POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position:Senior Advisor Events and Communications

Location:National Office

Business Unit:National Communications

Group:Corporate Solutions

Reporting to:Manager Corporate Affairs

Issue Date:May 2017

Delegated Authority:Nil

Staff Responsibility:Nil

Our Role

The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) is the lead agency for the social sector. We help the Government to set priorities across the sector, co-ordinate the actions of other social sector agencies and track changes in the social wellbeing of New Zealanders.

The Ministry provides policy advice, and delivers social services and assistance to working age people, older people, and families, whānau and communities. We work directly with New Zealanders of all ages to improve their social wellbeing.

We serve over a million people, working out of centres all around the country. It is likely that every New Zealander will come into contact with the Ministry at some point in their life.

Our work, together with our social sector partners, is essential to achieving a sustainable and prosperous future, where all New Zealanders are able to take responsibility for themselves, be successful in their lives and participate in their communities.

Our Principles

MSD People:All own what we all do : Take responsibility for what we do : Understand our role in the big picture, who can help us and who we can help : Navigate through ambiguity and the opportunity it brings to create better ways of doing things : Act with integrity courage and transparency : Celebrate our achievements and those of our clients.

Above all, we help New Zealanders to help themselves to be safe, strong and independent.

PositionDescriptionApprovedBy:

______
General Manager, National Communications
Date: ……/……/……
Business Unit:
The National Communications unit sits within the Corporate Solutions group and includes the Public Affairs, Corporate Affairs and Publishing Solutions teams. The unit is responsible for the provision of communications support for new initiatives and on-going operations through the development and management of communications plans, strategies and projects.The unit provides intellectual and strategic leadership for various initiatives or issues and where cross collaboration is required. This team provides high-level specialist expertise, skills and knowledge in leading projects and providing sound advice to complex issues. This team is also accountable for the communications, media, issues and risk strategy and programmes. Strategic communications advice is sourced and supported from the National Communications to the Chief Executive and all Deputy CEs.
Dedicated communications advisors work within MSD business groups to provide communications support for new initiatives and ongoing operations, and to provide the delivery of core services to clients. These roles liaise with National Communications to ensure appropriate alignment with MSD communications
Corporate AffairsTeam
The communication function is focused on supporting a whole of Ministry approach to communications, the provision of effective communications services through an account management framework to support all MSD wide functions (less Work & Income) and lead the development of effective internal communications processes to promote leadership and build staff engagement. The communications support function also provides support to corporate events/conferences, and communications for the Chief Executive and members of the Leadership Team.
Purpose of the Position:
Events
The Senior Advisor Events and Communicationshelps the Ministry takes a strategic approach to the programme of key internal and external stakeholder events. The position is responsible for leading the planning, delivery and evaluation of events, including onsite management for key internal and external stakeholder events.
The Senior Advisor Events and Communications will also work as part of an effective National Communications Team.
Communications
To provide expert advice and professional support in the areas of Corporate Communications. The Senior Advisor will:
  • Assist in the delivery of significant communication programmes;
  • Plan, develop and implement plans and frameworks for communication activities;
  • Work with MSD communications teams to develop and implement communication strategies, including advising on resolution of communication issues
  • Monitor and analyse the effectiveness of communication programmes, services and initiatives.
It is expected that the Senior Advisor’s account portfolio will include key Ministry’s internal and external stakeholders and service suppliers and they will be assigned projects requiring professional communications support.
Working Relationships
Internal:
  • Chief Executive and Leadership Team
  • National Communications
  • Members of MSD’sother communications teams
  • National Office Managers
  • Regional Commissioners and their staff
  • Other Ministry staff
External:
  • Government Press Secretaries
  • External Agencies
  • Suppliers
  • Ministers and their staff
  • Service providers

Key Accountabilities:

Key Result Area / Accountabilities
Strategic Development /
  • Support the Corporate Affairs Manager and General Manager in the implementation of the overall Ministry communication strategy by:
  • Providing input based on experience, knowledge and expertise
  • Assisting in the review of communication policies and practices by ensuring alignment with Ministry’s goals and principles
  • Evaluating and advising on the impact of proposed initiatives and campaigns
  • Offer a consultancy service to key internal clients who regularly require assistance with events,egother business units and the Chief Executive’s Office

