As Water Services continues to evolve, keeping our people and community informed, engaged and connected has never been more important. This is a fixed-term opportunity through to 30 June 2027, supporting the transition to the future Water Hawke's Bay. You'll help shape how we communicate with our community, encourage sustainable water use, and build understanding and confidence during a period of significant change.

As the Senior Advisor – Communications, Engagement & Water Conservation, you'll lead the planning and delivery of communications, community engagement, education and behaviour change initiatives across Water Services. Working alongside operational teams, leaders and community partners, you'll turn complex information into clear, practical messaging that informs, educates and inspires action.

Te Āheinga - The Opportunity

In this role, you'll:

• Lead communications and engagement activities across a range of Water Services programmes and initiatives.

• Develop campaigns that encourage sustainable water use and positive behaviour change.

• Deliver community education initiatives, workshops and engagement activities that build understanding of water services.

• Support leaders through organisational change with clear, timely and consistent internal communications.

• Build strong relationships with internal teams, community groups, Mana Whenua, schools and regional partners.

• Create engaging communication resources across digital, print and face-to-face channels.

• Use feedback and insights to continually improve communication, engagement and education outcomes.

He kōrero mōhou - About You

You're an experienced communications or engagement professional who enjoys connecting people with information that matters. You know how to simplify complex topics, build trusted relationships and create communications that are engaging, practical and meaningful.

You'll also bring:

• Significant experience in communications, stakeholder engagement, public relations or community engagement.

• Exceptional written, verbal and presentation skills.

• Experience developing integrated communication and engagement plans.

• The ability to translate technical or complex information into clear, audience-focused messaging.

• Strong relationship-building and project coordination skills.

• A proactive approach, sound judgement and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a changing environment.

Experience within local government, infrastructure, water services or environmental programmes would be an advantage, but isn't essential.

Ngā painga mōhou - What we Offer

• Employee Assistance Program (OCP)

• Quarterly values awards + Birthday vouchers + Social club

• Free flu vaccinations (annual)

• Ka Awatea Cultural Wānanga + NCC Kapa Haka

• Te Reo Māori language classes

This is a fixed term until 30 June 2027, full time role working 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday. You’ll be based in Napier.

The annual salary package for this role is between $107,375 - $120,008 (including KiwiSaver), with the final offer depending on your skills and experience.

We will be interviewing applications as we receive them and may close the role when we have found the right person.

He kōrero mō Te Kaunihera o Ahuriri - About NCC

At Napier City Council, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer that values diversity. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and work to make our hiring process fair and accessible. If you need any support or adjustments during your application or interview, let us know—we’re happy to help!

Our success is grounded in strong partnerships with Mana Whenua and Iwi, supported by our Māori Partnerships team, Te Waka Rangapū, which builds cultural capability through education and training.

Before you join, you’ll need to complete pre-employment checks (including criminal background checks, with some roles requiring health screening and drug & alcohol testing). As an NCC employee, you may also be called on to support Civil Defence emergencies when our community needs us most.

Please visit Napier City Council Careers website to see full job description

Job Description – Senior Advisor-Communications, Engagement & Water Conservation (Fixed)