Communications Business Partner

Company Description

Ko wai mātou - About us:

Hato Hone St John has been serving New Zealanders since 1885. Today, we have nearly 12,000 kaimahi working across Aotearoa to enhance the health and wellbeing of our communities. From responding to 111 calls to supporting people to stay healthy through health education, access and monitoring, we are make life-changing differences every day.

Job Description

He aha te tūranga - About the role:  

We’re looking for an experienced Communications Business Partner to join our team support the Māori Health & Engagement and Strategy & Executive Operations directorates.

Fluency in Te Reo Māori is highly desired, as is the ability to provide culturally grounded advice and communications.

This is a varied and influential role where you'll partner with senior leaders to deliver high-quality communications that support organisational priorities, strengthen engagement with key stakeholders, and contribute to positive outcomes for communities across Aotearoa.

As a trusted advisor, you'll lead the planning and delivery of integrated communications and public affairs activity, ensuring communications are aligned, effective, culturally responsive, and audience-focused. You'll work across a diverse portfolio, supporting strategic organisational initiatives while also helping advance Māori health aspirations and equity outcomes.

Success in this role will require the ability to move comfortably between strategic, corporate and operational communications, while bringing a strong understanding of te ao Māori and a commitment to supporting meaningful engagement with Māori stakeholders.

Key accountabilities:

• Partner with senior leaders to plan and deliver strategic communications aligned to organisational priorities.
• Develop and implement integrated communications strategies that support directorate business plans, key initiatives, and change programmes.
• Proactively identify and maximise communications opportunities, ensuring alignment with organisational messaging, priorities, and external narratives.
• Lead internal and external communications activity for your portfolios, including media relations and public affairs.
• Produce high-quality content for a range of channels, including but not limited to: media releases, speeches, op-eds, Q&As, web content, case studies, and social media.
• Provide expert advice on messaging, issues management, and communications risks.
• Build and maintain strong media relationships and proactively identify media opportunities.
• Support crisis communications readiness and contribute to effective response planning.
• Ensure communications are audience-led, insight-driven, and delivered through the most effective channels and approaches.

Qualifications

Ko wai koe - About you:

You’ll be a confident communicator with strong strategic thinking skills and the ability to influence at a senior level. You’ll bring:

• Fluency in te reo Māori (highly desired).
• Strong understanding of te ao Māori, tikanga, and culturally responsive communications.
• Strong networks within Māori broadcasting and social media platforms.
• Experience providing advice that reflects equity and Māori health perspectives.
• Proven experience in managing integrated communications in medium to large organisations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information into compelling content.
• Experience working closely with senior leaders and stakeholders at all levels, demonstrating strong relationship management, influencing skills, and effective listening.
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach with sound judgement under pressure.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes.

Additional Information

Me pēhea te tuku tono - How to apply

Click “I’m interested” before applications close on Sunday 30th August.  

For further information please contact Lindsey Frankland via 027 309 8372 or lindsey.frankland@stjohn.org.nz for a confidential discussion.  

At Hato Hone St John, we embrace diversity, welcoming everyone to bring their authentic selves to work. We value unique perspectives, fostering inclusivity to better serve our communities, and we’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone belongs.

E pōhiritia nei e mātou, te whānau o Hato Hone St John, ngā rereketanga o ia tāngata ki te haramai. E āwhinatia e mātou i ngā whakaaro rereke, kia mahi pai i roto i ngā hāpori katoa. Ko ta mātou nei haepapa, kia hangaia tātahi āhuru mōwai mā tātou, kia mahi haumaru ai.

If you need accommodations for accessibility, please reach out to the recruiter listed for equitable participation in our recruitment process.

Research shows that women and people from under-represented groups are less likely to apply for roles when their experience doesn’t match the job description perfectly. If you’re excited and think you have what it takes, we want to hear from you! Even if your experience doesn’t align 100%. Please apply or contact the recruitment advisor listed on the advertisement for a kōrero.