- Provide communications support to an independent statutory body
- Join a supportive and committed team where you can learn and grow
- Based in Wellington, in a convenient and central location, flexible working options negotiable.
'Kotahi ano te kaupapa, ko te oranga o te iwi' - `There is only one purpose to our work: the wellness and wellbeing of our people.'
The New Zealand Parole Board (the Board) is an independent statutory board that makes decisions in relation to prisoners and offenders, including considering prisoners for release on parole and the conditions that apply to such release. Operational and administrative support for the Board is provided by Ara Poutama Aotearoa the Department of Corrections.
Mo te tunga | About the role
As the Communications Adviser for the New Zealand Parole Board (NZPB) you will support the Board in communicating with the public, media, and justice sector stakeholders. As the initial contact for media enquiries, you'll manage the NZPB media inbox, coordinate responses, and ensure timely and accurate communication. You'll also research and draft responses to Official Information Act (OIA) and Privacy Act requests and help maintain consistent messaging across all public-facing communications.
Beyond media work, you'll support the Board and the NZPB operations support team by preparing speeches and talking points. You'll assist with event planning and logistics and play a lead role in driving the operations support team's internal communications approach, in particular the team's regular newsletter. A key part of the role also involves liaising with victims registered on the Victim Notification Register when media interest arises in their case, requiring empathy, discretion, and professionalism.
This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, is confident managing sensitive information, and enjoys crafting clear, impactful messaging.
Nga pukenga me nga wheako | Skills and experience
To be successful in the role of Communications Adviser you will need the following, with additional skills and experience requirements detailed in the attached job description:
- Ability to research and write clearly and concisely for a range of audiences, including media, public, and internal stakeholders.
- Strong editing and proofreading skills and excellent attention to detail.
- Good interpersonal skills and ability to build and maintain internal and external relationships.
- Talent for recognising communications opportunities and good judgement in identifying and raising issues.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a member of a close-knit team.
- Ability to engage with victims of crime to convey complex and challenging information.
Nga painga | The benefits
Be part of a supportive and collaborative team environment, where learning is encouraged, and your contributions are valued. This role offers a fantastic opportunity for growth and development. It also offers access to range of staff benefits designed to help you thrive both professionally and personally, including Professional Supervision and EAP services.
The midpoint of the salary range is $87,132 per annum and the full range (85%-120%) is $74,063 - $104,559 per annum. Appointment and remuneration will reflect skills and experience relevant to the role.
Mo matou | About us
Join Ara Poutama Aotearoa - Department of Corrections, where your work will contribute to improving public safety, reducing re-offending, and address the overrepresentation of Maori in correctional facilities. As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship), and whanau (relationships) to guide our work and achieve the goals of our Hokai Rangi strategy.
We value inclusion and diversity in our workforce, and as a Public Service organisation we are committed to building a workforce that reflects the public we serve. We strive to make our recruitment process fair, and we encourage you to discuss reasonable accommodations with us if required.
Tono inaianei | Apply Now
To submit an application and view the position description, click the apply link. All applications must be submitted through our careers site to ensure transparency - applications received via email will not be considered.
When applying, submit a tailored CV and a cover letter describing your motivation for joining the department highlighting relevant skills and experience and the alignment to our work.
Applications close on: Monday the 1st of September.
If you have any questions or want to learn more about a career with us, contact Sarah.Newbold@corrections.govt.nz, or visit careers.corrections.govt.nz.