Senior Communications Lead

About the Role

The Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand is seeking a Senior Communications Lead to join their Communications and External Relations team on a fixed-term, one-year contract basis. This role is pivotal in leading all communications and engagement efforts for the Business Transformation Programme, one of the organisation’s most high-profile projects. Working closely with the Executive Leadership Team, Executive Sponsor, Programme Manager, and transformation teams, the successful candidate will craft and deliver clear, impactful communications to foster understanding, involvement, and support for change. The role also involves shaping and sharing the programme narrative internally and externally with aviation industry members, media outlets, and government stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct the creation and execution of the communications and stakeholder engagement strategy for the Business Transformation Programme.
• Develop compelling narratives, communication materials, and engagement opportunities tailored to diverse audiences.
• Translate complex project details and change implications into clear, accessible, and actionable messages.
• Offer strategic communications and stakeholder engagement advice to the programme team and senior leadership.
• Perform stakeholder analyses to design targeted engagement approaches supporting programme goals.
• Enhance and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to keep them well-informed and involved as needed.
• Identify and manage potential communication, engagement, and reputational risks and opportunities.
• Advise on media relations and oversee communication responses related to programme activities.
• Provide mentorship and support to fellow communications team members as the programme progresses.

About the Business Transformation Programme

This initiative represents a significant and strategic transformation set to redefine both the organisation and the aviation sector. Supported strongly at the executive level with a mandate for substantial change, it offers the opportunity to work beyond routine improvements and contribute meaningfully to long-term impact. The role involves some risk as the programme is at its formative stage and approval processes are underway, making it an exciting opportunity for candidates motivated by complex change projects.

Candidate Profile and Requirements

• Extensive experience in planning and implementing communications and stakeholder engagement strategies for large, complex, high-profile change programmes, including digital or organisational transformations.
• A comprehensive understanding of change management principles, stakeholder engagement techniques, media relations, and issues management.
• Proven ability to build and sustain effective relationships with senior leaders, government officials, industry partners, external stakeholders, and internal teams.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication capabilities, with a commitment to using plain English to convey complex or technical information in an engaging manner for varied audiences.
• Strong influence, facilitation, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the capacity to recognize and handle communication and reputational risks.
• Familiarity with public sector environments and decision-making processes.
• A tertiary qualification in communications, political science, or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience in the aviation sector is advantageous but not compulsory.

About the Employer

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is New Zealand’s regulator responsible for aviation safety and security. The agency plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and security of the public during air travel, supporting the aviation industry, and enhancing New Zealand’s international standing. The organisation’s core values include Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Transparency, and Collaboration. It is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion, creating a workplace where all employees feel safe, respected, and empowered.

Benefits and Perks

• KiwiSaver contributions matched up to 4%
• Vision care assistance
• Access to flu vaccinations
• Employee Assistance Programme for wellbeing support