Communications Adviser - Washington DC

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role  

This role is at the heart of the New Zealand Embassy’s public operations. You will develop and direct our digital and public diplomacy initiatives and strategy which promote the interests of the New Zealand government in the United States. Key elements of the role include:

• Maintaining the Embassy’s social media presence
• Engaging with US media and NZ media in the US
• Liaising and managing media elements of official NZ Government visits
• Developing the Embassy’s public diplomacy strategy and presence
• Supporting New Zealand Embassy events
• Responding to public enquiries
• Helping us connect with prominent NZers in the US

The role would suit a self-motivated communications all-rounder. You will collaborate with Embassy staff, and with public diplomacy and media colleagues across the New Zealand public sector in Wellington.

The Post provides a comprehensive health insurance package and 20 days of paid vacation per year.  

Mā‎ wai te mahi nei? – Who are we looking for?

We’d like to hear from you if you have:

• Relevant tertiary qualifications or equivalent experience in a communications field
• Experience in managing news media, social media channels, and public relations
• Experience in planning and organising events
• The ability to work as part of a team to support others and also to lead independent efforts
• Great organisation skills and the ability to manage competing demands
• A positive attitude with proven ability to build, maintain and leverage strong relationships
• Excellent communication skills that will be effective in a diplomatic setting 
• Critical thinking skills with strong attention to detail, who can anticipate issues and generate creative solutions
• Pride in your work and have a strong delivery focus

The successful candidate must have the right to live and work in the United States. The New Zealand Embassy is able to support an application for an A2 visa, which is subject to a 5 year limit. This is a locally employed position, with terms and conditions being set in accordance with US employment regulations. No off-shore allowance or transfer allowance applies. 

Why work for us?

We are committed to a focus on leadership, talent, training and development, and flexible work options. 

We value diversity and are committed to providing an inclusive culture where everyone feels supported, valued, and a sense of belonging.  We welcome applications from people from a diverse range of backgrounds. 

Mō mātou - About us

Our people represent New Zealand on and offshore, and in doing so make New Zealanders safer and more prosperous.  By building connections with and influencing other countries and international institutions, we advance New Zealand’s interests and pursue New Zealand's values.  We provide advice to the Government on the implications for New Zealand of what is happening in the world. 

Me pēhea te tuku tono - To Apply/Interested?

For a copy of the position description please click here.

To apply, please email your CV and Cover Letter to Washington Recruitment at [email protected].

Please DO NOT use the ‘Apply with Seek’ or ‘Apply’ buttons on this advertisement. Only applications that have been emailed to the above address will be considered.

You MUST be a NZ Citizen or NZ Permanent Resident and able to obtain and maintain a NZ Government National Security clearance.

Use this online tool to self-check your eligibility for a CONFIDENTIAL security clearance. Please note that this tool is not part of the formal security clearance process:



http://www.protectivesecurity.govt.nz/eligibility-tool

Let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.

Applications close at 5:00pm Friday 22nd March NZT.

Please note:  If the successful candidate has worked or lived in New Zealand and are subsequently employed as locally engaged staff in a NZ Government Embassy or High Commission, they may, subject to individual circumstances, have NZ Tax Residency obligations. We advise any applicant, who may be in this situation, to discuss their tax residency status with the NZ Inland Revenue (IRD) and determine any potential personal tax obligations to IRD.