Event Specialist

Te Kaunihera aa Takiwaa o Waikato (Waikato District Council) serves the Waikato District which covers more than 400,000 hectares and borders Hamilton City from the north, east and west. Key towns include Raglan, Huntly, Ngaaruawaahia, Tuakau and Te Kauwhata. Smaller settlements include Gordonton, Matangi, Tamahere, Meremere, Port Waikato and Pookeno.

Our Head office is in Ngaaruawaahia, a great location with Waikato River walks and the chance to hit the Hakarimatas on your lunch break. We're close to Auckland and Hamilton, with free parking and an onsite cafeteria. We are focused on work-life balance and offer truly flexible working, in the way you work and where.

At Te Kaunihera aa Takiwaa o Waikato you will find a welcoming and inclusive workplace that supports, challenges and encourages you to stay continually ahead of the game.

**About this role**:
Our Communication Team has undergone some exciting changes. Our newly created Trust and Confidence Strategy creates visibility and responsiveness - making meaningful connections between who we are and what we deliver, and what our communities want us to understand and do.

One of the key roles in our new team is the Event Specialist, reporting to our Executive Manager Communication. The Event Specialist will deliver oversight, planning, co-ordination and execution of successful events and engagements for Waikato District Council and requires strategic, tactical and relationship skills in equal measure.

The role requires the ability to balance the needs of many different groups and people. It will be varied and fast-paced - requiring adaptability, joined-up thinking and common sense.

**What I do**:

- Create a centre of excellence for community, corporate and civic events - including supporting the delivery of major events for our Council
- Establish and maintain strong relationships - including maximising opportunities to work in partnership for the good of our communities
- Provide leadership to our Events Coordinator and work closely with the rest of the Communication Team
- Develop a Waikato District Council events and engagement toolkit
- Build capability across teams to enable them to deliver successful events and engagements
- Ensure events and engagements are timely, and appropriately targeted for our various communities
- Remain current on industry trends and best practice in event planning and engagement, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation

**What I bring**:

- You're a communications, engagement or event planning leader, with experience in leading events
- You are a natural coach, who can mentor and support others to deliver on ambitious outcomes
- You are comfortable in an environment that embraces Te Ao Maaori and have knowledge, or a willingness to gain an appreciation, of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Te Ture Whaimana
- Your positive attitude and optimism are matched by your strong work ethic and drive to succeed
- You are values driven and want a career with purpose

**Why join our team?**

The team is motivated - they're ready to do things differently. They are committed to improving communication and engagement with our communities.

We have a collaborative culture and we offer generous leave provisions, including birthday leave and work life days, free flu shots, free parking and an active social club.

We value people bringing a diverse set of skills and experience to the team, so if you are seeking a change, variety, opportunities for professional development, and have an interest in local government, this could be the role for you

**Application close date: Sunday, 29th of September 2024 at 11:55pm.