Government Relations Adviser

About the Role

Acumen, an independent and locally owned corporate and marketing PR communications agency based in Wellington, seeks a Government Relations Adviser. The role involves leveraging your expertise in government and politics within a commercial advisory environment to support prominent businesses and non-profits on government relations, public policy, and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with corporate and marketing communications colleagues to understand clients and their sectors.
• Provide strategic advice on government engagement, political and policy changes, and stakeholder relationships to clients.
• Interpret political and regulatory developments into clear, actionable guidance.
• Assist clients in developing credible positions and productive engagement strategies with decision-makers.

Candidate Profile

• Experience working in or with Parliament, ministerial offices, public sector, corporate affairs teams, or consultancies related to government relations.
• Deep understanding of political processes and government decision-making.
• Strong political judgment to simplify complex policy, regulatory, and political shifts into practical advice.
• Ability to build constructive, trusted relationships across political divides.
• Interest in the operational and commercial context of both businesses and not-for-profits.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with confidence in advising clients and senior stakeholders.
• Proactive, well-organized, adept at managing multiple clients and priorities simultaneously.
• Energetic, collaborative, open-minded, and proactive use of new tools including AI.

Benefits and Work Environment

• Engage with some of New Zealand's most influential organisations on meaningful, high-impact projects.
• Work on diverse strategic challenges encompassing government relations, reputation management, stakeholder dialogue, media, and public policy.
• Access formal and informal training, mentoring, peer review, and support from experienced colleagues.
• Opportunities for career advancement, leadership development, and growing your consulting and commercial expertise.
• Participate in employee trust ownership and share the rewards of business success.
• Enjoy flexible working hours, summer hours, and a supportive, collaborative office atmosphere.