View Vacancy - NZW - Communications Manager, B3(L)

Are you a senior, creative communicator with an interest in diplomacy, trade and foreign affairs? The British High Commission in Wellington is looking for a Communications Manager at a fascinating and important point in UK-NZ relations.

The bilateral relationship with New Zealand is a priority for the UK. Managing our public messaging is a key part of that relationship, and is at the heart of our work as the UK in NZ team.

At the British High Commission in Wellington, our work covers the full range of UK government interests – political, trade, defence, science, economics, visas and consular policy. We operate in a fascinating, fast-paced environment, working closely with New Zealand on a wide range of issues that reinforce our shared values. You will oversee our communications across these diverse portfolios, working with a range of subject-matter experts.

You will own and lead on the New Zealand network’s communications strategy, act as Press Officer to the High Commissioner and senior visitors, manage the media team and engage with UK in NZ events.  You will be able to develop strong relationships internally and externally to amplify the High Commission’s and wider Foreign Office’s work in New Zealand.

You will be as comfortable communicating through traditional media channels as you are with digital and social media, designing and delivering  professional, effective activities and campaigns to generate high impact engagement with NZ audiences. You will ensure our messaging remains consistent, clear and relevant to the New Zealand audience.

To do this, you will have a sound knowledge of New Zealand’s media landscape and be able to understand, digest and communicate complex policy, ranging from climate change to free trade to Māori Engagement and beyond, in engaging and creative ways.

Strategic Communications 50%

• Develop and manage the UK in NZ communications strategy, reflecting UK priorities and supporting delivery of UK in NZ objectives through our public diplomacy.
• Work with Team Leaders to understand overarching policy objectives and design NZ-relevant campaigns to support our key messages. Stay attuned to emerging issues that affect the UK in NZ, formulating responses in coordination with relevant sections/departments and providing communications advice to the leadership team.
• Design and deliver activities in support of the New Zealand network’s Communications Strategy across multiple channels using both traditional and digital media tools.
• Identify opportunities for proactive engagement across the full range of channels within New Zealand.

Press Secretary 20%

• Proactively manage the High Commissioner’s media engagement.
• Manage the logistics, and prepare briefings for media engagement by the High Commissioner and senior visitors, including on visits to the Pacific. Develop and deliver communication plans for incoming visitors. Ensure clear – shared – expectations and no surprises; provide on the day support and advice; use relationships with media to ensure proper follow-up / post interview management, and amplification as necessary. 
• Work with the Communications Directorate in London, particularly Departmental Media Offices and visiting Press teams to understand, guide and deliver media objectives for senior visits.
• Build and maintain strong personal relationships with key media figures in New Zealand and internationally as required, influencers and Press Teams in NZ Ministerial offices – and use these to:

            a) enhance the UK’s profile;
            b) deliver on our objectives; and
            c) manage bad news stories. 

Regional Leadership: 10%

• Provide support as necessary to smaller posts in the region to promote UK activities such as climate change, human rights and youth engagement.  As part of the UK Pacific network, act as soft power focal point, co-ordinating and amplifying public diplomacy efforts across the region.

Manage the Media Team: 20%

• Line manage the Communications Officer (focus on digital media and events) as well as a soon to be established Trade Policy Communications Officer (funding TBC).
• Oversee all digital content and communications planning, including social media, podcasts, blogs and video in support of the Communications Strategy, central Foreign and Commonwealth Office communications priorities, and to project United Kingdom soft power. 
• Oversee engagement with and management of BHC events, ensuring coherence with our overall strategy and that messaging maximises the impact of public events.

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience of strategic communications, and using traditional, digital and social media tools to develop effective public facing campaigns.
• Knowledge of the NZ media landscape, including excellent understanding of current digital media tools, channels, and influencers is essential.
• Experience developing and managing events.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, and ability to treat others with respect and courtesy regardless of work pressures.
• Excellent IT skills, including familiarity with digital tools.
• Flexibility to meet the demands of a varied work schedule and contribute to the wider work of the British High Commission.
• Abilityto act with discretion at all times.
• Interest in, and understanding of, NZ and UK political landscapes.