Principal Strategic Advisor

Fixed Term (until 1 December 2028) | Full time

Upper Hutt City Council is looking for a Principal Strategic Advisor to work in support of the Mayoral and Chief Executive’s offices.

This is a new bridging role spanning both the political and organisational environments to help align local priorities, our organisational strategy and regional/national reform contexts and issues.

Working alongside the Chief Advisor and wider Executive team, you will maintain strong connections, and situational awareness to ensure both proactive and reactive issue management and real-time flow of information.

You will be leading or supporting varied workstreams and projects, providing advice, alignment and senior-level coordination across Council and in support of the Mayor.

To do so, you’ll be able to effectively blend and apply your strategic thinking, political awareness and operational understanding. The Principal Strategic Advisor plays a key part in horizon scanning, interpreting strategic issues and reforms – both established and emerging – and coordinating strategic work programmes.

To be successful in this role we are looking for:

• At least 5 years’ experience in a relevant role or ready to move into a Principal role
• Proven ability to build and maintain trusted relationships across political and executive environments.
• Ability to think strategically and tactically, working both proactively and with ability able to respond to fast-moving issues.
• Political awareness and skill in dealing with sensitive issues and strategic risks, with demonstrated maturity, discretion and sound judgement.
• Experience leading or supporting cross-functional workstreams or major projects.
• In-depth understanding of the local government context, decision-making and statutory environment in which it operates.
• Agility, excellent time management and multi-tasking skills.
• A flexible 'hands on' approach to undertake a wide range of work that may be required in support of the Mayoral and Chief Executive’s offices strategic work programmes.
• Demonstrated experience in advising on or contributing to strategic communications, media and public relations.

This role will appeal to highly motivated candidates with a drive for success and appetite for a diverse portfolio, with exceptional strategic thinking, coordination and collaboration skills.

This is a unique opportunity to join Upper Hutt City Council in a new role that contributes at a strategic level to advance great outcomes for our community. Working with the Upper Hutt City Council is a rewarding way to support the community, work with a great team, and develop your career. We do more than just pay you a salary, we have a range of great benefits to support you.

With 50% of the Wellington regions green space, boutique shopping, award winning Brewtown and quirky cafes all within walking distance, train station close by and free parking, Upper Hutt is a great choice for your next career move.

If you would like to be considered for this role then please apply online: www.upperhutt.govt.nz/Council/Work-with-us/Current-vacancies. 

All applications must include a cover letter, CV and a completed online Upper Hutt City Council application form.

Applications close 4pm, Wednesday 14 January 2025.  From early January, we will be evaluating applications as they are received and may contact shortlisted candidates before the closing date.

We reserve the right to interview and select candidates prior to the closing date.

PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU MUST HAVE THE RIGHT TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS ROLE.