• Lead the story.
• Shape the change.
• Make it matter.
  

Fixed term, full time until 30 June 2028

Make a difference. Do work that really matters. And yes, still have some fun along the way.

This is a rare opportunity to sit at the heart of a major transformation - shaping understanding, building trust, and bringing people with us through change. If you love purpose-driven work, thrive in complexity, and get a buzz from shaping how change is understood and experienced, keep reading.

Help shape how a major transformation is understood

Waters services are transforming across Aotearoa, and how we communicate through that change will shape trust, confidence and outcomes for years to come.

In this role, you'll sit at the heart of both the day-to-day Waters business and our Local Waters Done Well Transition Programme. You'll lead communications and engagement that cuts through complexity, supports informed decision-making, and helps people make sense of what's changing - and why.

This is a role for someone who values influence, variety and responsibility, and who knows great communications is as much about listening and relationships as it is about words on a page.

Ko wai mātau | About us

The people at Whakatāne District Council love what we do because we do it for others, and that feels good. We work hard and we know it's important to stop and play too. We're on a learning journey because we know we can always do better, and we know we're better together. Will you come on that journey with us? In return, you'll enjoy a range of staff benefits including flexible working, an extra week's annual leave and free or discounted access to our community facilities. You'll never be more than half an hour away from rivers, lakes, forests, beaches and great walks - most are just on your doorstep. We love this place, and you will too.

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

This is a senior, high-trust role where strategy, storytelling, stakeholder engagement and real community impact come together.

You'll work closely with senior leaders, programme teams and subject matter experts to navigate complexity, manage reputation, and keep people informed and connected through change. Some of the issues will be sensitive, high‑profile and fast‑moving - that's where your calm judgement and communications expertise will really count.

We're looking for someone who can operate confidently at a strategic level, while also delivering when it counts. You'll know how to read the room, ask the right questions, and provide calm, credible advice.

What you'll do

• Lead communications and engagement strategies for the Waters Transition Programme
• Provide trusted strategic advice to senior leaders
• Support community, stakeholder and iwi engagement
• Manage media relations and develop key messaging
• Support internal communications to keep staff informed and engaged
• Translate complex technical information into clear, accessible content
• Support governance reporting and programme risks
• Lead proactive reputation and issues management

Ko wai koe | About you

You're a strategic thinker and a practical doer.

You navigate complexity with confidence, build trust easily, and communicate with clarity and purpose. You're comfortable advising at a senior level and equally comfortable rolling up your sleeves to get things done.

You bring sound judgement, political awareness, and a calm, solutions-focused mindset, along with a genuine interest in connecting communities and making information accessible.

What you'll bring

• Significant experience in senior communications, engagement or advisory roles
• Experience managing complex or high-profile issues
• Strong stakeholder and relationship management capability
• Excellent writing skills and the ability to simplify complex information
• Media relations and reputation management experience
• Confidence across modern digital channels
• Ability to work at pace and manage competing priorities
• Understanding of local government or regulated environments (desirable)
• A relevant tertiary qualification

If you're looking for a role where your work truly matters, and where you can help shape how a major change is understood and experienced, this is it.

Me pēhea te tono mai | How to apply

If you're ready to help lead the conversation, we'd love to hear from you.

Send us your CV and a cover letter outlining what you'd bring to our Waters Transition journey, including your approach to strategic communications and stakeholder engagement.

We're reviewing applications as they come in, so don't delay.

For more information, call 07 306 0500 and ask for Liz Taylor, Manager Communications and Engagement.