Principle Adviser City Activation - Fixed term, Wellington
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Wellington City Council

Principle Adviser City Activation - Fixed term

  • Posted Today
  • On Site
  • Full Time, Fixed Term Contract

Wellington

Job Description

Kia mahi ngātahi mō Pōneke mō tōna āpōpō | Working together for Wellington's future

We're looking for an experienced Principal Advisor to join the Activation, Arts & Economy team while one of our team members is on parental leave.

This fixed-term opportunity comes at an exciting time for the Council. The Activation, Arts & Economy team is a newly established business unit bringing together economic development, city activation, arts and culture functions in a new way. As Principal Advisor, you'll play a key role in helping shape how the team works, connects its portfolio, and delivers impact for Wellington. You'll thrive if you enjoy working in an environment that is evolving, fast-paced and full of opportunity.

You'll have the chance to work closely with senior leaders, collaborate with teams from across Council, and build relationships with organisations and communities that help make Wellington a vibrant and connected city.


Ngā Taipitopito Tūranga | Role details

As a senior member of the team, you'll help shape work that makes Wellington an even better place to live, work, visit and create. You'll bring people together, navigate complex issues, provide trusted advice, and help turn ideas into meaningful outcomes for our communities.


Key responsibilities include:

  • Help establish and embed ways of working, strategic priorities and business practices within a newly formed business unit.
  • Bring a systems view to identifying opportunities across economic development, arts, culture and city activation and help connect work across the portfolio.
  • Support leaders and teams to navigate ambiguity, establish new approaches and build a strong foundation for long-term success.
  • Providing high-quality strategic advice on complex and emerging issues.
  • Leading significant projects, programmes and initiatives that support Council priorities.
  • Building strong relationships across Council and with key external stakeholders.
  • Supporting decision-making through analysis, insight and evidence-based recommendations.
  • Contributing to planning, governance, reporting and performance activities.
  • Identifying opportunities for continuous improvement and helping drive organisational excellence.


Ngā tohu me ngā wheako | Qualifications and experience

We're keen to hear from people who bring:

  • Significant experience in a senior advisory, strategy, policy or programme leadership role.
  • The ability to provide trusted advice and influence at a senior level
  • Experience operating in evolving environments, helping establish new teams, programmes or ways of working would be an advantage
  • Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
  • Sound judgement and the ability to work confidently in complex and at times ambiguous environments.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Experience leading work programmes and delivering outcomes through others.
  • Knowledge of local government, economic development, city activation, arts and culture, or related sectors would be highly desirable.


Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

This is a great opportunity to broaden your experience, strengthen your strategic advisory capability, and contribute to work that has a visible impact on Wellington's future in a newly formed business group.

You'll join a collaborative and passionate team that works across a wide range of interesting projects and initiatives.  You'll have the chance to help shape priorities, influence how the team works, and contribute to building a strong foundation for the future. If you're energised by creating, improving and connecting, you'll find plenty of opportunity to make your mark.


Diversity:

We want your application to enable you to portray the real you. Skills are gained across many areas of our life, not just formal employment.  If you can demonstrate the skills listed in the advert through whānau life, community or mahi aroha (volunteering) we encourage you to apply and share your story with us in your cover letter.

We welcome applications from all people and like our workforce to reflect the diverse communities we serve.


Accessibility Support:

We want to make sure any accessibility requirements you may have, are well supported so the selection process is equitable for everyone. Please let us know if there are any adjustments or support, we can offer to make our process more accessible to you by emailing: recruitment@wcc.govt.nz


Applications close 19 October 2026, Please note that we may engage with applicants prior to the vacancy closing and/or close applications ahead of this date, so we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.


All applications must be submitted online and must have the right to work in New Zealand – we will not accept emailed applications.

All employees must undergo a Criminal Conviction Check, the results of which will be held on your employee file if employed.

Desired Hard Skills

  • Stakeholder Engagement
  • Policy Development
  • Programme Leadership
  • Relationship Management
  • Strategic Advice

Desired Soft Skills

  • Collaboration
  • Judgement
  • Communication
  • Adaptability
  • Influencing

Benefits & Perks

Culture

  • 🤱 Extended Parental Leave
  • 🏛 Fully Paid Jury Service
  • 🏘 Work from Home
  • 🧕 Inclusive Workspace
  • ❤ Care and Appreciation
  • ⚖ Work-Life Balance Support
  • 🧠 Mental Health Workshops
  • 💚 Counselling Services
  • 💪 Physical Health Workshops
  • 🌿 Wellness Program
  • 🏥 Subsidised Health Insurance
  • 📈 Professional Development
  • 🏎 Competitive Salary
  • 🎉 Employee Discounts and Rewards
  • 🎖 Long Service Rewards
  • 💻 Company Supplied Technology
  • ⏰ Flexible Work
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  • 🧠 Neurodiverse
  • 💰 Wage Equality
  • 🏃 Women Leadership
  • 👩 Woman CEO
  • 💸 Living Wage
  • 🤝 Unionisation
  • 🙌 Community Focused
  • 🌐 INZ Accredited Employer
View All

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