Principal Advisor, Engagement and Content

Date advertised:  15 Jul 2025
Job Type:  Fixed Term
Location: 

Wellington, NZ

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

 

This role is fixed term for 12 months.

 

As a Principal Advisor, you’ll play a pivotal role in developing content strategies, services, and material that reflects the needs and aspirations of our audiences. You’ll work closely with a range of people in Te Pou Rangatōpū | Corporate and Te Pou Ohumahi Mātauranga | Education Workforce, as well as teams across the Ministry to ensure our information and engagement are well-targeted, clear and accurate.

 

This is a high-impact, busy role where your influence, advice and vision will help shape how we communicate with our audiences, particularly the education workforce. You’ll also provide expert advice on media issues and risks, supporting the wider Ministry communications group to deliver accurate, timely information.

 

The Principal Advisor will:

 

  • Work with Te Pou Rangatōpū | Corporate and Te Pou Ohumahi Mātauranga | Education Workforce, provide expert advice and lead the content and engagement strategy for the employment relations, pay equity and payroll areas.
  • Work at pace to develop information that is succinct, timely, accurate and clear.
  • Be across all aspects of past and present education workforce programmes of work to inform content development.
  • Work with Te Pou Rangatōpū to ensure education workforce mahi is well-connected to other Ministry priorities

 

Salary range: $118,371 - $143,760 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.

  

About you | Mōhou ake

 

We are looking for an experienced communications and engagement professional who can work at pace, manage competing priorities and remain calm under pressure.

 

If you are agile and can pivot as and when required, we need you. This role will not be dull and will utilise all your creativity, content development and strategic thinking skills. You will support some of the Ministry’s senior leaders who will look to you to provide clear, concise information to support the work programme goals.

 

You see working with ambiguity as a challenge to be overcome by using your relationship and connecting skills, and your ability to create on point content quickly and effectively.

 

You will also offer:

 

  • Proven experience in strategic communications, media, or public relations.
  • Ability to craft content for audiences from the Minister’s office to the public, using plain language, sound judgement and careful attention to detail.
  • A collaborative mindset and the ability to influence across teams and functions.
  • Experience working in or with the public sector or education sector is a plus.
  • Well-honed skills in working under pressure and successfully managing multiple deadlines.
  • Curiosity and desire to be innovative in how information is produced so our audiences are more likely to engage with us.
  • The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

 

You will work with a vibrant team that designs and builds strategies, services and products to reflect the needs and aspirations of our audiences.

 

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

 

Do you want to work in a fast-paced, complex environment to deliver clear, timely, accurate and sometimes sensitive information. Are you an experienced professional who strives to make a positive impact? Join Te Pou Rangatōpū | Corporate in working with Te Pou Ohumahi Mātauranga | Education Workforce as a Principal Advisor – Engagement, focusing on content development and stakeholder engagement.

 

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 Tania.Black@education.govt.nz

 

Applications close Midnight – Tuesday 29 July 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.