Senior Advisor, Communications (Change and Engagement)

Role overview

This permanent full-time position is based in Wellington CBD and sits within Te Au Reka, a major programme aimed at making justice services in Aotearoa New Zealand easier to access and use. The initiative is replacing manual, paper-heavy workflows with a modern digital case management platform to improve service delivery across courts and tribunals.

The programme is system-wide, delivered with the judiciary and across the wider justice sector. Success depends on clear, consistent communication that helps people understand the change, prepare for it, and adopt new ways of working.

What you will do

As Senior Advisor, Communications, you will take ownership of change communications for the programme, from planning through to delivery. The role focuses on creating audience-focused messages and practical communication assets that explain what is changing, why it matters, and what actions people need to take.

You will work closely with programme teams and senior leaders to turn complex technical and programme information into straightforward, persuasive communication. The work is hands-on and involves developing plans, shaping messages, creating materials, and delivering communications across multiple channels.

Key responsibilities

• Design and deliver end-to-end change communication plans that align with programme milestones and release activity.
• Build and maintain messaging frameworks that support awareness, readiness, and adoption.
• Make sure communication is timely, audience-specific, and matched to the impact of change on different groups.
• Turn technical and programme content into clear, concise, audience-friendly messaging.
• Develop core narratives, key messages, and storytelling approaches for change initiatives.
• Work with external stakeholders and peak bodies, such as the New Zealand Law Society, to place articles and content through their channels and networks.
• Create communication products such as staff updates, announcements, leader briefings, FAQs, intranet content, guidance documents, change artefacts, and engagement collateral.
• Partner with workstream leads and programme teams to shape and deliver effective communication and engagement activity.
• Provide trusted advice on how to communicate change clearly and confidently.
• Equip leaders with talking points, presentations, and communication tools.
• Develop communications that increase awareness, encourage engagement, and support behaviour change.
• Align communications with wider engagement and change initiatives to improve overall impact.
• Review feedback and refine messaging to strengthen effectiveness and reach.
• Maintain a consistent voice, tone, visual identity, and narrative across all Te Au Reka communications.
• Ensure every piece of content meets high standards for clarity, accuracy, and accessibility.
• Help improve communication methods, products, and approaches over time.

Skills and experience needed

You should bring at least five years of experience in senior communications roles, preferably in large transformation or change programmes. The role requires strong message development, excellent writing, and the ability to create a broad range of communication materials.

You will also need strong stakeholder management skills, the confidence to influence senior leaders, and the ability to plan and deliver effectively in a fast-moving environment. Strong judgement and close attention to detail are essential.

Nice-to-have experience

It would be an advantage to have worked on digital or business transformation programmes, in complex public sector or government settings, or within the justice sector.

Salary

The pay range for this role is between NZ$99,208 and NZ$135,539. The final offer will depend on your experience and capabilities.

Application notes

You will need to submit an online application with your CV and cover letter. A detailed position description is available as part of the application process.

Applications close on Sunday 5 July, although applications may be reviewed and shortlisted before the closing date.

If you have questions, contact recruitment@justice.govt.nz and include “MOJ XXX” in the subject line.

Additional information

This is a permanent, full-time role based in Wellington CBD. The salary is paid annually and the role is open within the justice programme environment supporting Te Au Reka.