Head of Content & Channels

NewZealand Police is working with the community to make NewZealanders feel safe and to keep NewZealand safe. With over 15,000 staff, we provide policing services 24 hours a day, every day, operating by land, sea and air and managing over 860,000 emergency calls a year. We are working towards specific goals and targets that highlight our intent to work collaboratively with iwi, communities, other government sectors and business partners to deliver a “Business” that achieves long‑term change.

As Head of Content, Channels and Media you will lead a high‑performing team of communications professionals, influence organisational reputation, drive audience‑focused engagement and ensure communications effectively support Police priorities, operational delivery and public trust and confidence.

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• Lead strategic communications to enhance organisational reputation, trust and confidence.
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• Drive audience‑focused content and channel strategies that support Police priorities and operational delivery.
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• Partner with executive leaders and stakeholders to deliver a cohesive enterprise‑wide communications approach.
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• Champion innovation and modern communications practices to strengthen engagement and community involvement.
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• Provide clear leadership and direction while managing risk, performance and priorities under pressure.
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• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of the media function, ensuring communication activities support organisational priorities, protect reputation, manage risk and build a high‑performing, resilient media team through effective leadership and governance.
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• Communicate organisational decisions with clarity.
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• Balance multiple strategic priorities and expectations.
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• Think and act strategically to engage others in the vision and delivery of strategic objectives.
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• Collaborate with and influence key strategic partners to achieve better outcomes.
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• Ensure team members understand strategic objectives and work with them to identify outcomes, activities and standards required.
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• Relevant tertiary qualification in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Media studies; postgraduate qualification preferred.
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• Extensive experience in communications, media, marketing or related disciplines.
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• Strong experience and knowledge of media.
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• Significant senior leadership experience, including leading senior advisors and multi‑disciplinary teams at an enterprise level.
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• Demonstrable experience leading organisation‑wide brand, media or channel strategy.
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• Significant experience handling high‑risk, complex and reputationally sensitive issues in high‑profile environments.
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• Demonstrable strategic influence at executive level.
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• Travel to National Headquarters in Wellington; some travel may be required.
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Security clearance: To be eligible for this role you may be asked to obtain and maintain a SECRET national security clearance. The minimum criteria for this level of clearance is that you are an NZ citizen who has resided continuously in NZ for the last 10 years, a Permanent Resident with the same residency, or a citizen of Australia, Canada, United Kingdom or United States of America with continuous residency for the last 10 years and a background that can be verified by the NZSIS.

Salary and benefits: This position is covered by a collective agreement and salary will commence between $171,055 and $191,061, dependent on skills and experience relevant to the role.

All applicants must have the right to work in NewZealand.