Head of Strategic Communications

At Auckland Transport, we are passionate about putting our customers at the heart of everything we do in our vision to deliver "easy journeys" with safe, innovative and sustainable transport options for a vibrant, growing city. We are looking for a dynamic Head of Strategic Communications to join us on a fixed term contract for 4 months (with a potential for extension), who will be an inspirational leader focusing on leading with empathy to create a safe space that aligns and cultivates a culture that celebrates and empowers growth. **Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity** The role of AT has matured beyond a delivery agency for transportation. Expectations of AT in the broader stakeholder environment have changed considerably due in part to the level and pace of development, infrastructure and housing growth. The need to work with new partners, the demand and expectations for day to day engagement has increased dramatically as customers and stakeholders seek greater involvement in decisions and understanding of the impact of transport changes. The Head of Strategic Communications, as a Senior Leader is responsible for the overall (external) communications and media strategy and developing policy, frameworks and tools across the business to AT ensure stakeholders and partners are effectively communicated with. A typical day might include: - Guide and support the Heads of Local Community Engagement on their communication needs - Reviewing external CEO and Board Communications - Working with the C&T Learning Experience Team to ensure appropriate upskilling of communications specialists in the Community Hubs and other roles across AT that engage in external communications activities eg Project Managers - Anticipate reputational risk issues and develop and implement appropriate communications actions - Coordinate with other CCO's and key partners (eg Waka Kotahi) relevant communication activity - Managing communications activity relating to crisis management Key to success in this role will be your ability to work well under pressure, to be resilient to the challenge and empowering your people to do. The work is challenging, varied and meaningful, and you'll be supported by a great team who are constantly learning and sharing ideas and methods. You will be engaging with key stakeholders to build momentum and gain buy in. No two days will ever be the same **Ko koe tēnei | About you** As a superior communicator and effective leader, you have a growth mindset - stakeholders and peers alike respect you - and listen to you. A collaborator through and through, you are dedicated to continually improve processes and add value to achieve high quality outcomes efficiently. You will be bold, ambitious and looking for innovative ways to deliver. You will often correspond on behalf of AT, so you must be able to assess situations appropriately and communicate using a balance of facts and intuition. Your ability to use stakeholder feedback, trends and data to develop insights and driving future communications strategies is key. Role specific experience: - Significant experience developing and delivering corporate communications strategies - Experience managing and negotiating with a range of (senior) internal and external stakeholders and working with technical teams across different work streams and disciplines. - Ability to respond to change rapidly in time-critical situations - A proven track record leading a high performing team, 'inspiring and developing' the people you manage - Proven experience in crisis management - Significant media management experience - Proven ability to influence for positive organisational outcomes. - Ability to make often complex language accessible and understandable to a broad range of people - Understanding of the political environment - Is aware of requirements of Treaty of Waitangi and applies as required **Ko wai mātou | About us** In addition, we also offer: - A chance to work on diverse projects - Investment in your professional development and training - Opportunity for greater leadership and accountability - Paid parental and partner leave - Study assistance - Health and Wellbeing benefits - Professional memberships - Flexible working **Check out the benefits of working at AT