• Lead and develop a high-performing team
• Deliver outcomes using multiple channels
• Make a real difference for Waitaha Canterbury

Kaunihera Taiao ki Waitaha │ About Environment Canterbury

Waitaha - our Canterbury region - is like no other and we are proud to call it home. We have the privilege of working with Papatipu Rūnanga, stakeholders and our wider community to protect our environment, including water, land and air through regulation and planning. As a Regional Council we're responsible for flood protection, public transport, civil defence, and more.  

Together we're taking action to shape a thriving and resilient Canterbury, now and for future generations. Toitū te marae o Tāne, toitū te marae o Tangaroa, toitū te tangata | if the land is well and the sea is well, the people will thrive. 

Kōrero mō te Tūranga | About the Role

We’re looking for a driven, experienced hands-on team leader who leads by example and gets results through people. You’ll set team direction, build capability, and empower a team of communications and engagement professionals to perform at their best. You create a high-performing environment where ideas are encouraged and success is shared.

You’ll lead the team to deliver smart, creative behaviour change initiatives that strengthen how the organisation connects with its communities.

A confident storyteller and strong leader, you’ll set the bar for quality and impact. You’ll guide your team to use the right mix of content though images, words, video, and animation. Delivered across multiple channels to deliver standout websites, campaigns and communications that really make a difference.

For more information on this role, please refer to the job description at the bottom of the advert.

Mōu │ About You

You’ll be a senior communications professional with at least 10 years’ experience across communications, marketing, digital communications, e-commerce, or related field. You’ll bring strong experience developing and delivering strategic communication and engagement plans, with the ability to understand complex issues and turn them into clear, compelling messages that resonate with audiences.

You’ll provide strategic advice at a senior level and build strong relationships across the organisation and with external stakeholders, demonstrating sound judgement and risk awareness. Outstanding written and verbal communication skills are essential.

The role requires proven people leadership and solid project management skills, including planning, delivery, and budget oversight in complex environments.

Experience in government or local government is advantageous, as is an understanding of te reo and tikanga Māori.

Mātau ā-Wheako | Experience  

 You’ll bring:

• 10+ years senior-level communications experience
• Experience in delivering impactful communication and engagement strategies
• Strong relationship building experience
• Proven ability to lead, coach and develop people
• Solid operational and delivery skills

Ngā hua o te Mahi i te Kaunihera Taiao ki Waitaha | Working at Environment Canterbury  

Our mahi is underpinned by our values:

• Kaitiakitanga (stewardship)
• Pononga (integrity)
• Manaakitanga (people first)
• Whanaungatanga (collaboration)
• Māiatanga (can do)

We understand and embrace a diverse workforce; this diversity will enable us to better serve our people, our community, and our greatest taonga, the environment. We value everyone’s contribution, diverse thinking, and skills.

We're on a journey to become a treaty partner of excellence, including incorporating te ao Māori into our work. We offer supportive opportunities to develop capability in this area and encourage our people to use kaupapa Māori, mātauranga Māori, and te reo Māori in our daily work. We welcome you with an open heart & mind, wherever you are on your personal te ao Māori journey.

Ko ētahi atu kōrero | Additional Information

For a confidential chat about this role, please contact Shelley Fuller on 027 249 8628.

Applications close on 8 April 2026.  Applications will be reviewed as we receive them, and interviews may take place before the close date. We reserve the right to close advertising early.  

Short-listed candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks, and a criminal check. Further background checking will be required when relevant to the role. 

We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you're excited about this role but don't meet every qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply.

Me mahi tahi tātou - Together we can