Senior Engagement Advisor

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 is a permanent, full-time communications and engagement opportunity for a Wellington-based Senior Engagement Advisor within the Ministry of Education’s School Property group.

You will provide external and internal engagement support with specific account management / portfolio responsibilities.

Engagement support may include developing communication plans, media statements, website and intranet content, leadership communications, reputation management, social media and proactive media content, reviewing other stakeholder engagement materials and developing practice and processes. The role also requires you to work with schools throughout project delivery.

Salary range: $100,296 - $121,490 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

We are looking for an experienced Senior Engagement Advisor with significant corporate communications experience in providing internal and external engagement advice and implementation support.  You will be an expert at managing stakeholder risks, issues and opportunities, with excellent communication skills and experience to ensure risks are mitigated and good news opportunities are utilised.

You will also offer:

• Exceptional writing skills, driven to produce work of a high standard, and with energy to deliver high volumes of work for extended periods of time.
• Proven experience in working across a broad range of engagement activities and channels.
• The ability to provide best practice engagement advice and support using a variety of methods and approaches to support delivery.
• Strong interpersonal skills will help you partner with the business, ensuring early engagement and the ability to provide proactive engagement support.
• The ability to deal effectively with pressure and multiple deadlines through good time management and prioritisation.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

If you’d like to bring your skills to a challenging but rewarding role within an organisation that’s continuously reaching goals and striving for a better future for New Zealand, we’d love to hear from you.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

The School Property group plans, builds, and manages school properties to ensure they are safe, warm and dry. The Service Delivery Engagement team works collaboratively, reacts positively to challenges and prides itself on timely, transparent and clear communications to all its stakeholders.

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 Saskia van Ryn, Team Leader at Saskia.vanryn@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight – Friday, 08 May 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.