Candidate Brief Invercargill City Council - Communications Manager
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Candidate Brief
Invercargill City Council – Communications Manager
February 2021
The information contained in the Candidate Brief is to assist candidates in their evaluation of the suitability of the advertised role.
Decipher Group Limited accepts no liability for information provided, on behalf of the client, in good faith.
enquiries@deciphergroup.co.nz | www.deciphergroup.co.nz 1
About the company
Invercargill, New Zealand’s southernmost city, is the commercial hub of Southland, a mostly agricultural region
of extreme natural beauty. The city has firm Scottish traditions dating back to the Early Settlers who pioneered
the region. From the late 1990s Invercargill has transformed itself by using innovative ideas and community
funding to attract residents and visitors. The role of the City Council is integral in this work.
The Communications Team at ICC is a core operating function that supports engagement and ensures
communication with our community and stakeholders is positive, informative and consistent in its high quality.
ICC needs a talented communications professional and people leader to take on this role and lead this function
– could this be you?
About the opportunity
Reporting to the Executive Manager, Office of the Chief Executive, the Manager - Strategic Communications
takes overall accountability for delivering on operational goals and longer term strategic objectives of the
Communications function. In doing this, the Manager will:
Inspire, lead and motivate the Communications Team to deliver outstanding results through creating
a collaborative and supportive team environment that empowers others to achieve results and
supports the rest of the organisation.
Lead the development of the overall communication strategy and associated work streams that align
with the Council’s strategic objectives.
Provide expert strategic communications advice to the Executive Manager, Chief Executive, Executive
Leadership Team and Councillors.
Have the opportunity to work and input strategic advice on the region’s major projects, highlighting
and promoting a culture of ‘community-first’ to maintain a positive image of the Council.
Lead the development of ICC’s brand strategy that will ensure communications and engagement are
core in all activities.
This role needs a true leader who can foster a culture of real engagement while driving operational
performance. Is this you?
ICC is future-focussed and offers a flexible approach to working remotely.
About you
To be successful in this role, you will have extensive leadership experience; and you may have some experience
in or knowledge of local government. You will have a proactive style that sees you easily engage with your
team, lead through inspiration and cause people to reach their true potential. Leadership is the key here!
The information contained in the Candidate Brief is to assist candidates in their evaluation of the suitability of the advertised role.
Decipher Group Limited accepts no liability for information provided, on behalf of the client, in good faith.
enquiries@deciphergroup.co.nz | www.deciphergroup.co.nz 2
You will be an experienced communications professional and will bring a passion for engagement and
collaboration. You will be structured, deadline focused and a true problem solver; people will describe you as
the “calm in a storm” and someone who just gets thing done.
If you are a seasoned leader and are looking for a new opportunity that will challenge and excite you; then we
want to hear from you.
How to apply
To discover more about Invercargill City Council please visit www.icc.govt.nz
For a confidential discussion about the role; contact Hannah Doney by phone on 027 511 9058 or by email to
hannah@deciphergroup.co.nz
Applications close: Friday 19th March 2021
The information contained in the Candidate Brief is to assist candidates in their evaluation of the suitability of the advertised role.
Decipher Group Limited accepts no liability for information provided, on behalf of the client, in good faith.
enquiries@deciphergroup.co.nz | www.deciphergroup.co.nz 3
Position Description
Position Title: Manager - Strategic Communications
Reports To: Executive Manager, Office of the Chief Executive
Responsible For: Communications Team
Group and Team: Office of the Chief Executive - Communications
Children’s Worker: No
Delegations and
Budget Responsibilities: As per Delegations Register
Purpose
The Manager - Strategic Communications is accountable for the development and execution of the
Council’s communications strategy ensuring this aligns to the overall strategy of the Council and its
values and results in positive community and stakeholder engagement.
In undertaking these accountabilities; the Manager - Strategic Communications will lead the Council
Communications Team ensuring the structure, roles and accountabilities within the team support the
effective delivery of the communications strategy and align with Council values.
The Manager - Strategic Communications will provide strategic communications advice and expertise
to the CE and ELT in alignment of the Councils strategic objectives and values.
Key Relationships
External to Council Within Council
▪ Clients/public. ▪ Other team members in your Department/Group.
▪ Community groups and organisations. ▪ Other Invercargill City Council employees.
▪ Other local and regional authorities. ▪ Elected Representatives.
▪ Outside agencies including Government ▪ Executive Leadership Team.
departments.
▪ Professional organisations.
Our Compass Values and Behaviours
Responsibility Above and Beyond
Take ownership of decisions and outcomes, both Take opportunities to go the extra mile.
collectively and individually.
▪ We take the initiative to improve our work
▪ We willingly share our knowledge. practices to get the best result.
▪ We acknowledge our mistakes, work to resolve ▪ We challenge ourselves and each other to make it
them and learn from them. better.
