Head of Communications and Marketing

Ready to shape the voice of one of Aotearoa’s most trusted organisations?

At Whānau Āwhina Plunket, we support the health and wellbeing of over 80% of pēpē across Aotearoa. We’re on a bold pro-equity journey and we’re looking for a strategic, people-focused leader to take our communications and marketing to the next level.This is a negotiable full time permanent role, ideally based in Wellington, Christchurch or Auckland. 

TeWhiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

As Head of Communications and Marketing, you’ll lead the strategy, direction, and delivery of all communications, marketing, and digital channels activity across the organisation.

This is a true leadership role - part strategist, part storyteller, part trusted advisor, and part guardian of our reputation. You’ll partner closely with the Chief Executive, ELT, and senior leaders to shape how we communicate internally and externally, strengthen our public profile, support key organisational priorities, and provide trusted advice on stakeholder, media and reputational matters.

You’ll lead a high-performing team, set clear direction, and ensure everything we do is aligned, audience-focused, impactful, and grounded in our kaupapa. You’ll also oversee our digital channels, including website and intranet content, to ensure our communications are clear, consistent, accessible, and effective.

He kōrero mōu | About you

You’re a confident, values-led leader who combine strategic thinking with strong delivery.

You bring clarity, sound judgement, and calm – especially when issues are sensitive, complex, or fast moving. You’re comfortable advising senior leaders, shaping communication approaches, leading through ambiguity, and making smart, strategic calls that balance risk, opportunity and organisational priorities.

You know how to build strong relationships, lead and grow people, and bring together communications, marketing and digital channel activity into one clear and cohesive direction. You care about equity, understand the importance of culturally grounded practice, and want your work to make a real difference for tamariki and whānau.

Ngāpūkenga me tōhunga Motuhake | Skills and Qualifications

• Significant senior leadership experience in communications, marketing, public relations, journalism, or related fields 
  

• Proven and demonstrated leadership of high-performing teams 
  

• Strong strategic thinking with the ability to turn ideas into action 
  

• Experience advising at executive level on communications, reputation, and risk 
  

• Expertise across brand, media, digital, and stakeholder engagement 
  

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 
  

• Confidence using data and insights to drive decisions 
  

• Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, health equity and culturally grounded practice
  

• Relevant tertiary qualification (preferred) 

  
  

Ngāhua mahi o Te Whānau Āwhina | What we offer

• A collaborative senior leadership environment where your voice matters 
  

• The opportunity to lead meaningful work that supports tamariki, whānau and communities
  

• Flexible working and a focus on wellbeing 
  

• Various wellbeing schemes such as two Wellbeing days: use one of your sick leave days to proactively protect your well being
  

• In line with our ongoing goal to support our kaimahi to thrive in a culturally safe environment, we have multiple community of interests for kaimahi Māori, Pasifika, Asian and more. To support your growth in practice, we have dedicated space and time where our Kaimahi Māori gather quarterly by region and nationally once a year.

   

Me pēheatetukutono | How to apply

Applications must be made online and close 21st April 2026.For specific questions about the mahi, please reach out to hr@plunket.org.nz

Please note, we will process applications as they are received. If we find a successful candidate, we reserve the right to close this advert early.

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