Communications & Engagement Manager (12-month fixed term)

Thriving together - mō te taiao, mō ngā tāngata. 
Our environment and our people go hand-in-hand.

• Senior strategic communications and engagement opportunity
• Want to be part of an organisation that values Trust, Integrity, Courage, Manaakitanga, Kotahitanga, and Whanaungatanga?
• Lead a high performing team that makes a makes a real difference for the environment and people of the Bay of Plenty.
• No two days are the same - help guide the organisation through a pivotal period of change
• 12-month fixed term vacancy

At Toi Moana, we are passionate about creating a future where our environment and communities thrive together. We guide sustainable development across the Bay of Plenty, managing land, air, water, public transport, and economic development. If you’re a strategic leader who can inspire and connect, we want you on our team

Te āhuatunga a te tūranga | About the role

We are seeking a senior communications and engagement practitioner with expertise in relationship management, strategic and crisis communications and experience in leading teams.  You will be known for your trusted and credible relationships with senior leaders as well as your delivery of professional, communications expertise.  In this role you will lead a talented team responsible for delivering proactive communication, meaningful engagement, and accessible information across our region.

This is a pivotal leadership role where you’ll shape how we tell our story, build trust, and strengthen relationships across the region during an intense period of external change.

You’ll be responsible for:

• Providing expert advice on media, stakeholder relations, reputation management, and brand strategy.
• Developing and implementing strategic and integrated communications, engagement, and marketing plans.
• Leading crisis communications with confidence and clarity.
• Building strong relationships with our Chief Executive, Leadership Team and Senior Leaders as well as partnerships within local government and with iwi, community groups, media, and local government agencies.
• Coaching and empowering a high-performing and fast paced team to deliver excellence.

Ō pūmanawa | Your skills and experience

• A tertiary qualification in communications, marketing, or a related discipline.
• 9–10 years’ experience in senior communications and/or engagement leadership roles, ideally in a complex public sector environment.
• High level of judgement with the ability to make effective decisions in complex situations combined with the discretion and tact to handle confidential and private information.
• The ability to quickly get up to speed and respond to complex, unfolding situations.
• A collaborative and influential style, with the ability to engage senior leaders, governance and external partners as well as a sound understanding of Local Government
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage projects, and navigate political and cultural landscapes.
• Advanced knowledge of communications, public relations, community engagement, design and user experience principles.
• Strong understanding of Te Ao Māori and experience engaging and communicating with iwi and Māori communities.
• Civil Defence Emergency Management training and experience with the Public Information Management (PIM) function would be an asset
• IAP2/Engagement Institute Community Engagement training would be an asset

Ko wai mātou | Who we are

Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council is responsible for land, air and water as well as public transport and economic development. A major focus of our work involves looking after the environment. We manage the effects of people's use of freshwater, land, air and coastal water. However, we also have a broader responsibility with others for the economic, social and cultural well-being of the regional community.

We are a values-driven organisation, that really cares about our people.  Who you are is important to us and we welcome diversity as an opportunity to grow our teams and are keen to support people of all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, religions and abilities. We want Toi Moana to be a place where you bring your whole self to work.

Highlights of working with us include:

• Competitive remuneration
• Five extra annual leave days so you can take paid leave over the Christmas/New Year period
• Employee benefits / discounts? 
• One of the best office locations in the Bay of Plenty  (Tauranga)
• Varied and challenging work.
• A supportive and collaborative work environment.
• Flexibility with the way you work.
• A commitment to supporting you grow and develop.

This role is located in Tauranga.

Me pēhea te tuku tono  | How to Apply

Click APPLY NOW or contact Kataraina O'Brien - General Manager, Stragetic Engagement on 021 224 9323 and/or Ange Foster - Manager, Communications and Engagement on 027 240 8846 for a confidential discussion.

To access a copy of Te Tūranga Mahi (Job Description) please click on the following link or copy and paste it into your web browser: https://rb.gy/c8fdp9

NB: To apply for this job, you must have the legal right to be able to work in New Zealand and also a current, valid driver's licence. 

Applications close 11pm, Sunday 18 January 2026 and will only be accepted online.