Manager - Communications & Engagement

2 weeks ago

Rotorua, New Zealand LGJobs Full time

**_ Nei ngā ringa e toro atu nei ki a koe Haeremai Our arms are extended to you in welcome_**

**About the role**

Lead engagement and communications for the Council
- creating clear strategies, building strong community and stakeholder relationships, and ensuring everyone stays informed and involved. You'll drive inclusive engagement, digital innovation, crisis response, and continuous improvement - all while guiding a high-performing team. A key focus will be upholding the principles of Rotorua Reorua and our commitment to Te reo Māori, ensuring bilingual and bicultural values are embedded in how we connect with Rotorua.

**Key areas of focus**:

- ** Community engagement**:Develop and implement strategic engagement plans across Council projects, ensuring meaningful community participation and input that acknowledge our rich historical landscape and mana whenua relationships
- ** Relationship Management an Advocacy**:Build and nurture effective partnerships with Mana Whenua, elected members, stakeholders, and advance Council priorities at regional and national levels
- ** Strategy and Planning**:Lead the creation and execution of client-focused engagement and communication strategies aligned with organisational goals
- ** Records and Reporting**:Produce accurate, timely reports and maintain reliable records to inform elected members, management, and improve transparency
- ** Communications**:Drive consistent, clear messaging across all communication channels, while managing crisis communications and reputation effectively. Support the visibility and use of Te Reo Māori in our uniquely bilingual city
- ** Leadership**:Inspire and lead diverse teams, foster a culture of high performance, and champion organisational change toward client-centered service
- ** Project Management**:Manage projects and initiatives as assigned, ensuring alignment with Council objectives and efficient resource utilisation

**What we're looking for**

We seek someone with a relevant tertiary qualification such as communications, business, or public relations, along with at least 8 years of leadership experience in communications or engagement. We expect you to have strong experience leading the communication approach with Whanau, hapu and Iwi, have a good understanding of local government processes, and excel in communication, decision-making, and building relationships.

**What's in it for you?**

You'll play a leading role in shaping how the Council connects with and serves the community. This is an opportunity to innovate and drive real, positive change for Rotorua, working in a supportive, forward-thinking environment that values professional growth. Your influence will help set Council priorities and your contributions will earn high-level recognition for having a strategic, visible impact.

**This vacancy closes on Sunday, 17 August 2025.**

Please click here to view position description

Te Kaunihera o nga Roto o Rotorua (Rotorua Lakes Council) is committed to working in partnership with Te Arawa, our local iwi. We aspire to being a bicultural organisation and we value staff who speak te reo Māori, have an appreciation of Māori values, and a working knowledge of tikanga Māori.

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