Communications and Engagement Coordinator

• Full Time
• Application Closes 08 May 2026
• Manawatu - Horowhenua
• Office and Administrative Support Worker

 We are looking for a Communications and Engagement Coordinator to join our team and help shape how Council connects with the Horowhenua community - bringing clarity, consistency and creativity to the way we communicate what we do and why it matters. 

 Mō tēnei tūranga || About the role

This is a hands-on, delivery-focused role where no two days are the same. You will support clear, timely and audience-focused communications and engagement across a wide range of Council activity - from everyday service updates to initiatives that help shape the future of our district.

Working closely with the Strategic Communications Manager and a supportive team, you’ll coordinate day-to-day activity and keep our workflows, approvals and channels running smoothly. You’ll enjoy being involved, switching between tasks, and helping turn complex, technical (and sometimes sensitive) information into plain-English content people can understand and act on. 

 Ngā mahi ka mahia e koe || What you will be doing

• Coordinating day-to-day communications and engagement activity across Council portfolios, helping ensure work is delivered on time and to a high standard
• Supporting the development and delivery of content including website updates, social media posts, newsletters/EDMs, media materials, signage and engagement resources
• Translating technical or operational information into clear, accessible content for different audiences
• Assisting with engagement activity - including public meetings, workshops, events and pop-ups - from planning through to delivery and follow-up
• Managing workflow, approvals, records, reporting and financial processing that keep the team running smoothly
• Updating and maintaining communications channels, calendars, templates and systems
• Supporting media responses and reactive communications when required
• Working collaboratively with internal teams, iwi and hapū, and key stakeholders to support end-to-end communications and engagement activity
• Contributing ideas and continuous-improvement initiatives that help lift how the team operates and how Council shows up for the community

 Te āhua o te angitū || What success looks like

• Communications and engagement activity is well coordinated, accurate and delivered on time
• Content is clear, consistent and audience-focused
• Internal stakeholders experience the team as responsive, organised and easy to work with
• Competing priorities are managed calmly and professionally
• Systems, processes and ways of working are continuously improved
• You are building confidence, capability and momentum in your communications and engagement practice

Mōu || About you

You will bring:

• A relevant tertiary qualification in communications, marketing, journalism or a related field - or equivalent experience
• Experience in communications, engagement or marketing roles (experience in local/central government or a complex public-facing environment is a bonus)
• Strong writing and editing skills, with an audience-first mindset and the ability to translate complex information into plain-English messages
• Confidence working with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders
• Sound knowledge of digital and media channels and tools (including social media and website content management and/or scheduling/monitoring tools)
• Great organisation skills and the ability to juggle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• A positive, adaptable approach, curiosity, and willingness to learn
• An understanding of (or willingness to grow confidence in) Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application in a local government context

 He aha ai koe ka hono mai ki a mātou || Why join us

At Horowhenua District Council, you will do work that matters - work that helps people understand, engage and participate in their community. You will be supported to grow, encouraged to contribute ideas, and trusted to take ownership of your work.

 Tonoa ināianei || Apply now

If you are organised, creative, and keen to build your career in communications and engagement, we would love to hear from you.

For more information, please see the full job description or contact Strategic Communications Manager, Lisa Campbell at lisaca@horowhenua.govt.nz or call 0274817773.