Senior Communications & Engagement Advisor

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

Auckland Council is seeking a Senior Communications & Engagement Advisor to lead integrated communications for the Waterfront Programme, shaping the narrative of Wynyard Quarter and the city waterfront while protecting reputation in a high profile, public context. The role requires 7 to 10 years in strategic communications and engagement, plus experience advising senior leaders in complex organisations; multi channel strategies across media, digital, community and partners are essential. Desirable experience in property or urban regeneration. Tips for applicants: tailor your CV to demonstrate complex project leadership, risk management and stakeholder diplomacy; show measurable outcomes and te Tiriti awareness; apply by 15 March 2026 via the provided link and prepare for pre-employment checks.

• Lead communications for Auckland’s iconic waterfront regeneration
• Shape the narrative of one of Tāmaki Makaurau’s most visible transformation programmes
• Strategic, high-impact role in a complex and publicly scrutinised environment
• Permanent Full-Time opportunity

He angitūtanga: The opportunity

Auckland Council’s urban regeneration portfolio within the Resilience & Infrastructure Directorate has an opportunity for a Senior Communications & Engagement Advisor to help shape the future of Auckland’s waterfront.

This is a pivotal role supporting the delivery of Auckland Council’s Waterfront Programme — a visionary regeneration portfolio transforming Wynyard Quarter and the wider city centre waterfront into vibrant, sustainable and people-focused places.
Operating in one of the region’s most high-profile and strategically significant environments, you will provide strategic communications and engagement leadership across complex development initiatives. The programme spans property development, urban design, sustainability, placemaking and community partnership — all delivered under strong public, media and political interest.

As Senior Communications & Engagement Advisor, you will play a central role in sustaining programme momentum, strengthening stakeholder confidence and proactively managing reputational and project risk. You will translate complexity into clarity — helping Aucklanders understand, engage with and feel proud of the transformation of their waterfront.

Day-to-day you could expect to work on:

• Developing and delivering integrated communications and engagement strategies aligned to programme objectives
• Advising senior leaders and project teams on stakeholder positioning, emerging risks and storytelling opportunities
• Creating compelling content across media, digital, community and partner channels
• Supporting engagement with mana whenua, elected members, government stakeholders, partners and local communities
• Identifying and mitigating reputational risk while amplifying positive programme milestones

He kōrero mōu: About you

You are a strategic thinker who thrives in complex, fast-moving environments.
You bring curiosity about cities and the forces that shape them. You understand how to balance commercial realities, public interest and community expectation. You are relationship-led, politically aware and comfortable advising at a senior level.

We will be looking for specific experience with:

• 7–10 years’ experience in strategic communications and engagement
• Experience advising senior leaders within large, complex or public sector organisations
• Strong capability in developing and delivering multi-channel communications strategies
• Experience in property, infrastructure, urban regeneration or related sectors (desirable)
• Demonstrated ability to identify and manage reputational and stakeholder risk
• Experience working in collaborative, matrixed environments
• Knowledge of, or willingness to develop understanding of, te ao Māori and te Tiriti o Waitangi in a public sector context

You are comfortable navigating ambiguity, identifying opportunities early and building trusted relationships across diverse stakeholder groups.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer

Auckland Council is the largest local government council across Oceania, serving over 1.7 million people and contributing towards making Tāmaki Makaurau a world-class city.
 

We offer a range of employee benefits and proudly support flexible working options where possible. 

You’ll have access to a range of fantastic Auckland Council benefits, EAP services, an Oranga Day and discounted Leisure Centre membership and a range of other partnership discounts! View a snapshot of some of our employee benefits here: 
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HCrGnm_Fy1RMrhSkvVZaf3GPtZDk3BLd/view?usp=sharing

We are a diverse organisation – we value diversity in our thinking, and we can only achieve that with a diverse team!

Ehara taku toa, he takitahi, he toa takitini - My success is not mine alone, but the success of many.

Tono Mai: Apply Now!

You can find the position description here
Applications close: Sunday 15th March 2026

Please note: Qualification Checks will be conducted along with other relevant pre-employment checks required for employment with Auckland Council.

Our employer Kiwisaver contribution is additional to base salary offered.

Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and we are committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application to assist you through the recruitment process.
 
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