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Communications Adviser

Feilding, New Zealand

Reference: 6718463

We're looking for a skilled and experienced communications professional to join our team and help tell the story of Manawatū District Council.

How do you tell the story of local government in a way that resonates with its ratepayers and residents? It's a tough gig but we are committed to demonstrating the range of ways that our Council has a positive impact on the district we call home.

As a Communications Adviser at MDC, you will work across the organisation with a team of communication and design specialists to share the MDC story. The role requires someone who can build great relationships with the people at the frontline doing the mahi, understand their drivers and translate that into engaging and innovative content that resonates with our audiences.

You'll know the ins and outs of all the projects and be able to seek out a story where at first glance there isn't one.

A crucial part of the role is providing expert advice on how to capitalise on public relation opportunities and making them happen. The content you create won't just be simple updates on progress; your carefully crafted strategic comms planning means that the content tells part of a bigger story - how these projects overlap and interact with others to achieve long-term aims of Council.

The role will also see you take responsibility for the production and growth of a number of communications channels, including social media, e-newsletters, website, printed publications, staff intranet and more.

This is an exciting challenge for someone ready to dive in and add to the good things already taking place within the organisation and District. It's a varied, creative and unpredictable role so the ability to juggle multiple pieces of work and quickly adapt to meet unexpected priorities is a must.

The role sits within the Communications & Engagement team. We are a close knit team that work alongside each other to create the biggest impact for the organisation while supporting the growth of one another.

If you have the skills and ambition we're looking for then we'd love for you to apply. In exchange for your passion, initiative and energy, MDC offers a great working environment, opportunities for professional development, and a range of wellbeing initiatives that make this a fantastic place to work. We have a genuinely family-friendly environment, 5 weeks' annual leave for all staff, and for these roles, a salary in the range of $78,900 - $106,700 (mid-point $92k).

If you're already in the Manawatū, you'll know how good we have it with a perfect mix of big city attractions in Palmerston North, and lots of smaller towns, villages and rural lifestyle opportunities in the district. We're a stone's throw from the sea, the mountain and Wellington is just a couple of hours to the south. We've got some of the best schools in the country, a thriving university and the region is, we think, one of the best places in New Zealand to raise a family. If you're looking to leave the grind of the inner city and find a better way of life for your whānau, check out more about the Manawatū here.

For more information on the roles, what's involved or a confidential chat before you decide to apply, please contact Lindsey Robinson, Communications and Engagement Manager on lindsey.robinson@mdc.govt.nz.

Applications Close: 16 Feb 2025

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