Lead Adviser - Engagement
Lead Advisor – Engagement | Kaitohutohu Matua – Whakauru Build trust through strategic engagement and communications Provide expert advice on reputation and relationships Permanent role with flexibility to be based in Auckland or Wellington Ko wai te Pakihi nei | About the Organisation Creative New Zealand Toi Aotearoa is the national arts development agency, working alongside artists, ringatoi, practitioners and arts organisations across the motu. The organisation is moving into the next phase of a significant change programme, with a new operating model designed to strengthen leadership, connection, investment and impact across the arts and ngā toi. Ko te āhua o te tūranga | About the Role You'll shape how CNZ connects with the arts sector, government, communities, and the public, building trust, strengthening relationships, and supporting the organisation's strategic priorities. Working closely with senior leaders and key stakeholders, you will: Design and deliver strategic engagement and communications initiatives Build influential relationships across the arts, government, media, and community sectors Translate stakeholder insights into organisational action and decision-making Lead responses to sensitive stakeholder and reputational challenges Support executive engagement, advocacy, and public positioning activity Strengthen engagement practice across the organisation Mōu | About You The successful candidate will bring: Significant experience across engagement, communications, and external relations Experience advising senior leaders in complex environments Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills Experience managing reputational, political, or organisational risks Understanding of government processes and the public sector environment Knowledge of the arts, cultural, community, or related sectors Familiarity with te ao Māori, tikanga Māori, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi Experience engaging effectively with Pacific and diverse communities Me tono mai inaīanei | Apply Now! Applications close midnight Sunday 15 th November To find out more, please get in touch with Orissa Plimmer on 027 285 1461 or Luke Spratt on 021 056 7035 for a confidential kōrero. To apply, you must be a New Zealand citizen, resident, or hold a valid visa with the right to work in Aotearoa. We’ll be reviewing candidates as they come through, so we encourage early applications. We are the landing place where our people can come to rest upon, a safe space. A place where excellence and culture are encouraged and ultimately recognised. Kia tau ai te mauri tū, te mauri ora ki te katoa. Nau mai, tau mai! Vitality and well-being for all. Welcome, settle here!