Community Development and Engagement Manager

Role Overview

This role offers a unique chance for a skilled leader in community development and engagement to spearhead communication and relationship-building efforts across Auckland Central. The position involves supporting major urban redevelopment and housing initiatives designed to shape vibrant communities for future generations. This full-time permanent job comes with five weeks of annual leave and comprehensive insurance benefits.

Key Responsibilities

As the Community Development and Engagement Manager, you will deliver impactful community development programs and oversee customer and stakeholder engagement strategies linked to Kāinga Ora redevelopment projects. Collaborating closely with project teams, your role ensures that communities remain informed, involved, and supported throughout housing and urban redevelopment processes. You will lead engagement initiatives balancing the needs of residents, communities, and project goals. Building and nurturing strong partnerships with customers, mana whenua, local boards, community groups, elected officials, and service providers is central to your work, fostering social cohesion and positive community outcomes in areas with public housing and ongoing development.

Candidate Profile

• A tertiary degree in communications, community development, social practice, or a related field, or equivalent professional certification or experience.
• At least five years of experience in community engagement, stakeholder management, and development—preferably in the public sector or complex organisations.
• Proven ability to design and implement engagement programs for large-scale projects, urban development, or infrastructure.
• Strong understanding of social cohesion, community dynamics, and managing change in diverse populations.
• Experience managing engagement activities of significant scope at local, regional, or national levels.
• Exceptional skills in stakeholder relationship building and influence across varied audiences.
• Familiarity with working alongside communities undergoing redevelopment or regeneration.
• Demonstrated success in leading initiatives targeting traditionally difficult-to-engage groups.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, negotiation skills, and a strategic, solution-oriented approach.
• Capability to represent the organisation credibly and professionally with external parties.
• Experience handling complex discussions, conflict resolution, and balancing competing interests effectively.
• Possession of a current full, clean New Zealand driver’s license.

Benefits

This role comes with a competitive salary, five weeks of annual leave, flexible working options, a comprehensive insurance benefits package, and access to career development opportunities including training, secondments, and study support. Kāinga Ora values employee wellbeing and supports work-life balance, encouraging ongoing professional growth.

Organisation Background

Kāinga Ora is integral to New Zealand’s housing system, shaping how tenants live now and in the future through quality urban and housing development. The organisation focuses on creating a high-performing team, delivering warm, dry homes with supports, and fostering a workplace culture grounded in Manaakitanga (people-centred care), Mahi Tahi (collaboration), and Whanake (courage to innovate).

Additional Information

This role is based in Auckland Central and requires regular regional travel. Kāinga Ora is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applicants from all backgrounds. Applications close on Wednesday 26 August 2026 at 11:55pm.