Senior Advisor – Communications, Engagement & Water Conservation

About the role

As Water Services prepares for the future of Water Hawke’s Bay, the Senior Advisor – Communications, Engagement & Water Conservation will lead the design and delivery of communication, community engagement and behaviour‑change programmes. The role supports the transition to a more sustainable water system by turning complex technical information into clear, actionable messages for the public and internal stakeholders.

Key responsibilities

• Lead communications and engagement activities across a range of Water Services programmes.
• Develop and launch campaigns that promote sustainable water use and positive behaviour change.
• Design and deliver community education initiatives, workshops and engagement events.
• Provide clear, timely internal communications to support organisational change.
• Build and maintain relationships with internal teams, community groups, Mana Whenua, schools and regional partners.
• Create engaging resources for digital, print and face‑to‑face channels.
• Use feedback and insights to continuously improve communication and education outcomes.

Required profile

• Significant experience in communications, stakeholder engagement, public relations or community engagement.
• Exceptional written, verbal and presentation skills.
• Proven ability to develop integrated communication and engagement plans.
• Strong relationship‑building and project coordination capabilities.
• Proactive, sound judgement and ability to manage multiple priorities in a changing environment.
• Experience in local government, infrastructure, water services or environmental programmes is an advantage.

Required skills

What we offer

• Employee Assistance Program (OCP).
• Quarterly values awards, birthday vouchers and a social club.
• Free annual flu vaccinations.
• Ka Awatea Cultural Wānanga and NCC Kapa Haka.
• Te Reo Māori language classes.
• Full‑time fixed‑term contract until 30 June 2027 (40 hours per week, Monday‑Friday).
• Annual salary package between $107,375 and $120,008 (including KiwiSaver).
• Location: Napier, New Zealand.