Communications Specialist

We're looking for a talented Communications Specialist to work closely with the Chapter Lead (Senior Manager) Communications to shape and deliver Air New Zealand's communications strategy, protect and enhance its corporate reputation and drive positive sentiment through the engagement of our people, customers and general public through the media. 

The ideal candidate will have a can-do attitude, the ability to work and thrive in a fast-paced environment, and be able to have a laugh along the way. You'll be a self-starter with a proven ability to create compelling narratives that support the achievement of business objectives, and provide expert communications advice, management and support across all levels of the business.

Key Outputs

• Develop and deliver compelling and relevant stories from across the business that showcase Air New Zealand's values, drive engagement of our employees and customers, and support the airline’s communications strategy.
• Build and maintain constructive relationships with internal and external stakeholders including media to protect and enhance the airline's corporate reputation and sustain ongoing customer and employee confidence.
• Respond to media enquiries to effectively manage potentially negative reputational issues and amplify positive news.
• Provide advice and support to Executive and senior leadership on internal and external communications, employee and customer engagement strategies, and lead the communications elements of major change projects to ensure employees, customers and the public are informed and engaged.
• Develop and maintain effective networks within the business to identify positive story ideas and proactively manage issues.
• Work as part of a high performing team to build capabilities and preparedness to respond to an operational crisis, and in the event of a crisis ensure appropriate information is deployed accurately and effectively both externally and internally.
• Be a champion for excellence across all internal and external communication channels, working collaboratively across the organisation to ensure alignment of messaging.
• Incorporate Air New Zealand's values into all elements of the role:
  • Welcome as a friend: Extending manaaki as if it’s your home. Treating people with warmth and respect. Making everyone feel part of our whanau.
  • Be yourself: Letting your best self shine. Celebrating our differences. Creating an environment where everyone can be at their best.
  • Can do: Taking initiative, being accountable and making things happen safely. Putting people at the heart of what we do. Working together to get inventive and solve problems.
  • Share your Aotearoa: Celebrating and showcasing all that makes New Zealand unique. Taking care of the environment around us. Supporting local and inspiring travel.

Work Experience

• An adept storyteller with considerable experience delivering informative, engaging and compelling communications to support business objectives.
• Experience in communications or public relations at a mid-senior level in a large, complex organisation or agency.

Education

• A tertiary qualification in journalism, communications, public relations or similar.

Skills

• A can-do attitude with the ability and desire to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Commercial acumen.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, able to articulate views crisply and convincingly. Able to demonstrate the importance and value to the business of getting communications right.
• A clear understanding of relevant technologies and media channels including social media.
• Sound understanding of New Zealand media landscape and extensive network of contacts.
• High level of interpersonal aptitude to build strong working relationships and influence others.

If you have a positive, strategic and problem-solving attitude with the ability to develop and deliver compelling stories in a large, complex and iconic business, apply now! 

**Please note this job closes on 3rd December 2024. While we will deliver an outcome to every applicant, due to the high volume of applications we will only organise conversations with shortlisted candidates.

At Air New Zealand, we are proudly committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and believe in creating a truly inclusive workplace where everyone can be themselves and thrive. Our people are our greatest asset – because while everything else we do in our operation can be replicated by our competitors, it is our people that truly set us apart. We are firm believers in celebrating the differences and diversity of thought our people bring to their roles. We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds, including those with a disability, additional health and mental health needs, and/or are neurodiverse to apply for our roles.

If you have encountered any accessibility barriers and require further information or reasonable accommodations to our recruitment process, please reach out to the recruiter listed on this job advert so they are able to support you to freely participate equitably in our recruitment and selection process.

Whāia te pae tawhiti kia tata. Ko te pae tata whakamaua, kia tina.

"Seek to bring distant horizons closer. Once near, seize them and make them your reality."