Community Development and Engagement Manager

Community Development and Engagement Manager Exciting opportunity for an experienced community development and engagement leader to drive customer, community and stakeholder engagement across Auckland Central. Play a key role in supporting large-scale urban redevelopment and housing projects that will shape communities for generations, while leading community development initiatives that create lasting social impact for tenants and communities we have an operational presence in. Full-time permanent role + 5 weeks' annual leave and comprehensive insurance benefits. As a Community Development and Engagement Manager, you will play a pivotal role in delivering effective community development initiatives, customer engagement programmes, and stakeholder engagement strategies across Auckland Central. Working alongside project, development and operational teams, you will help ensure communities are informed, involved and supported throughout the lifecycle of Kāinga Ora redevelopment projects. A significant component of this role will be leading engagement activities associated with large-scale housing and urban development programmes, balancing the needs of customers, communities, stakeholders and project outcomes. You will build and maintain strong relationships with customers, mana whenua, local boards, community organisations, elected representatives, service providers and other key stakeholders. Through your collaborative approach and strong understanding of community dynamics, you will help foster social cohesion, strengthen neighbourhood connections and support positive outcomes for communities experiencing change and customers living in medium to high density public housing. Kāinga Ora development sites and areas of significant public housing, are supported by community development and engagement initiatives before, during and after project delivery. These initiatives promote a sense of belonging, support successful neighbourhood transitions, encourage positive community relationships and create opportunities for meaningful participation. This is a highly visible role requiring a confident and credible professional who can navigate complex environments, manage competing interests and represent Kāinga Ora with professionalism and integrity. This role is based in Auckland Central and will require regular travel throughout the region. A tertiary qualification in communications, community development, social practice or a related discipline, or professional engagement certification (for example, IAP2), or equivalent experience A minimum of five years' experience in community engagement, stakeholder management and community development, ideally within the public sector or a large, complex organisation Demonstrated experience planning and delivering engagement programmes for large-scale projects, infrastructure, urban development or public sector initiatives Strong understanding of social cohesion principles, community dynamics and change management within diverse communities Proven ability to lead engagement activities of local, regional and/or national significance Strong stakeholder relationship management skills, with the ability to influence and build trust across a wide range of audiences Experience working with communities affected by change, redevelopment or regeneration programmes Experience leading community development initiatives, especially with ‘hard to engage’ communities Demonstrated ability to confidently engage with diverse communities and build meaningful partnerships Excellent communication, facilitation and negotiation skills, with a strategic and solutions-focused mindset Ability and credibility to represent the organisation with external stakeholders, community groups and project partners Demonstrated experience navigating challenging conversations, resolving conflict and balancing competing interests A current full clean New Zealand driver's licence As a Kāinga Ora - Homes and Communities employee, we want to make sure that you have all the tools and support you need. We want to ensure you are healthy and have work-life balance. We also want to support and grow your personal and career development through on-the-job learning, training courses, secondments and study opportunities. At Kāinga Ora, our mahi sits at the heart of Aotearoa’s housing system. Every day, we help shape how our customers live today and into the future. It’s meaningful mahi, and we’re transforming how we work so we can deliver even better outcomes. Our transformation focuses on three things: Our future – building a high performing organisation that delivers quality housing for generations. Our tenants – warm, dry, well-maintained homes and the right support to help people live well. Our people – simple processes, modern technology and opportunities to learn, grow and thrive. Guided by our values, we work together, put customers at the centre and continually challenge ourselves to be better. Kāinga Ora is a place where people feel valued and supported. You’ll find opportunities to grow your skills and build a career you’re proud of, with fair pay and flexible ways of working that support both our people and our customers. Our values were developed by us, for us. They unite us as an organisation and guide how we work every day. Our values are: We value diversity and are committed to working with each other and our customers in an inclusive and respectful way. We welcome applicants from all walks of life and appreciate the richness of experience that your point of difference brings to the organisation. #J-18808-Ljbffr