Communication and Engagement Lead - Corbicula (fixed-term)

Mō te tūranga | About the role

• 2 Year - fixed term role available.

• Develop and implement a joint communications and engagement strategy for the freshwater clam response.

• Manage media relations, prepare spokespeople, and produce proactive media releases.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with iwi/mana whenua, local authorities, NGOs, and community groups.

• Deliver campaigns to influence behaviours that prevent the spread of freshwater clams.

• Facilitate workshops, hui, and community meetings to gather input and build trust.

• Monitor and report on the effectiveness of communications and engagement activities.

 Mō te tangata | About you

• Skilled communicator with proven experience in strategic communications and engagement.

• Ability to manage media relationships and reputational risk under pressure.

• Strong understanding of behaviour change principles and campaign delivery.

• Excellent relationship-building skills with diverse stakeholders, including iwi and community groups.

• Politically aware and culturally sensitive, with a collaborative approach.

 Mō ngā pūkenga | Qualifications and experience

• 5–6 years in strategic communications and engagement in complex, multi-stakeholder settings.

• Proven media management and campaign delivery experience.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Project management and relationship-building skills.

Mō te tīma | About the team

• You’ll join the Integrated Catchment Management directorate, working alongside biosecurity specialists and National Programme Manager for Corbicula.

• Collaborative, passionate team committed to protecting Waikato’s environment.

Mō mātou | About us

• We work hard to care for the mighty Waikato, so current and future generations will benefit from a healthy environment, strong economy, and vibrant communities.

• Our mahi is as diverse as the region we care for and the people who share it. Our work helps look after our region's water, soil, air, geothermal areas and coasts - so we can all enjoy these precious resources for generations to come.

• Customers sit at the heart of everything we do, and all staff have an important role to play in the delivery of exceptional customer service. 

• If you’d like to understand more about what we do please click here The work we do | Waikato Regional Council.

• By partnering with iwi and working with many others in our communities, our collective kaitiakitanga will make the Waikato region even better.

• Together, we’ll create a sustainable future that will make a positive difference to people’s lives.

Mō te tuku tono | How to apply

• Applications will be reviewed as they come in, and this role will close on 16 January 2026.

• For a copy of the role description, please click here.

• If you have any questions about the role, please contact [email protected]

• Please click ‘apply’ and include your CV & cover letter as a pdf.

• Apply now!