Job Description

Te Papa is searching for an Internal Communications Lead who is energised by meaningful work, trusted relationships, and the opportunity to enhance the communications approach of one of Aotearoa's most iconic institutions.

The Purpose of Your Role

As Te Papa's sole internal communications role, you will work closely with the Tumu Whakarae/Chief Executive, Kaihautū, and leaders across the organisation to enhance Te Papa's internal communications approach, and deliver clear, consistent, strategically aligned communications.

You will achieve this by developing internal communications strategies and channels, building strong relationships, and supporting managers to deliver communications plans and audience-appropriate messaging that connect Te Papa's people with organisational priorities.

Along with leading internal communications, you will be responsible for proactively managing reputational risk through preparing and coordinating proactive external communications for sensitive, time-critical, and crisis situations, and building and maintaining positive working relationships with media and key external stakeholders.

What You Will Bring

As an experienced senior practitioner, you will bring sound judgement with the confidence and credibility to provide trusted strategic advice to senior leaders, and work across multiple stakeholders to deliver coordinated communications.

Your approach will reflect manaakitanga, build whanaungatanga, and encourage auahatanga - ensuring our people feel informed, supported and connected.

You will also bring:

• Extensive internal communications experience in medium-sized organisations, ideally with Crown entity experience.
• Experience managing sensitive external communications, including issues and crisis situations.
• Strong capability in supporting and coaching leaders with communications relating to organisational priorities, staff engagement and change initiatives
• Exceptional writing and editing skills, including an aptitude for translating complex and sensitive information for broad audiences
• A demonstrated respect for and valuing of cultural knowledge, skills and experiences in the application of tikanga Māori, te reo Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• Adaptability and composure when navigating ambiguity, change and competing demands
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and work effectively with senior leaders.

What We Offer

• A supportive, values‑driven team environment
• A workplace deeply committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• Comprehensive benefits including onsite Kindergarten, subsidised parking, café and store discounts, and free entry to paid exhibitions
• A role where your expertise directly shapes leadership performance and organisational outcomes

This is a full-time role (40 hours per week) based at Te Papa Tongarewa, Cable Street, Wellington. Salary range: $111,510 – $139,387, depending on experience and internal relativities. 

Applications close: Wednesday 14 October 2026

If you have any questions about the position, please email recruitment@tepapa.govt.nz

Applicants must have the legal right to work in Aotearoa New Zealand. Pre‑employment checks will be undertaken.