Communications Support Officer

Communications Support Officer
Buller District Council | Westport, New Zealand
Permanent | Full Time | 32 Hours per week

Join the Buller District Council Team! | Hono atu ki te roopu Kaunihera a rohe o Buller!
Are you a strong communicator with a talent for crafting clear messages, supporting community engagement, and keeping information flowing smoothly? Join our Communication and Engagement Team and help us strengthen the connection between Council and our community.

Who are we? | Ko wai tatou?
At Buller District Council, we are a dedicated, customer-focused team committed to maintaining the beauty of our region - from Karamea to Punakaiki and inland to the environs of Reefton. This is your unique opportunity to step into the wilderness and make a tangible difference in the Buller District. If you possess the expertise and a proactive attitude to deliver exceptional service to our community, we’d love to hear from you!

Why Join Us? | He aha te hono mai ki a mātau?

Thrive in a values-driven workplace that celebrates diversity, inclusion, and professional development through various learning opportunities, benefits, and recognition.

• Southern Cross Health Insurance

• Work in a scenic district with a great lifestyle balance.

• Be part of a collaborative and supportive team with a high focus on wellbeing
  

What Will You Do? | Ka aha koe?
As our Communications Support Officer, you’ll play a key part in delivering Council’s communications, media, engagement, and consultation activities. Your work will help ensure our community is informed, involved, and confident in the work we do.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Assisting with developing and delivering communications across digital, print, and face‑to‑face channels

• Drafting and updating website content, media releases, newsletters, and social media posts

• Keeping communication materials accurate and up to date

• Supporting responses to media enquiries and helping staff prepare information across a range of channels

• Assisting with community engagement activities, including education, outreach, consultations, hearings, and information sessions

• Helping collect, process, and coordinate community feedback and consultation data

• Supporting positive community–Council relationships through transparent, proactive communication

• Maintaining accurate records and registers for media enquiries, communications activity, and consultations

• Assisting with advertising bookings and invoice processing

• Keeping media and communication registers current and well- managed

• Contributing to internal communications and improvements to internal channels, including the intranet

• Supporting internal staff engagement activities as required

Who Are You? | Ko wai koe?
We are looking for someone with:

Essential:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• The ability to manage multiple tasks and work both independently and as part of a team

• Strong organisational and time management skills

• Commitment to positive community outcomes

• The ability to communicate clearly across different platforms and audiences

• NCEA Level 3 or equivalent experience, or experience in communications, administration, media, or customer engagement
  

Desirable:

• Experience in communications, marketing, design, or journalism

• Experience creating content for social media

• Graphic design skills or familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite (especially InDesign)

• Training or qualifications in communications, journalism, marketing, public relations, media, or digital communication
  
  

If you're ready to make a significant impact and work in a supportive, forward-thinking environment, we’d love to hear from you!

Please find the position description here: https://tinyurl.com/y9jsf3fv

All applications are required to be accompanied by a cover letter and a copy of your current Curriculum Vitae.
Any enquiries about this role please email: bdc.hr@bdc.govt.nz

Applications close: Friday, 19 June 2026