General Manager Communications & Ministerial Services | Wellington City

Job Description

Are you ready to be a trusted strategic adviser to the Secretary for Justice and the Strategic Leadership Team? 

Can you shape how one of New Zealand's largest public organisations engages with Ministers, the public, and the justice sector? 

Do you bring the judgement and leadership to manage reputation, risk, and public trust in a complex and high‑profile environment? 

If so, this is a rare opportunity to step into a pivotal senior leadership role at the heart of the Ministry's engagement with government, stakeholders, and the public. 

Te Haeata | The Opportunity 

As General Manager, Communications & Ministerial Services, you will provide strategic communications and ministerial advice to the Secretary for Justice and the Strategic Leadership Team, leading a high-performing function that supports trusted engagement, effective public positioning, and high-quality official correspondence across the Ministry. 

Reporting to the Deputy Secretary, Corporate Services, this is a pivotal leadership role within the Corporate Services group, with influence across the Ministry and with Ministers, the judiciary, and the wider justice sector.   

You will: 

• Provide strategic advice on communications, stakeholder engagement, and reputation management to senior leadership 

• Lead the Communications & Ministerial Services function, including internal and external communications, media, channels, and ministerial and official correspondence 

• Ensure high-quality, timely delivery of ministerial servicing, including OIA responses, Written Parliamentary Questions, and Ministerial correspondence 

• Shape and deliver communications strategies that support organisational priorities and public trust 

• Lead and embed change to strengthen capability, systems, and service delivery across the function 

• Work collegially across the senior management team to support delivery of Ministry priorities and manage issues and risks in a complex environment 

 Ō pūkenga | Skills and Experience 

We're looking for an experienced executive communications leader who can operate confidently at organisational and system level. You'll bring: 

• Senior leadership experience in large, complex organisations, including: 

• Leading communications, public affairs, and ministerial services functions at scale 

• Driving organisational change and lifting functional capability 

• Working as part of an executive leadership group with shared organisational goals 

• Strong strategic judgement in managing reputation, risk, and sensitive issues in high-profile environments 

• Proven ability to influence Ministers, senior leaders, and external stakeholders, and to operate effectively within the machinery of government 

• A track record of translating strategy into delivery, balancing competing priorities and operating under pressure 

• Experience building and leading high-performing, multidisciplinary teams 

• A sound understanding of the constitutional principles and legal processes underpinning New Zealand's justice system 

• The ability to build and maintain effective relationships across organisations and with a wide professional network 

Mō mātou | About us 

At Te Tāhū o te Ture - the Ministry of Justice, we're committed to strengthening people's trust in the law of Aotearoa, New Zealand. 

The Communications & Ministerial Services function sits within Corporate Services, enabling effective engagement with Ministers, stakeholders, and the public. It plays a critical role in supporting transparency, accountability, and trust through high-quality communications and ministerial servicing. 

Joining Te Tāhū o te Ture means you will become part of an organisation that welcomes and supports people of all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, disabilities and religions.  

Utu ā-tau | Salary 

The remuneration band for this role is $215,642 to $300,564 with the appointing salary based on skills and experience.

Tono mai | How to Apply 

If you are ready to make a meaningful impact in the justice system, we encourage you to apply. Click the Apply button to visit our Careers Website, view the full position description, and submit your CV and cover letter. 

Applications close on Sunday 24 May 2026, however, we will be reviewing CV's as they come in. 

If you have any questions or for a confidential discussion, please contact Graham.Lees@justice.govt.nz