Napier City Council Looking for Communications and Engagement Advisor (Fixed Term) at Napier, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand Full Time

Are you a communications and engagement professional with skills in interpreting complex information and nurturing strong relationships? Napier City Council is on the hunt for an energetic and experienced Communications and Engagement Advisor to join our team on a 6-month fixed-term basis.

In this dynamic role, you’ll take charge of creating and delivering impactful communication and engagement strategies. Your focus will be infrastructure projects, especially those in the three waters space. You will be adept at translating technical information into digestible, accessible communications, and initiating opportunities for quality, meaningful engagement with the public, industry and communities of interest.

Te Āheinga – The Opportunity

Often working within infrastructure project teams, you will provide strategic advice, produce communications outputs, and initiate and deliver stakeholder engagement. You will also be an active, contributing member of the wider Communications, Marketing and Engagement Team providing input into the wide-range of council communications endeavours and supporting the team to achieve broader, organisation-wide objectives. You will have strong written skills across a range of ‘voices’ and media, abilities with photography and videography, and an engaging, approachable demeanour.

• Engagement Planning & Delivery: Develop and execute consultation/engagement plans to meet project objectives, using diverse tools to ensure broad participation.
• Advice & Reporting: Provide high-quality engagement advice, summaries, and evaluations to inform future practices.
• Communication: Clearly convey Council policies, decisions, and project updates through tailored communications plans, media releases, and various channels (digital, social media, newsletters, etc.).
• Collaboration: Support Infrastructure teams, communications, engagement and marketing teams, and collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams on engagement activities within infrastructure projects.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Manage dissemination of timely, accurate information to stakeholders, including the public, community groups, and agencies.
• Content Creation: Ensure communication is accessible and engaging across full suite of platforms.
• Project Oversight: Oversee and evaluate programmes and projects, ensuring coordination, effectiveness, and alignment with work plans.
• Funding & Reporting: Identify funding opportunities, prepare applications, and deliver reports and presentations for stakeholders and funders.

He kōrero mōhou – About You

• Tertiary qualification in communications, public relations, journalism, community development, or related field
• At least 3 years of experience in communications, public relations, or community engagement (public sector or infrastructure preferred)
• Experience applying community development principles to achieve wellbeing outcomes
• Proven track-record collaborating and making meaningful contributions in diverse, multi-discipline teams
• Knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its local government implications
• Understanding of the infrastructure sector (for example water services delivery, waste management and minimisation, building asset management or transportation)
• Understanding of the community and voluntary sector
• Ability to engage with a range of audiences, including internal and external stakeholders and partners
• Experience in policy/strategy development and engagement/consultation processes
• Strong written and verbal communication skills across the full suite of media
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to engage at all levels

Ngā painga mōhou – What we Offer

• 5 weeks annual leave after 2 years service
• Discounted Health Insurance Work Scheme + Eye Test Subsidy
• Retailer Discounts + Study assistance
• Employee Assistance Program (OCP)
• Quarterly values awards + Birthday vouchers + Social club
• Free flu vaccinations (annual)
• Ka Awatea Cultural Wānanga + NCC Kapa Haka
• Te Reo Māori language classes

This is a 6-month fixed term opportunity, working Monday to Friday (40 hours per week) at our Cape View office. We will be interviewing applications as we receive them and may close the role when we have found the right person.

He kōrero mō Te Kaunihera o Ahuriri – About NCC

At Napier City Council, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer that values diversity. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and work to make our hiring process fair and accessible. If you need any support or adjustments during your application or interview, let us know—we’re happy to help!

Part of our success is shaped by our ability to foster strong, enduring relationships between NCC, Mana Whenua, and Iwi. Our Māori Partnerships team – Te Waka Rangapū – enhance our cultural capability and awareness through education, training, and resources to strengthen cultural competencies.

Before joining our team, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks, including drug testing for a safe workplace. Some roles may also require health screening.

As part of holding a role with Napier City Council, you may be called on to assist in Civil Defence emergencies—an opportunity to support our community when it matters most.

Please visit Napier City Council Careers website to see full job description

Job Description – Communications And Engagement Advisor

Salary Range – $88k – $102k