Senior Advisor, External Relations

• Bring proven experience in media relations and strategic communications, and to a dynamic environment.
• Showcase your engagement skills to connect with stakeholders internally and externally.
• Fixed term till October 2026, based in Wellington Central.

Why Join Us
 

By joining us, you will be part of a team where meaningful work, collaboration and innovation come together to help keep New Zealand’s skies safe and secure.
 

At the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand, we are constantly evolving to meet the demands of a changing environment and the aviation industry.

Recent legislative changes, along with an organisational realignment, have opened exciting new opportunities across the Authority.  These changes are part of a broader effort to better position our teams for the future by enabling us to be more collaborative, efficient and effective in everything we do. 
 

As we step confidently into our role as a modern regulator, we are embracing intelligence-led, risk-based approaches that help us make a real difference for our people and the communities we serve – with a strong value-for-money ethos. We’re also committed to enabling aviation participants to support economic growth in New Zealand's aviation sector.
 

About the role
 

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is looking for a Senior Advisor, External Relations on a fixed term basis till October 2026 covering an internal secondment.

You will be instrumental in shaping and executing our media strategy, managing both proactive and reactive communications, and sharing responsibility for media liaison as part of a rotating after-hours roster. This includes providing strategic communication advice to the Chief Executive and Executive Leadership Team on reputational risks and sensitive issues.

As a trusted senior advisor, you'll help build the CAA's public narrative and ensure our engagement and messaging efforts align with our strategic goals.

You will play a key role in how we connect with stakeholders such as the aviation participants and industry, the general public and media during a dynamic and evolving period for the aviation sector.

From media activity and engagement to developing and driving a central stakeholder plan, your work will influence how the CAA is represented and understood externally.

The salary band for the Senior Advisor, External Relations starts at $115,536 to a maximum of $161,412. Starting salaries are be based on knowledge, skills and experience the successful candidate brings to the role, as well as internal relativities.

What You’ll Bring
 

• Strong background in media relations and crisis communication, with the ability to manage high-pressure situations calmly and effectively.
• Skill in developing and delivering tailored communication and engagement strategies, including public education campaigns for diverse audiences.
• A forward-thinking, strategic mindset to stakeholder engagement, with a flair for creative and practical solutions.
• Proven ability to build strong working relationships at all levels and provide exceptional service across internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including translating complex or technical content into clear, accessible language.
• Exposure to or an understanding of the public service and/ or aviation sectors desirable.

About Us
 

Our Values – Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Transparency, and Collaboration – represent the standards of behaviour we uphold and guide how we work at the Authority. We embrace diversity and are committed to providing an inclusive environment where our people feel respected, safe, and valued for their unique contributions. We recognise that our people drive our success.

Apply directly by completing the online application form and submit your CV and Cover Letter. Note: your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key skills required for this role.

We want to ensure accessibility needs are well supported, so the recruitment process is fair and equitable for all. Therefore, please let us know if there is any support, we can provide to ensure the recruitment process is fully accessible to you.

For more information on the role please view the position description or contact the Recruitment team at recruitment@caa.govt.nz

Applications close: 11:59pm on Tuesday 20 May 2025.