Manager | Internal Communications | Wellington
Mid-level Communications role at Ministry of Social Development. Wellington · NZ$142,874–NZ$177,798 base.
Growth Roles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Set the direction for internal communications, leadership messaging and operational knowledge
- Lead a team that gives Service Delivery staff clear information for change and daily delivery
- Coordinate communication plans with leaders, programme leads, business partners and communications colleagues
- Improve channels, content standards and working practices across communications and knowledge services
What you bring
- You have substantial leadership experience in internal communications within complex, operational organisations
- You understand frontline staff needs and can use insight, feedback and analytics to improve communication outcomes
- You have led people, strengthened capability and maintained delivery through change
- You bring experience in planning, operations, projects, finances and performance tracking
- You understand public-sector settings and can use Microsoft 365, SharePoint and Teams for communications and knowledge work
Who this fits
This role suits an experienced internal communications leader who can connect staff messaging and operational knowledge with Service Delivery priorities. You’ll work from the National Office in Wellington in a permanent, office-based role and lead a team. The work also calls for a commitment to Te Pae Tawhiti, Te Pae Tata, Pacific Prosperity and a Te Ao Māori perspective.
From the employer
- Permanent role at National Office in Wellington
- Our team is office based to best support our stakeholders and clients
- Lead internal communications and knowledge services for Service Delivery
- Provide strategic and operational leadership across internal communications, leadership communications and operational knowledge
About the role | Mō te tūnga
Service Delivery Communications supports the day-to-day delivery of MSD services to New Zealanders through clear, timely and practical communications and knowledge services.
The Internal Communications team provides Service Delivery staff with the information and operational knowledge they need to understand priorities, respond to change and deliver services confidently. The team also supports staff engagement and helps build a connected culture.
The Manager Internal Communications leads the internal communications and knowledge content functions. The role is responsible for ensuring communications and operational information are clear, timely, practical and aligned with Service Delivery priorities.
In this role, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across internal communications channels, leadership communications and operational knowledge. You will work closely with leaders, programme leads, business partners and communications colleagues to plan and coordinate communications that support organisational alignment, operational readiness, engagement and change.
You will lead a team that connects communications activity with operational outcomes and helps Service Delivery teams effectively support New Zealanders. You will also strengthen systems, standards and ways of working across internal communications and knowledge content.
As a member of the Service Delivery Communications leadership team, you will help set the direction for the wider communications function and work with leaders and stakeholders across Service Delivery and the wider organisation to ensure communications are coordinated, audience-focused and effective.
What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga
- Extensive experience in internal communications leadership, including setting direction and delivering channels and knowledge in complex, operationally focused organisations.
- Demonstrated understanding of frontline audience needs and experience developing communication approaches that support operational delivery.
- Experience using analytics, feedback and audience insight to shape strategy, improve communications and support better outcomes.
- Proven people leadership experience, including building capability, supporting high performance and creating alignment across teams or functions.
- Sound experience in strategic planning, operational management, project management, financial management and performance monitoring.
- The ability to lead teams through change while maintaining delivery quality and momentum.
- A good understanding of the public sector environment, government processes and the context Service Delivery operates in.
- Experience using Microsoft 365 platforms, including SharePoint and Teams, to design, deliver and continuously improve internal communications and knowledge management practices.
- A relevant tertiary qualification in communications, marketing, public relations or a related discipline is desirable, or equivalent experience.
- A commitment to integrating Te Pae Tawhiti, Te Pae Tata and Pacific Prosperity strategies into work programmes, and championing a Te Ao Māori perspective in BAU work.
What’s in it for you | Nōu te rourou
This is an opportunity to lead a critical internal communications and knowledge function that supports the delivery of services to New Zealanders.
You will work with senior leaders, programme leads, business partners and communications colleagues to strengthen clear, accessible and audience-focused communications across Service Delivery.
You will lead a capable team, support continuous improvement across Service Delivery Communications and help shape communications and knowledge services that make a practical difference for kaimahi, clients, stakeholders and communities.
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $142,874.00 - $177,798.00
Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: 24 September 2026
Apply early - suitable candidates may be progressed prior to the closing date
About us | Mō mātou
The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) is a people-centred organisation. We’re in communities across the motu, working with partners to help New Zealanders be safe, strong and independent.
We provide social policy advice to government, and assistance including income, employment and housing support to people of all ages, families, whānau and communities.
As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner, we are committed to supporting and enabling Māori, whānau, hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.
Our people are as diverse as the communities we serve. We care about the wellbeing and success of our people and provide a supportive and inclusive working environment where people can thrive and be who they are.
How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono
Before you submit your application, please take a moment to review our guidance to understand how AI can best support your application. Candidate Guidance - Responsible AI use in recruitment
To apply, click the 'Apply Now' button to upload your CV, cover letter and complete the online application form.
Note: Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process. Please highlight how your skills and experience relate to the key responsibilities listed in the position description and job advertisement.
All applications must be made online. If this is not possible or if you have any queries, please contact us at jobs@msd.govt.nz
Internal MSD Employees – please apply through your myHR portal at work. This will ensure that your myHR employee profile is visible as internal candidate.
Joining us | Ko te hono mai
Joining MSD means being part of a whānau that celebrates the diversity each individual represents.
We show manaaki, we care about the wellbeing and success of people and want everyone to thrive and be who they are in a supportive and inclusive working environment. We work together to make a difference for communities while doing the right thing with integrity. You can find out more about our values here.
If you have any support or accessibility requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.
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