External Communications Manager

Platinum Recruitment is proud to partner with the Dunedin City Council (DCC) bringing to market the role of External Communications Team Manager based in Ōtepoti /Dunedin.

About the organisation:
Dunedin is a city with a strong sense of identity, creativity, and community. The Dunedin City Council supports a vibrant region stretching from Waikouaiti to the Taieri and inland to Hyde, delivering the services, infrastructure, and experiences that help our communities thrive.

Dunedin City Council is seeking a senior communications professional to drive how we connect with our community, media, and stakeholders.
This is a key role where you’ll use your skills and experience to influence at a senior level, deliver strategy, and help shape the reputation of one of New Zealand’s most vibrant and progressive small cities.
 
The role
You’ll lead a team of 5 passionate communications specialists while working closely with the Head of Communications and Engagement to deliver strategic, high-quality communications across the organisation.

From overseeing media management to rolling out major projects and community engagement, you’ll ensure messaging is clear, trusted, and impactful—particularly when navigating complex or high-profile issues.

Key responsibilities of the role include;

• Lead, coach and develop a high-performing communications team
• Drive and deliver strategic communications and engagement planning
• Provide trusted advice to senior leaders and elected members
• Deliver clear, compelling communications across a wide range of audiences
• Support strong engagement with stakeholders, community groups, and mana whenua 

About the ideal candidate:
We are ideally seeking a motivated communications professional. You will bring a strong background in media, public relations, corporate communications or a similar field.

Your demonstrated ability to simplify complex issues and influence senior stakeholders will be backed by astute political awareness and sound decision making. Excellent writing, communication and relationship building skills are key to success in this role.

We are definitely open to someone taking their first step into a leadership / management role, and the right candidate will be well supported by a highly experienced leader.
 
Why join the Dunedin City Council?

• Leadership role with real influence and visibility
• Meaningful work that impacts the Dunedin community
• Supportive, collaborative and values-driven culture
• Opportunity to deliver strategy and build team capability, while maintaining a hands-on approach

Why Dunedin?
This southern city offers a diverse lifestyle, with everything from the outdoor adventurer to the arts lover. Proud to be a UNESCO City of Literature, Ōtepoti offers a creative hub for those with an interest in research and learning and celebrates writers and literature – a natural alignment for a communications professional.

Apply now
If you’re ready to take the next step in your communications career and make a genuine impact to your community we’d love to hear from you. Please feel free to contact Andrew from Platinum Recruitment on 0277528465 for a confidential discussion or to review a full position description.

If you are already keen, then Please APPLY NOW
We are not working to a formal closing date & will action applications as they are received.

Platinum Recruitment is proud to be a member of Te Uru Tāngata Centre for Workplace Inclusion and believes in equal opportunities for all. We actively promote diversity and inclusion in all our recruitment processes.