Consultancy Services / Provide communication consultancy services by:
  • Proactively identifying internal communications opportunities and providing strategic and tactical advice and guidance
  • Providing strategic development planning, senior strategic counsel and identification of tactical requirements
  • Providing advice on communications issues, trends and strategic direction
  • Identifying risks and developing mitigation strategies
  • Ensuring communications associated with individual project and initiatives are aligned with the overall communication strategy

Projects / Support the management of key communication projects by:
  • Providing project support, including project scoping and planning, stakeholder engagement and project reporting
  • Providing advice to communication projects initiated in other Business Units
  • Ensuring consistency in standards across all MSD communication projects

Event Management /
  • Represent the National Communications Team as an effective strategic resource, liaising with colleagues to ensure a comprehensive communications support service
  • Ensure events meet the broader social development message, but that they are tailored to meet the needs of the particular audience
  • Manage risks associated with key internal and external stakeholder events
  • Ensure appropriate onsite management for key internal and external stakeholder events
  • Commission collateral with the Publishing SolutionsTeam, to support events
  • Identify a suite of suitable venues around the country, including the development of contracts for services according to the established policies, processes and procedures within the Ministry
  • Manage and administer budgets delegated for events

Relationship Management / Establish effective and trusted working relationship with key internal and external stakeholders
  • Actively engaging, understanding and anticipating stakeholder needs
  • Keeping stakeholders updated on project progress and discuss potential issues with them
  • Representing the Ministry with external organisations and stakeholders on government-wide communication issues
  • Develop and implement plans to maintain effective working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders
  • Establish strong working relationships across the Ministry, offering strategic consultancy on how to deliver effective events
  • Represent the Ministry to build the profile and reputation of the Ministry and its services
  • Establish and maintain a positive working relationship with peers, and the wider Ministry

Teamwork /
  • Contribute positively to the work of the National Communications Team
  • Share information and ideas with the team
  • Provide timely and accurate advice to the Manager Corporate Affairs and the General Manager Communications

Financial Management /
  • Manage budgets and contracts for services according to the established policies, processes and procedures within the Ministry

Technical/Professional Knowledge and Experience
  • Proven record in the Communications/Public Relations industry
  • Experience in working in a consultancy capacity
  • Extensive event management experience required
  • Expertise in communication best practice and an up-to-date knowledge of communications tools and techniques
  • Excellent writing and editing skills
  • Experience in landing large communication initiatives
  • A sophisticated understanding of organisational objectives, internal and external relationships
  • A knowledge of the State Sector operating environment
  • Excellent interpersonal, relationship management and presentation skills
  • Well developed analytical and interpretative skills
  • Proven experience in managing communications projects
  • Experience in the government or corporate environment required
  • A proven record in establishing and maintaining relationships with both internal and external stakeholders
  • An appropriate relevant tertiary qualification in communications, marketing and/or event management or a sound level of relevant practical experience required
Attributes/Success Factors
  • Client focused – anticipating needs and ensuring client satisfaction
  • Ability with senior executives and business managers
  • Demonstrated ability to quickly build trust, rapport and credibility, and manage relationships at all levels
  • Effectively establish and maintain relationships
  • Can prioritise and plan a varied workload and meet competing demands
  • Ability to deliver measurable results and demonstrate constant improvement
  • Keeps abreast of new technological developments and incorporates learning into work
  • Strong environmental awareness- takes into account the environment in which the Ministry operates, and applies that understanding in their work programme.
  • Effective persuasion and influencing skills- able to communicate the intended viewpoints to an audience, able to convince others to accept viewpoint.
  • Excellent relationship management skills – able to manage relationships at all levels, highly effective in establishing, building and maintaining relationships with individuals, groups or agencies external to the organisation.
  • Make clear and astute decisions about issues and risks, and escalate decisions where appropriate, with clear recommendations.
  • Excellent attention to detail- ability to produce quality outputs at a rapid rate whilst maintaining accuracy.
  • Exercises sound judgement and political sensitivity
  • An excellent organisational ability
  • The ability to work collaboratively across both internal and external clients delivering a high level of results to all
  • Is professional in attitudes, image and performance
  • Prioritises and plans a diverse work programme
Other Requirements
  • Willing to work outside normal work hours
  • Willing to travel to fulfil job requirements

Senior Advisor Events and Communications / 1