Senior Advisor, External Relations Projects - Fixed Term

• Bring your extensive public-sector experience delivering large, high-profile projects.
• Use your engagement and communication expertise to connect with stakeholders across government, industry, and the public.
• 2-year fixed term role, based in Wellington.

Why Join Us

At the Civil Aviation Authority, we don’t just keep New Zealand’s skies safe and secure, we help shape the future of aviation.

As the industry evolves, so do we, through innovative technology, new ways of working, and a team of people who are passionate about what they do. 

With a new strategy to support this, we’ve got clarity on CAA’s long-term vision, where we will focus our effort, and the positive impacts we want to make through the delivery of our safety and security activities. 

Part of this is a work programme to update the Civil Aviation Rules — an important step in keeping New Zealand’s aviation system safe, efficient, and fit for the future. Now’s the time to get on board and help us ensure that the rules remain responsive to technological change, evolving industry needs, and international standards. 

If you're ready to grow your career while helping keep one of New Zealand’s most vital sectors safe and secure, this is your opportunity.

About the Role

We are seeking a Senior Advisor, External Relations Projects for a 2-year fixed term contract.

In this role, you'll be supporting one of the CAA’s most high-profile programmes, alongside other key pieces of work. Your contributions will help shape how the programme is communicated and understood across the public service, industry, and media. 

This includes building the narrative around this significant change and ensuring engagement efforts are tightly aligned with strategic goals. From high-visibility media activity to creating and implementing central stakeholder plans, your work will directly influence how the CAA and the programme is represented and received externally.

You’ll also be the lead on other key initiatives focused on improving the efficiency and timeliness in our certification and security screening functions so we’re looking for someone agile and comfortable with balancing priorities.  

The salary range for this role is $115 536, to the top step of $141 751 . The starting salary will be dependent on your skills and experience and will take into account internal relativities within the team.

What You’ll Bring

• Extensive experience working on large, complex, and high-profile projects within the public service sector.
• A strong background in communication and media relations, working at a senior level and able to hit the ground running.
• Demonstrated skill in designing and delivering tailored communication and engagement strategies for diverse audiences, including large-scale public information initiatives.
• A strategic, forward-thinking approach to stakeholder engagement, with the ability to identify risks, opportunities, and innovative solutions.
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships at all levels—across government, industry, and internal teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate technical or complex information into clear, accessible messages.
• Experience with or exposure to the aviation sector is an advantage but not essential.

About Us

Our values—Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Transparency, and Collaboration—guide our work and reflect the behaviours we expect from our people. We are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and supportive environment where everyone feels respected, safe, and valued. Our people are central to our success.

To apply, please complete the online application form and submit your CV and Cover Letter. Your cover letter will play a key role in our assessment—please highlight how your experience aligns with the high-profile, public-sector project work this role demands.

We are committed to accessibility and ensuring a fair, equitable recruitment process. Please let us know if you require any support or adjustments.

For more information, please refer to the position description. For any questions, please contact Patrice Wilkin on recruitment@caa.govt.nz.

Applications close on Sunday 07 December 2025.