Manager, Communications and Engagement

Help shape the future of education in New Zealand


Help shape the future of Education

We work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes

Our organisation is made up of talented and committed people around Aotearoa, from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. While we work in different groups and on different things, we all strive every day to make the biggest difference we can for our students in our education system.

About this role | Mo tenei turanga

This is a newly established full-time permanent position based in Wellington.

The Government has announced the establishment of the New Zealand School Property Agency (NZSPA)-a new Crown Agent expected to be implemented in 2026 (subject to legislation). This new role will lead the creation of a modern communications and engagement function as school property transitions to NZSPA.

As the Manager Communications and Engagement, you will:

establish NZSPA's communications, engagement and channels from the ground up
shape the organisation's brand, narrative and public positioning
lead integrated communication planning across 600+ staff and 2,500 schools
provide trusted advice to the Chief Executive, Executive Leadership Team and Board
manage risk, reputation and emergency communications for high profile issues
ensure clear, consistent and customer focused communication across the system
Salary range: $142,856 - $214,284 per annum + 3% kiwi saver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.

For more details about the role, you can view the Job Description here Manager Communications and Engagement

About you | Mohou ake

You will bring strong experience in strategic communications, engagement or public relations and demonstrate all of the following:


experience advising senior leaders, Ministers or Boards in high stakes environments
strong political awareness and excellent judgement under pressure
experience managing risk, reputation and crisis response
the ability to build trusted relationships across diverse stakeholders
experience leading high performing communications and engagement teams
experience designing systems, channels or frameworks for improving communication
the ability and willingness to meet the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct
The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.
You'll join a supportive, collaborative team committed to delivering excellent, customer centred service to schools during a significant period of change.

About our group and team | Matau ropu ake

The School Property group manages one of the largest property portfolios in Aotearoa New Zealand, composed of over 2,100 primary and secondary state schools and over 8,000 hectares of land with a carrying value of $33.5 billion. Our team is responsible for the portfolio, including school engagement, asset management, capital works delivery, investment planning and portfolio management.

We have a responsibility to invest in property solutions that demonstrate value for money while still delivering the right outcome for our schools and kura. Demand for new or improved school property across the country is high, and the way we meet these needs is to do so more efficiently. We have set financial and timeliness targets for our programme, and we're looking to improve our planning and delivery, as well as working proactively and collaboratively with schools and the construction sector. This will ensure that our property projects deliver value and are part of an affordable and deliverable programme of works.

The School Property group is led by a Functional Chief Executive for School Property, who reports directly to the Minister for Education. In July 2025 the Government announced it will establish a Crown agent to manage school property, to be called the New Zealand School Property Agency (NZSPA). Implementation of the NZSPA is expected in 2026, subject to the legislation being passed.

With the establishment of the New Zealand School Property Agency (NZSPA), this role will help shape how a new organisation communicates with schools, the construction sector, Ministers and the public.

Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mo tenei mahi?

If this opportunity interests you, please submit your cover letter and resume by using the `apply' button. In your cover letter we'd like to know about you, your values, or anything else you'd like to share. We're keen to understand your motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the diverse perspectives you will bring to the role.

For further information, please contact Trent Witton, GM School Property Enablement at trent.witton@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight Friday 6 March 2026

We want our people to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.