Senior Communications Advisor - Cambridge Connections

Lead meaningful communications on one of Waipā's most visible and transformative projects.

Are you a skilled and strategic communicator with a knack for simplifying the complex? Do you enjoy working at pace, with purpose, and as part of a high-performing team? We're looking for an experienced Senior Communications Advisor to take the lead on the communications and engagement for Cambridge Connections - one of the district's largest and most impactful projects.

About the role

Reporting to our Communications Team Lead and working closely with the Executive Director of the project, this fixed-term role (through to December 2026) will play a pivotal part in supporting the delivery of Cambridge Connections through clear, timely, and strategic communications and engagement.

You'll be responsible for:

• Leading all communications and engagement activity for the project
• Developing and delivering strategic communication plans
• Ensuring key messages are consistent, accurate, and aligned to project milestones
• Building relationships and trust with stakeholders including the community, elected members, partners, and internal teams
• Proactively managing reputational risk through smart, considered messaging

This role is fully embedded in the Communications Team, with a dedicated focus on Cambridge Connections. You may occasionally support broader Council comms if capacity allows, but your primary focus will remain on the project.

What you'll bring

We're looking for someone who is:

• A confident communicator with excellent writing and storytelling skills
• Skilled in managing stakeholder relationships in complex environments
• Strategic and calm under pressure, with strong judgement
• Experienced in delivering integrated communications and engagement plans
• Collaborative, adaptable, and great at building rapport across diverse audiences

You'll also need:

• Significant experience in a communications role, ideally with a public sector or project-based focus
• A sound understanding of best practice communication and engagement principles
• The ability to translate technical content into compelling public messaging
• Experience working on high-profile or sensitive projects is a bonus

Why Waipā?

Waipā District Council is proud to support a community that's growing and thriving. You'll be joining a future-focused organisation that values connection, impact, and professionalism. This is your chance to influence one of the district's most high-profile projects - and leave a legacy.

Applications close: Sunday, 13 July 2025 at 10:00pm.

For more information or a confidential chat, contact David Dugmore - HR Business Partner at david.dugmore@waipadc.govt.nz

To apply for this job, please go online to www.joinourteam.co.nz and enter the job code: 36503LGC