Western Bay of Plenty District Council Looking for Communications Specialist (12 Month fixed term) (Parental leave cover) at Tauranga, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand Full Time

We’re doing extraordinary things.

For our people. For our communities. For each other.

We’re on a journey to become a District with strong and sustainable community partnerships, that embraces the diversity of the area and is bold in its vision for change.

Whether it’s reuniting dog owners with their lost pups, asking communities what they think of policies, responding to community emergencies, or designing playgrounds – we’re here to make a difference.

Be the change that matters.

Join the team.

The opportunity

“Hey ChatGPT, write me an attention grabbing job ad for a local government communications whizz.”

Just kidding.

We know when it comes to story telling, you can’t beat that human touch.

Which is why we’re looking for that perfect person to join our Communications and Engagement team and help share the mahi we’re doing on all the exciting and transformational projects we’re delivering over the next 12 months.

This is a 12-month full-time maternity cover position based in our Tauranga office with the flexibility to work part of your week from home.

At Western Bay we’re challenging the status quo. We’re at the frontline working with new tools and creative tactics to reach our communities. It’s this everyday challenge that excites us every day, embracing things like ChatGPT and community Facebook pages so we can do things differently to enable meaningful community kōrero.

So, we need someone who’s not afraid to ask ‘why’ and to look at things differently, taking the lead on a range of projects and initiatives, from planning through to implementation.

You’ll be a confident and creative communicator who can take often complex and jargon-fuelled information and make it accessible and compelling. You’ll enjoy writing for a range of channels, including media, social media, and long form content – savvy in tailoring the content and tone depending on the platform you are using.

You’ll also have the knack for knowing how to work with communities, and engage them on important topics.

This role mixes day-to-day communications tasks and being responsible for developing and implementing marketing strategies that promote our key campaigns and the direction we’re heading as a Council.

You’ll be someone who can quickly build strong working relationships, identify risks, and take different perspectives. You’ll think creatively but have a reputation for delivery, while juggling priorities and keeping a sense of humour.

A degree or diploma in communications, journalism, or public relations would be an advantage.

So, if you want to join a Communications and Engagement Team that’s fun and supportive and constantly looking for better ways to connect with our community then we’d love to hear from you.

To set you up for success, you’ll have

• At least three years in a similar role
• Strong written and verbal skills, with a passion for storytelling.
• Attention to detail
• Experience and confidence in media and marketing platforms (traditional and new)
• Proven results in innovative communications thinking to engage with various audiences
• Ideally, experience in local government
• Knowledge and ability to work with tangata whenua on key Council issues and projects.
• IAP2 accreditation.
• The skills to operate independently, but be a team player, providing support to the wider Communications and Engagement team when required.
• Exceptional relationship building skills.

What We Offer

• Five weeks annual leave
• A competitive employment package – including subsidised medical insurance
• Flexible work arrangements where you can work from our head office or remotely some of the time.
• A pet friendly work environment
• Sick leave from the start of employment
• Learning and development opportunities
• Access to wellbeing resources and workplace support
• Assistance to relocate to the area
• Free onsite parking

Applicants for this position should have NZ residency or a valid NZ work permit.

For further information please call People and Capability on 07 571 8008.