Principal Advisor, Strategic Communications and Engagement

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

• Principal Advisor Strategic Communications & Engagement.
• 12 months fixed term, fulltime.
• Wellington based.

We are setting up a new Ministry Teaching Standards team in Te Pou Ohumahi Mātauranga to prepare for new responsibilities for setting teacher standards, criteria and the Code of Conduct. These responsibilities are proposed in legislation currently before Parliament, so our focus is on building the foundations the Ministry would need to take on these functions subject to the law passing.

As a Principal Advisor, Strategic Communications & Engagement, you will lead the communication and engagement approach for this new function. You will shape strategic communication planning across consultation, implementation and stewardship phases, ensuring clear, consistent messaging aligned with Ministry priorities and the Teaching Council.

You will develop high quality content and engagement materials across all Ministry channels, ensuring information is accurate, accessible and audience centred. You will support sector wide engagement, reflecting the voices of teachers, leaders, unions, ITE providers and other stakeholders in how we design and deliver communication.

You will work closely with the Operational Communications and Engagement team to deliver a joined-up strategy, build capability in content governance and channel planning, and provide trusted advice that supports effective engagement and protects the Ministry’s reputation. You will also maintain a coherent narrative across Teaching Standards materials, ensuring our public facing content is up to date, engaging and easy to navigate.

Using insights from research, analytics and implementation activity, you will refine our channels and engagement approaches to support continuous improvement. You will also lead and contribute to cross agency and cross sector forums to help progress key pieces of mahi and ensure communication and engagement activities support broader Teaching Standards planning across Education Workforce functions.

Salary range: $119,171 - $144,560 per annum plus KiwiSaver. 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

To be successful in this role, you will bring deep experience in strategic communications and engagement leadership within complex organisations, and the ability to translate that expertise into clear, system‑level advice that supports national programmes of work.

You will be confident operating in ambiguity, shaping direction, and ensuring communication and engagement approaches are aligned, audience‑centred and strategically coherent across multiple channels and stakeholders.

You will also offer:

• strategic thinking - seeing the big picture, anticipating risks, understanding system‑level impacts, and aligning communication and engagement approaches to support national direction for the Teaching Standards.
• high‑quality content development - producing clear, accurate and accessible content across media statements, web and intranet channels, social media, stakeholder materials and proactive media opportunities.
• system‑wide engagement capability - leading joined‑up engagement approaches across the Ministry, ensuring alignment with the Teaching Council and supporting sector‑wide engagement that builds trust and clarity
• exceptional communication skills - demonstrating excellent interpersonal and written communication, with the ability to operate under pressure, manage multiple deadlines, and produce clear, accurate and influential content across diverse audiences and channels.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

You’ll join a collaborative, purpose‑driven team at the centre of strategic communications and system‑level engagement for the Teaching Standards. We work in a supportive, thoughtful environment that values clarity, evidence‑informed advice and strong relationships across the Ministry, the Teaching Council and the wider sector. You’ll help shape national messaging, influence high‑impact decisions and contribute to cross‑agency mahi that strengthens trust and understanding across Aotearoa’s education workforce.

Our culture is flexible, people‑centred and grounded in shared purpose, where your judgement, creativity and leadership are genuinely valued and where you can continue to grow.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

Te Pou Ohumahi | Education Workforce is working to enable a strong culturally competent education workforce that drives a world leading learner-focussed education system.

In Workforce Experience and Delivery, we work as a multi- disciplinary team to provide the workforce with the services and support they need to thrive, enabling a focus on student success..

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 Priti Patel, Programme Manager at Priti.Patel@education.govt.nz  .

Applications close:  Midnight, Sunday, 21st June 2026.

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.