability to translate complex information into clear, audience-friendly messaging
• good judgement, attention to detail and awareness of reputational risk
• experience supporting issues or crisis communications would be an advantage.

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 [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: Media Relations Specialist