Senior Communications Lead

The Civil Aviation Authority and the Aviation Security Service offer distinctively different career opportunities and embrace diverse talent. All jobs at the Authority contribute to ensuring safe and secure skies to help New Zealand fly. The Civil Aviation Authority is the regulatory arm of our organisation and the Aviation Security Service is the nationwide provider for aviation security. At the Civil Aviation Authority, we don't just keep New Zealand's skies safe and secure, we help shape the future of aviation. Lead communications and engagement for a significant organisation-wide transformation programme Influence how change is understood, adopted, and experienced across the organisation and aviation sector Work alongside senior leaders to tell the story of one of CAA's most important strategic initiatives About the role We're looking for an experienced Senior Communications Lead to join our Communications and External Relations team on a one-year fixed-term basis. This strategic and hands-on role will lead communications and engagement for CAA's Business Transformation Programme, one of the organisation's most high-profile initiatives. Working closely with the Executive Leadership Team, Executive Sponsor, Programme Manager and transformation teams, you'll develop and deliver clear, compelling communications that build understanding, engagement and support for change. You'll shape the programme narrative across CAA and with key external audiences, including the aviation industry, media and government stakeholders. Success in this role will require the ability to translate complex information into engaging content, advise senior leaders, lead stakeholder engagement, manage high-profile communications activity, and ensure messaging remains aligned, consistent and integrated with wider organisational priorities and strategic goals. About the Business Transformation Programme This is your opportunity to get in at the start. We are building a team to deliver a significant transformation that will shape the future of the organisation and the aviation sector. With strong executive support and a clear mandate for change, this is an opportunity to work on genuine transformation - not simply improve existing processes or deliver business as usual. These roles are initially offered on a one-year fixed-term basis while the business case progresses through approval. We recognise that means taking a degree of risk. But for the right person, it is also a chance to get involved at the point where the programme is being shaped, make a meaningful contribution and work on a transformation that is genuinely important. If you are motivated by complex change and want to help build something significant, this is the time to get involved. Key Responsibilities Lead the development and delivery of the programme's communication and stakeholder engagement strategy Create compelling programme narratives, communication artefacts, and engagement opportunities for a wide range of audiences Translate complex programme information and change impacts into clear, accessible, and actionable messages Provide strategic communications and engagement advice to the Business Transformation Programme and senior leaders Conduct stakeholder analysis and develop targeted engagement approaches to support programme objectives Strengthen relationships with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring they are informed, engaged, and involved where appropriate Identify and manage communications, engagement, and reputational risks and opportunities Provide guidance on media management and communications responses relating to programme activities Mentor and support other communications team members as the programme evolves The salary range for this role is $128,644 - $141,751. Starting salaries are based on knowledge, skills and experience the successful candidate brings to the role, as well as internal relativities. What You'll Bring Extensive experience developing and delivering communications and stakeholder engagement strategies for large, complex and high-profile transformation, digital, or organisational change programmes. Strong understanding of change management, stakeholder engagement, media relations, and issues management. Proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships across senior leadership, government, industry, external partners, and internal teams. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including a commitment to plain English and the ability to translate complex or technical information into clear, engaging messages for diverse audiences. Strong influencing, facilitation, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to identify and manage communication, engagement, and reputational risks. Knowledge of public sector operating environments and decision-making processes. A tertiary qualification in communications, political science, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience. Experience in the aviation sector would be an advantage but is not essential. About us The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is New Zealand's aviation safety and security regulator. We play a critical role in protecting the travelling public, supporting the aviation sector, and strengthening New Zealand's international reputation. Our vision A safe and secure aviation system - so people are safe, and feel safe when they fly. Our values Professionalism Respect Integrity Transparency Collaboration We're committed to diversity, inclusion, and creating a workplace where everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered to contribute. Why Join Us? Matching KiwiSaver contributions up to 4% Vision assistance Flu vaccinations Employee Assistance Programme Applications close: 18 August 2026 #J-18808-Ljbffr