Principal Engagement Advisor

Porirua is growing and changing. New developments, transport links and massive infrastructure upgrades mean we’re a well-connected city with big opportunities. Our city is diverse, vibrant and dynamic.

All about the role

Connection with the people who live work and play in our city is important to us. We want people to feel informed, understood and important, and effective engagement is key to achieving this.

We’re looking for someone who can make an impact and help people connect with the mahi Council does.

This is a new and influential role working in our Communications, Marketing and Engagement Team. As our in-house expert, you’ll be leading the way – working right across the organisation to guide how, when and what we engage on.

 You’ll be responsible for:

• advising on best practice approaches to inform Council’s engagement and consultation on a wide range of matters, to a broad range of audiences
• proactively supporting teams to engage with stakeholders in an effective and meaningful way to achieve clear engagement outcomes
• developing engagement strategies, best practice guidance, and tools and templates for the organisation that help us:
• tell the right story, translating complex issues into plain English
• consider Te Tiriti principles and strengthen our partnership with mana whenua, Ngāti Toa Rangatira
• be inclusive of our diverse communities and stakeholders
• have a consistent approach, while recognising and encouraging variety and diversity to match our communities and the breadth of our work.

All about you

We’re seeking an enagement specialist who understands local government, is culturally informed, confident working with diverse communities and thrives in a fast paced environment. We want someone who is driven to keep up to date with community perspectives and needs. You’ll also have a good understanding of the value of community networks and partnerships.

To be successful you’ll need to show us that you:

• have the ability to take a strategic, proactive approach to stakeholder engagement
• can develop innovative and creative solutions to achieve engagement outcomes
• have a high level of cultural competency and the ability to relate to a range of demographics when considering engagement methods
• have experience working with diverse communities
• are comfortable with public speaking and leading or supporting meetings or workshops
• have top notch writing skills, and experience in tailoring messages to different audiences
• have excellent analytical, conceptual thinking and problem-solving abilities
• can build and maintain strong relationships that inspire trust and confidence with key community stakeholders as well as decision makers.

What you need to do now

Come and join our dynamic Communications, Marketing and Engagement team and be part of our welcoming and engaging environment. Please contact Hannah Lawrence hannah.lawrence@poriruacity.govt.nz for more information.

Porirua City embraces and values diversity and inclusion. We actively encourage applications by people from all backgrounds and are a member of Diversity Works. If you have any support or access requirements during our recruitment process, please let us know when you apply, and we’ll do our best to get you sorted.

You will need to apply via our careers centre: www.poriruacity.govt.nz/careers.

To find out more about working for Porirua City Watch this video

Applications close on 14 July 2025.

We will be looking at applications as they are submitted. This means we may shortlist or interview candidates before the closing date, so apply now!