Kaitohu Matua Pae Tuku Kōrero | Senior Communications and Media Advisor

Salary Range: $109,207 - $122,055

Contract Type: Permanent, full time

Location: Auckland or Wellington

Mō te Kāhui Tika Tangata | About the Human Rights Commission

Te Kāhui Tika Tangata is Aotearoa New Zealand’s national human rights institution. The Commission was created to provide better protection of human rights in Aotearoa. We are committed to supporting a life of dignity for all, and to becoming a Te Tiriti based organisation tauira and human rights exemplar.

Our vision is to be a credible, effective, connected and highly valued organisation that makes Te Tiriti and human rights real and relevant within and outside the organisation, and that makes a positive impact for all individuals, whānau, hapū, communities and iwi in Aotearoa.

Ō mātau uara | Our values

• Mana tangata – Human dignity

• Māia, tika, pono – Courage and integrity

• Whanaungatanga – Relationships

Mō tēnei tūranga | About the role

We are seeking an exceptional and creative communications professional to join the Commission. The ideal candidate for this role will have a strategic mind, political nous, and a demonstrated understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and human rights.

As the Senior Communications and Media Advisor, you will lead the development and implementation of impactful communications strategies and initiatives that inform and engage key audiences. You will manage media engagement and inquiries, provide trusted communications advice to Commissioners, senior leaders, and staff, and identify opportunities to raise awareness and understanding of human rights and the human rights dimensions of Te Tiriti and strengthen public understanding of the Commission's role and impact.

To succeed in this role, you’ll need to be:

• agile in handling competing demands

• skilled at translating complex issues into clear, accessible, and compelling communications

• experienced in developing engaging content across digital and traditional channels

• have strong stakeholder engagement skills

• highly knowledgeable about the New Zealand media landscape, including its nuances, people, and priorities

Ko ngā pūkenga ōu | What you’ll bring

• Knowledge of and commitment to human rights, indigenous rights and Te Tiriti o Waitangi

• A relevant tertiary qualification in media, communications, social marketing, politics, society, languages, law, literature, history or culture is desirable and/or equivalent experience

• Proven ability to influence and effect change through advocacy, strategy development, planning, campaigning and public engagement

• A strong understanding of Aotearoa New Zealand’s media landscape, and well-established networks within the media

• Skilled at reputation management

• Demonstrated leadership in strategic communications planning and delivery in a similar environment (senior leadership with a public profile)

• Experience leading communications projects and campaigns, including publication development, asset and design coordination, and the management of external suppliers and contractors

• Excellent written, proofreading, reading comprehension and presentation skills

• Ability to identify key audiences and appropriate narrative framing

• Experience developing and executing strategic public awareness campaigns through social media, digital, print, OOH and broadcast channels, both organic and paid – a sophisticated understanding of digital platforms is highly desirable

If you're excited about this opportunity and believe you can make a positive contribution, we encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet every requirement listed.

Ngā hua o te mahi i te Kāhui Tika Tangata | Benefits of working at the Human Rights Commission

• Five weeks annual leave, plus additional leave options

• Te Tiriti Based Organisation

• 37.5 hr working week

• Flexible working

• Enhanced parental leave provisions

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

To apply, please download and complete the questions in the application form and include it along with the following documents:

• cover letter

• curriculum vitae

If you have any questions, please contact the People and Culture team at the Human Rights Commission at peopleandculture@tikatangata.org.nz.

Applications close 18 October 2026.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in Aotearoa New Zealand and be able to complete pre-employment checks, including a Ministry of Justice check.

Te Whakauruuru me te Kanorautanga | Inclusion and Diversity

We are open to applicants with a broad range of relevant experience – both professional and lived experience.

We celebrate diversity. To build a strong and representative workforce, we actively seek applications from people across our communities. We welcome applications from disabled people, people with diverse ethnic, cultural, religious backgrounds, and people from rainbow communities.

Please let us know if any of our processes pose a barrier for you, or if you require any support that would help facilitate your participation in the application process.

The position description and this advertisement are available in alternative formats and can be provided on request.