Communication and Engagement Advisor

About Hamilton City Council

Hamilton City Council is a large local government organisation focused on improving life for people in Hamilton. The council operates across more than 1,400 staff members, 28 business units, and 20 sites, and its communication and engagement team helps connect residents with the organisation and its decisions.

In this role, you will contribute to shaping how Hamilton’s community and visitor experience is communicated, while working with teams across council to keep the public informed, involved, and engaged. The position offers the chance to make a visible impact on the city, support meaningful community outcomes, and build your career in a fast-moving environment.

The opportunity

Hamilton City Council is seeking an experienced Communication and Engagement Advisor to join its team on a 12-month fixed-term basis. Reporting to the Communication and Engagement Manager, you will provide day-to-day communication support and strategic advice across a broad and high-profile portfolio.

Your portfolio will include parks and playgrounds, City Safe, regulatory and compliance work, animal education and control, pools and libraries, and wider visitor experience initiatives. The role involves helping residents and visitors understand the services, spaces, and experiences that shape Hamilton, while also supporting change, gathering community insight, and managing reputation.

What you will do

• Develop and deliver creative communication and engagement activity.
• Put communication plans and strategies into action.
• Identify, assess, and respond to reputational risks and opportunities before they escalate.
• Handle media enquiries promptly and ensure responses are clear and consistent.
• Partner with teams across council to support and protect the organisation’s reputation.
• Lead community engagement work using sound, contemporary practice.
• Build and sustain strong, trusted relationships with internal teams and external stakeholders.

Your background and approach

The council is looking for a skilled communicator who enjoys working with communities and thrives in a busy, high-pressure environment. You should be comfortable managing several priorities at once, meeting deadlines, shifting between tasks quickly, and producing thoughtful, creative communication that reflects a diverse audience.

You will need to translate complex technical information into content that is easy to understand and engaging for a wide range of people. Confidence with digital tools and the ability to quickly learn new systems will be important, as will a genuine interest in getting out into the community and connecting with Hamiltonians.

This is a collaborative, ambitious team that values fresh thinking and a willingness to help shape how council works.

Requirements

• At least 3 years of experience in a communication and engagement adviser position.
• Strong interpersonal and written/verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to work effectively with varied internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience leading communication and engagement for major, high-risk projects or programmes.
• A relevant tertiary qualification.
• Local government experience is preferred, but not mandatory.

Additional information

Salary is dependent on skills and experience.

This position is a 12-month fixed-term role.

Applications close on 16 July 2026.

The organisation will shortlist candidates as applications are received.

All applicants will be informed of the outcome by email.

Shortlisted candidates must be prepared to complete interviews, reference checks, and a criminal check. Additional background checks may also be required where relevant to the role.

If you need support or adjustments during interviews or assessments, you should let the organisation know in advance so appropriate arrangements can be made.

The council is committed to inclusiveness and creating a welcoming workplace where people feel valued and respected for their different perspectives, experiences, and talents.

If an agency is required, the council will use only selected panel agencies and will not accept responsibility for or pay any fees, commissions, or other payments resulting from unsolicited agency contact.

If you want to include a cover letter, it should be combined with your CV in a single PDF file, or you may use the message box provided to the hiring team.

You can also view the position description as part of the application process.

Selection and application notes

Applications are to be submitted through the council’s application process. Candidates should complete the application in full and follow the instructions provided for documents and messaging.