Senior Communications Advisor

nzpolice Wellington, New Zealand
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Career Opportunities: Senior Communications Advisor (6000596)

Requisition ID 6000596 - Posted  - PNHQ - Permanent FT

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Senior Communications Advisor – Strategic Communications

 

  • Based at Police National Headquarters Wellington
  • Permanent – Full Time

 

E tῡ ki te kei o te waka, kia pakia koe e ngā ngaru o te wā.

 

Stand at the stern of the canoe and feel the spray of the future biting at your face

 

 

Mō te tūnga | About the role

 

New Zealand Police is looking for a Senior Communications Advisor to join our Strategic Communications team at Police National Head Quarters (PNHQ). This is a role for someone who is curious, politically aware, calm under pressure, and ready to roll their sleeves up in a fast-paced, high-profile environment.  

 

You’ll provide senior communications advice and support across a range of internal, external and stakeholder communications activity. You’ll lead assigned portfolios, develop communications plans, prepare advice and content for senior leaders, and help identify and manage issues that may affect public trust and confidence in Police.  

 

This role would suit an experienced communications professional who enjoys variety, can quickly make sense of complex information, and knows how to deliver clear, thoughtful and timely communications advice. You’ll be part of a hard-working, highly motivated and clever team that values good judgement, initiative, diversity of thought, and a strong sense of purpose.

 

Key Accountabilities:

 

  • Provide strategic communications advice to the high-profile Workgroups, Executive, National Managers and Directors on publicity issues, risks, opportunities and communication strategies.

  • Develop, implement and evaluate communications plans that support Police priorities and help strengthen trust and confidence.

  • Use a range of channels to deliver clear, timely and effective communication to Police staff, communities, partner agencies and key stakeholders.

  • Build and maintain effective relationships with peers across partner agencies, public sector organisations and internal workgroups.

  • Identify areas of potential reputational risk and provide sound advice to help Police manage issues with external stakeholders and the public.

 

He aha taau e kawe mai | What you’ll bring

 

Whilst we are looking for skills, knowledge and experience relevant to the role, we also place high importance on your state of mind, the alignment of your values with ours, your ability to contribute to and build high performing teams, and the way that you lead yourself or others.

 

We’re looking for someone who brings: 

 

  • Strong experience in strategic communications, media, public relations, stakeholder engagement or a related field.

  • Excellent judgement, political awareness, discretion and the ability to read the room.

  • A clear, confident writing style, with the ability to turn complex information into communication that is accurate, accessible and useful.

  • The ability to work at pace, manage competing priorities and stay calm in an at times high-pressure environment.

  • A collaborative approach — someone who can lead their own portfolio, support others, and muck in when a team effort is needed.

  • A strong work ethic, curiosity, authenticity and a willingness to bring fresh thinking to how we communicate Police work.

 

The successful applicant will also be expected to model New Zealand Police values, be accountable for their performance, and deliver a high standard of service to stakeholders in a timely manner.  

 

 

Whakaritenga motuhake | Special requirements

 

 

  • Police Employees:  

    • Agree to enrol in a leadership programme at the advertised level, at a future date or
    • Have qualified under CEP or a previous Career Progression Framework at the level you are applying for.

 

  • This role is based at Police National Headquarters. Some travel may be required

 

 

This role is Individual Contributor/Emerging Leader level. You can refer to Indicators for Success for further information on the requirements

 

 

To view the position description for this role please copy and paste this link into a new browser:

 

 

 

 

Security Clearance Requirements 

To be eligible for this role, you may be asked to obtain and maintain a SECRET national security clearance. 

The minimum criteria for this level of national security clearance is:

NZ Citizen who has resided continuously in NZ for the last 10 years, or: 

  • A Permanent Resident who has resided continuously in NZ for the last 10 years, or
  • A citizen of or has resided continuously in one or more of the following countries for the last 10 years: Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, or United States of America, and has a background that can be verified by the NZSIS.

 

Use this online tool to self-check your eligibility for a security clearance. Please note that this tool is not part of the formal security clearance process:  

 

 

Mo tātou | About us

 

New Zealand Police is the lead agency responsible for preventing crime and enhancing community safety. It works in partnership with individuals, communities, businesses, and other public sector agencies towards the vision of making New Zealand the safest country. Police is the government’s largest front-line response agency with around 15,000 staff in large and small communities all over New Zealand and in liaison and policing development roles overseas.

Your development is highly valued at NZ Police. Our employees enjoy significant investment in their development not only at an individual level, but also at the team and community practice level. We work hard to match you with work that will both play to your strengths and challenge you in new ways.

 

The work you’ll be engaged in is real, tangible work that directly benefits our frontline and communities. Taken all together, this means we can offer you career path opportunities to progress in your chosen profession and become a more well-rounded, experienced leader, with opportunities across the range of work we support.

 

To view more detailed information about our recruitment process along with further details about requirements please click below link:

 

Applicant Information Pack (External)

 

 

Tono ināianei | Apply now

 

If this position sounds like you, click apply now and submit a tailored CV. You will be required to submit an application form. Before confirmation of hire, pre-employment checks will be undertaken which include reference, drug and alcohol testing  and police vetting prior to any written offer being made.  

  

For further information on the application process, please copy and paste this URL:

  

All applications must be submitted online and will not be accepted directly via email. All applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand.  

  

  

Utu ā-tau | Salary

 

This position is covered by a collective agreement and salary will commence between $111,529 and $122,620 dependent on skills and experience relevant to the role.  

 

Please note: Deadline for applications is 5:00 pm on Monday 20th July 2026. Applications may be reviewed prior to the close date as well as contact made with candidates.

 

If you have any questions about this vacancy, please contact Talent Pathway Advisor zinta.walsh@police.govt.nz

 

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