Job Description

Principal Advisor Communications

• A communications practice leadership role with enterprise-wide impact
• Lead strategic, high-profile and politically nuanced communications across TEC and the tertiary education system
• Coach others, lift communications best-practice, and help shape how TEC connects with learners, communities, employers and the sector

This is a rare opportunity to bring your strategic communications judgement, political nous and practice leadership to work that shapes the tertiary education and careers system in Aotearoa New Zealand. As Principal Advisor Communications, you will provide trusted enterprise-level advice, lead high-profile communications work, support senior leaders, and help lift communications quality and consistency across TEC.

The Tertiary Education Commission Te Amorangi Mātauranga Matua, is a small Crown agency with a big role: to shape a dynamic system that delivers lifelong learning and equips learners, communities and employers for success. We lead the Government's relationship with the tertiary education sector in Aotearoa New Zealand and provide careers services from education to employment.

We are looking for an experienced Principal Advisor Communications to join our Engagement team. This is a senior, hands-on advisory and delivery leadership role, reporting to the Tier 3 Manager, Engagement.  

You will work closely with senior leaders, colleagues across TEC, cross-agency communications teams, the Minister's Office, media and sector stakeholders to support Government and TEC priorities. You will bring strong judgement, political nous and a risk lens to work that matters for the tertiary education and careers systems.

What will you be doing?

• Provide pragmatic, strategic communications advice to colleagues, senior leaders, cross-agency communications teams and the Minister's Office.
• Lead key communications portfolios and projects end to end, delivering on Government and TEC priorities.
• Connect communications activity across programmes, directorates and channels to identify duplication, gaps, dependencies and reputational risks.
• Lead communications responses for complex or high-profile issues using a no-surprises approach with Minister's Office and media.
• Build strong relationships across TEC, with education agencies, TEO communications teams and other external stakeholders.
• You will bring, or be committed to developing, the cultural capability needed to support TEC's responsibilities under Te Tiriti o Waitangi and communicate in ways that support better outcomes for Māori learners and whānau.
• Provide mentoring, expert guidance and support to other communications team members, lifting quality and consistency across TEC.

What can you bring?

• Significant communications experience in a complex organisation, ideally within the public sector or another politically nuanced environment.
• Strong judgement, political and organisational savvy, and experience providing advice on sensitive, high-profile or reputationally significant issues.
• Proven ability to lead significant work programmes or projects, manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality work under pressure.
• Experience working across organisations and with multiple stakeholders to develop integrated communications strategies and plans.
• Experience with machinery of government processes, ministerial servicing, media management and contemporary communications practice.
• Advanced relationship management, influencing and coaching skills, with a genuine interest in developing others.
• Comfort working with ambiguity, using influence rather than authority, and translating complex issues into clear, plain English communications.

What will you get in return?

• Three additional (TEC Days) leave days
• A range of benefits including flexible working options, access to gym membership, a wellness programme and the ability to purchase extra leave.
• A motivated and supportive manager, keen to make the most of your skill set
• Reduced premiums through our Health Insurance Group Scheme
• A focus on Career development and internal opportunities
  
  

The salary range for this position starts at $128,284 up to $160,923 + 3% KiwiSaver and is negotiable depending on demonstrable skills and experience. 

Does this sound like you? Apply now with your CV and cover letter.

Applications close on Monday 27 July at 11:59pm. For more information, or any questions, please contact hr@tec.govt.nz.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand. Appointment to a position at the Tertiary Education Commission will require pre-employment checks, including criminal conviction history and reference checking as a minimum.

The TEC is an equal opportunity employer and committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. Your unique talents and experience will help us deliver exceptional services to New Zealand. We look forward to your application.