Team Leader – Strategic Communications

• Based at Police National Headquarters
• Police Employee
• Permanent/Full Time
• Nationally Advertised Vacancy
• JR 5182375

Mō te tūnga | About the role
The purpose of the Media and Communications Group is to enable us to deliver Our Business through effective and engaging communications.

To support the delivery of these outcomes the Team Leader – Strategic Communications will lead a team of expert strategic communications advisors to develop and deliver communications strategies that support the organisation’s priorities. This is achieved through savvy communications plans and effective programmes that enhance public trust and confidence in Police.

The successful applicant will have senior-level experience of working in a collective and collaborative leadership environment and ability to influence at all levels. Some experience or knowledge of Ministerial and Government machinery would be an advantage.

We are looking for someone with an excellence-driven mindset, a high-level analytical thinker with a solutions and outcomes-focussed attitude and a well-practised ability to quickly develop sound solutions in complex situations. You will be a demonstrated self-starter, with a high level of initiative and reputation for getting things done.

As a people-leader, you will be comfortable leading a team of communications experts, work closely with other Team Leaders across the Media & Communications group, to strategise, maximise and deliver great communications in an often dynamic, fast paced, pressured environment.

You will also need to have demonstrated commitment to developing and maintaining a culture of respect and inclusion within an organisation.

This position will report to the Director Media & Strategic Communications and will advise in the areas of strategic planning and performance.

Key Accountabilities:

• Strategy Development: Oversees development of the Media & Communications Group contribution to strategic planning.
• Service Delivery: Close liaison with media team leaders in Auckland and Wellington and the internal communication team management to determine allocation of assignments and planning of delivery.
• Risk Management: Ensures any areas of potential risk to Police management's image with staff and reputation are identified.
• Relationship Management: Provides communication advice to senior managers to support constructive internal working relationships and inter-relationships with stakeholder groups.
• Team Management: Provides leadership and direction for the Strategic Communications section and acts as a role model.

He aha taau e kawe mai | What you’ll bring
Whilst we are looking for skills, knowledge and experience relevant to the role, we also place high importance on your state of mind, the alignment of your values with ours, your ability to contribute to and build high performing teams, and the way that you lead yourself or others. The successful applicant will:

Contribute to Police objectives as a member of the media and communications senior management team.
Model the New Zealand Police Values – Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Commitment to Māori and The Treaty, Empathy and Valuing Diversity.
Lead the tactics for Our Business and enable our people to deliver them.

Whakaritenga motuhake | Special requirements

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Communications.
• Travel requirements - as required.
• Successful applicant must reside in Wellington.
• No transfer costs included.

This role is set at Strategic Leader level, this means your key purpose is “to lead the strategy, Our Business, and enable our people to deliver it”.

To view the position description for this role please copy and paste this link into a new browser:
https://www.police.govt.nz/sites/default/files/pd/03-2025/team_leader_-_strategic_communications.pdf

To be eligible for this role, you may be asked to obtain and maintain a TOP SECRET national security clearance.

The minimum criteria for this level of national security clearance is:

NZ Citizen who has resided continuously in NZ for the last 10 years, or:

• A Permanent Resident who has resided continuously in NZ for the last 10 years, or
• A citizen of or has resided continuously in one or more of the following countries for the last 10 years: Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, or United States of America, and has a background that can be verified by the NZSIS.

Use this online tool to self-check your eligibility for a security clearance. Please note that this tool is not part of the formal security clearance process:
http://www.protectivesecurity.govt.nz/eligibility-tool

Mo tātou | About us
New Zealand Police is the lead agency responsible for preventing crime and enhancing community safety. It works in partnership with individuals, communities, businesses, and other public sector agencies towards the vision of making New Zealand the safest country. Police is the government’s largest front-line response agency with around 15,000 staff in large and small communities all over New Zealand and in liaison and policing development roles overseas.

Your development is highly valued at NZ Police. Our employees enjoy significant investment in their development not only at an individual level, but also at the team and community practice level. We work hard to match you with work that will both play to your strengths and challenge you in new ways.

The work you’ll be engaged in is real, tangible work that directly benefits our frontline and communities. Taken all together, this means we can offer you career path opportunities to progress in your chosen profession and become a more well-rounded, experienced leader, with opportunities across the range of work we support.

To view more detailed information about our recruitment process along with further details about requirements please click below link:

t/files/applicant_information_pack_2023_external.pdfApplicant

Tono ināianei | Apply now
If this position sounds like you, click apply now and submit a tailored CV. You will be required to submit an application form. Before confirmation of hire, pre-employment checks will be undertaken which include reference, drug and alcohol testing  and police vetting prior to any written offer being made.  

  For further information on the application process, please copy and paste this URL: https://www.police.govt.nz/careers 

All applications must be submitted online and will not be accepted directly via email. All applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand.  

Utu ā-tau | Salary
This position is covered by a collective agreement and salary will commence between $142,124 and $146,861 dependent on skills and experience relevant to the role.

If you are an internal applicant, you must apply internally through the police system. You must provide an alternative contact email address and state your future commitments should you be successful in the next stage of the recruitment process.

Please note: Deadline for applications is 5:00 pm on Wednesday 26 March 2025. Applications may be reviewed prior to the close date as well as contact made with candidates.

If you have any questions about this vacancy, please contact sally.french@police.govt.nz