Communications Lead

Help shape the future of Education

We work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes

Our organisation is made up of talented and committed people around Aotearoa, from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. While we work in different groups and on different things, we all strive every day to make the biggest difference we can for our students in our education system.

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga

The Communications Lead is the Charter School Agency’s lead advisor on communications and contributes through influence, advocacy, vision and drive to lead the delivery of well-targeted communications and media services. The role is broad, encompassing strategic and tactical. It is primarily externally focused including liaison and coordination with relevant Ministerial offices, but with responsibility for internal communications as well.

The role sits within the Ministry’s Te Pou Rangatōpū | Corporate Services group and operates within a matrix structure — reporting to the GM Communications, Engagement and Ministerials (Ministry of Education) with a dotted line to the Head of Business Strategy and Services (Charter School Agency).

As the Communications Lead, you will:

• Act as a trusted advisor to support the Chief Executive, Executive Leadership Team and the Authorisation Board in communication related matters.
• Provide insight, input and expertise to ensure the communications strategy reflects the Agency’s strategic direction and priorities.
• Provide advice and expertise to develop strategies, services and products which reflect the needs and aspirations of key audiences and connect effectively with those audiences.
• Advise and assist the Agency to build and maintain connections with networks in the Ministry of Education, Ministerial offices, partner agencies and the sector, to improve communications delivery to key audiences.
• Identify opportunities for the Agency to enhance its reputation with Ministers, education partners and the public, including a proactive approach to positive stories.
• Manage brand and associated visual identity guidelines for the Agency and Authorisation Board.

A departmental agency led by a Chief Executive, the Charter School Agency implements and operates the charter school model, including negotiating and managing contracts, and delivering funding. The Charter School Agency supports the Authorisation Board that approves sponsors to operate charter schools, oversees their performance and holds them to account.

Salary range: $140,146 - $170,196 per annum + 3% kiwi saver.  The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.

For more details about the role, you can view the Job Description here Communications Lead

About you | Mōhou ake

We would like to hear from you if you have significant public sector communications experience in complex, dynamic high-profile, as well as offering:

• An extensive track record of managing and overseeing complex communication opportunities, issues and work programmes.
• Strategic communications leadership in building relationships and partnerships to achieve shared outcomes.
• Substantial media management skills and relationships, and familiarity with media trends to   inform channel strategy and innovation.
• Excellent writing and editing skills with proven ability to work with subject matter experts to craft compelling content, distilled from complex policy or technical information and tailored to distinct audiences, for a variety of channels and collateral.
• Expertise in managing communication channels particularly website and social media content.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

In return, we offer the opportunity to contribute to a high profile and challenging work programme, a supportive people development environment, and the ability to set and lead communications direction.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

Te Pou Rangatōpū is responsible for keeping the Ministry safe by managing essential statutory and corporate functions. We also identify and contribute to improvements as to how the Ministry works, so we can achieve our priorities and support the delivery of the current Government’s priorities.

The Communications, Engagement and Ministerials division is responsible for external and organisational communications capability. It is also responsible for strengthening external stakeholder relationships through the delivery of statutory functions including ministerial services and records management. 

Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi?

If this opportunity interests you, please submit your cover letter and resume by using the ‘apply' button. In your cover letter we’d like to know about you, your values, or anything else you’d like to share. We’re keen to understand your motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the diverse perspectives you will bring to the role.

For further information, please contact Amanda Broatch, General Manager, Communications, Engagement & Ministerials at Amanda.Broatch@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight Thursday 20 November 2025.

We want our people to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.