Principal Advisor, Enterprise Communications

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

. Lead, deliver, and support external and internal communications for key organisational programmes of work .

Posted 11/10/2026full-timeAuckland • New ZealandLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in leading strategic communications and stakeholder engagement within complex organizations, with a focus on developing integrated communication strategies and managing communications risk. Proficient in crafting clear narratives that align with organizational goals and government priorities.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Strategic Communications LeadershipStakeholder EngagementIntegrated Communications StrategiesRisk ManagementWriting And Editing Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Integrated Communications StrategiesStakeholder EngagementRisk ManagementContent DevelopmentWriting SkillsEditing SkillsNarrative DevelopmentComplex Information TranslationCommunications Strategy DeliveryIssue Resolution

Soft Skills

Relationship BuildingTrust BuildingCollaborationProblem SolvingAdaptability

Certifications & Qualifications

Relevant Tertiary Qualification In CommunicationsIAP2 Training

Industry Keywords

Public SectorTe Ao MāoriTikangaTe Reo MāoriTe Tiriti o WaitangiPolitical AccountabilityPublic AccountabilityOrganizational StrategyCommunications Risk ManagementReputation Management

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead, deliver, and support external and internal communications for key organisational programmes of work
Provide strategic advice and hands-on delivery to business groups, programmes, and project teams
Drive best-practice internal and external communications
Work closely with senior leaders, partners, and stakeholders across the organisation
Develop clear, compelling narratives aligned with organisational strategy and wider government priorities
Proactively manage communications risk
Shape understanding and build trust and confidence
Support partnerships with local government
Provide communications leadership and advice across NZTA
Support stakeholder engagement and reputation management

Requirements

What you’ll need

Experience leading strategic communications and engagement for programmes or projects within a large, complex organisation
Proven ability to develop and deliver integrated communications strategies
Experience managing risk, solving complex issues, and working with ambiguity
Excellent writing and editing skills
Ability to translate complex information into clear, compelling messages
Strong experience across internal and external communications, stakeholder engagement, media, and content development
Proven ability to build credibility and trusted relationships with senior leaders, programme owners, and external stakeholders
Experience operating in politically and publicly accountable environments
Knowledge of, or willingness to build capability in, Te Ao Māori, tikanga, Te Reo Māori, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi as applied in the public sector
Relevant tertiary qualification in communications or a related discipline
IAP2 training desirable but not essential
Legal right to live and work in New Zealand

Benefits

Comp & perks

Five weeks annual leave
Life Insurance for permanent employees
Income Protection Insurance for permanent employees
Critical Illness Insurance for permanent employees
Flexible working arrangements agreed between employees, People Leaders, teams, and the organisation
On-the-job experience
Course and professional development opportunities
Coaching opportunities
Secondments to other roles within NZTA
Career development and growth opportunities