At Environment Southland, we work closely with our communities to protect and enhance the environment that makes Murihiku Southland such a special place to live and work.

Clear, strategic communication plays an important role in helping people understand the challenges we face and the decisions we make together.

Across our diverse region we support communities, partners and stakeholders to care for our land, water, air and coast for future generations.

We are now seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Senior Advisor Strategic Communications to join our Communications and Partnerships team and help guide how we communicate about the work that matters most to our region.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys working at a strategic level, helping shape how we communicate about complex environmental issues and supporting teams across the organisation to engage effectively with our communities.

This role plays an important part in strengthening how Environment Southland plans and delivers communication and engagement. You will work closely with leaders and teams across the organisation to develop communication strategies, manage key issues, and ensure our messages are clear, consistent and aligned with our wider organisational goals.

In this role, you'll be:

• Providing strategic advice across the organisation.
• Planning and delivering communication and engagement programmes that support key council priorities and environmental outcomes.
• Supporting teams to communicate complex or sensitive issues clearly and effectively.
• Responding to emerging issues and media enquiries and providing sound advice on reputation and risk.
• Working alongside the Communications and Partnerships team to deliver impactful campaigns, events and engagement activities.

We're looking for someone who brings strong strategic communications experience, sound judgement and a collaborative approach to their work. You'll be a confident communicator who can think ahead, provide trusted advice and translate complex issues into clear and engaging messages.

You will also understand the importance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and our partnership with Ngāi Tahu ki Murihiku, helping ensure our communication and engagement practices reflect and respect these commitments.

In return, we offer a supportive workplace, flexible working arrangements and the chance to make a meaningful contribution to the future of Murihiku Southland.

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, visit: https://environmentsouthland.recruitmenthub.co.nz/Vacancies & enter ref code: 6872129 to apply with your CV and cover letter.

Your cover letter will be an important part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key skills required for this role.

An initial offer of remuneration will be made within the range of $95,000 and $100,000

Applications close: 22 March 2026

Working at Environment Southland requires all of our staff to uphold the council's Te Tiriti o Waitangi responsibilities as part of their day-to-day role. This may include working in partnership with mana whenua and supporting the commitments our elected councillors have made to Ngāi Tahu ki Murihiku through the Charter of Understanding.