The Department of Conservation / Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) is the government agency accountable for conserving New Zealand’s natural and historic heritage for all New Zealanders. DOC puts nature and people at the heart of its activities and its kaupapa is anchored by te reo Māori and te ao Māori. The organisation recognises that Te Tiriti o Waitangi and DOC’s relationship with its whānau, hapū and iwi are central to all its work.

The Deputy Director-General – Public Affairs is a new  and critical second-tier leadership role within  DOC. Overseeing the communications and government services functions, this role is responsible for shaping DOC’s external face,  while enhancing and protecting organisational reputation and building  trust with key stakeholders. These include Ministers, iwi, relevant government agencies, other public and private sector partners and the community.

As a strategic communications / government relations leader, you will offer a significant understanding of how to deploy contemporary communication practices to engage with a diverse audience coupled with prior  exposure to major government policy frameworks. You will also use thought leadership to translate strategic vision into effective work  programmes and achievement of outcomes.

Reporting to the newly appointed Director-General, you will work  in a collaborative manner to provide advice and assurance to DOC’s Senior Leadership Team on all public affairs and media matters. This will include proactive management of a wide  range of communications issues to position the organisation for continued success, and advise on areas such as reputation management and corporate identity.

In addition, you will offer the following suite of capabilities:

• Prior executive leadership experience developing and implementing an integrated communications strategy across a large and complex organisation;
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, with the capacity to influence a range of audiences from Ministers to the New Zealand public, and across international fora;
• Proven track record of working in partnership with iwi and tangata whenua;
• Exceptional people leadership skills coupled with a track record of fostering growth and development;
• Political savvy and a keen understanding of the ‘machinery of government’;
• Demonstrated ability to make sound judgment calls under pressure and lead a highly-skilled, multi-faceted team in a fast-paced environment;
• An understanding of, and respect for, te ao Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

This role will be based at DOC’s head office in Wellington.

Confidential enquiries and applications should be directed to Fredwyn Kisona or Vishnu Nair at Ichor  Leadership Search by 5.00pm on Friday 18 February 2022. Contact us via email at [email protected]z or call +64 4 499 8230.