▪ We give and receive feedback in a constructive ▪ We take pride in providing the best possible
manner to resolve issues. outcomes.
▪ We do our job with total commitment. ▪ We are ambassadors for our Council at all times.
Respect Positivity
Everyone is important, as are their views. Always look on the bright side of life.
▪ We support and care for each other. ▪ We are approachable, interested and friendly.
▪ We stop to listen, learn and understand. ▪ We are open and receptive to change.
▪ We communicate in an honest, up-front, and ▪ We acknowledge and praise the efforts of others.
considerate manner. ▪ We work together as a team to get the job done.
▪ We maintain confidences and avoid hurtful
gossip.
Page 1 Position Description: Manager - Strategic CommunicationsWhat You Will Do (provided as a guide only)
People Leadership
▪ Inspire, lead and motivate the team to deliver outstanding results through creating a
collaborative and supportive team environment that empowers others to achieve results.
▪ Ensure the structure of the team and the roles within this support the delivery of the
Communications Strategy.
▪ Encourage the development of team members through the sharing of professional knowledge
and experience.
▪ Communicate regularly, honestly and positively with all members of the team.
▪ Operate a robust and disciplined management process that ensures effective and efficient
performance.
▪ Provide regular, constructive feedback and acknowledge the efforts of others.
▪ Ensure the annual salary review process is completed in a timely manner in accordance with
Council’s Performance and Remuneration Framework.
▪ Always act in the best interests of Invercargill City Council.
Strategic direction
▪ Lead the development of the communication strategy and associated work streams that align
with the Council strategic objectives.
▪ Lead the execution of the communication strategy through the implementation of roadmaps
and tactics required.
Expert Advice
▪ Provide expert strategic communications advice to the Executive Manager, Chief Executive,
ELT and Councillors as requested and/or required.
▪ Ensure the Executive Manager, Chief Executive, ELT and Councillors are provided with
guidance and support regarding media releases, media responses or interviews so that all
messaging is consistent and aligns with the objectives of Council.
Media Relations & PR
▪ Develop, review and provide strategic advice on communication strategies for major projects,
highlighting and promoting a culture of community-first to maintain a positive image of the
Council.
▪ Build relationships and maintain regular contact with media in the region and nationally.
▪ Oversee the research, content and distribution of media releases in line with the strategic plan.
▪ Assist the Chief Executive, Mayor and senior staff in the preparation and release of information
to the media.
▪ Monitor media coverage and provide feedback on same to senior staff/Councillors
▪ Advise the Chief Executive of any issues in the media that are of concern to the Council along
with strategies to manage them.
▪ Ensure all communication inquiries from the public are appropriately responded to.
Page 2 Position Description: Manager - Strategic CommunicationsBrand & Engagement
▪ Oversee the development and implementation of Council brand guidelines that ensure external
communications are consistent in look, feel and quality.
▪ Oversee the development of promotional plans that includes events, campaigns and broader
Council initiatives to ensure the brand is aligned with communication and engagement strategy.
▪ Oversee the development of communication plans, consultation materials and support the
Strategy and Policy team to undertake community engagement activities to encourage people
to engage with Council throughout the decision-making process e.g. Long term plan, annual
plan, master planning etc.
▪ Ensure Council’s policies and decisions are communicated to key audiences in a timely manner
ensuring that people feel informed about the Council’s activities.
▪ Oversee the delivery of all promotional material through active management of the
Communications team and formalise the design process to ensure Council messages are
aligned and consistent.
▪ Develop and manage implementation of a future focussed channel plan that incorporates digital
and social media channels in line with community and stakeholder preferences.
▪ Liaise with the Manager – Strategy and Policy to support engagement activities and events.
▪ Develop and implement ongoing community feedback capabilities within Council to ensure
community and stakeholder engagement metrics can be monitored and managed.
Internal Communications
▪ Develop effective internal communication sharing capabilities on Council decisions and
direction.
▪ Oversee key message content and delivery to ensure consistent style, tone and format.
External Partnerships / Stakeholder Relationships
▪ Select and engage the best third-party agency partners to achieve maximum effectiveness in
the communication and engagement strategy. Support the stakeholder relationship
management strategy of Council, including management of nominated relationships both
internally and externally
▪ Assist community partners to publicise activities and projects that are supported with Council
funding.
▪ Identify, develop and maintain stakeholder relationships in consultation with other Council
departments, and retain and foster the support and involvement of stakeholders who are critical
to the success of the Council.
Special Projects
▪ Undertake special projects as required, achieving key outcomes and delivering them on time
and within budget.
Financial Management
▪ Ensure the effective financial management of activities under your control.
▪ Prepare and monitor budgets in accordance with Council guidelines and timelines.
▪ Monitor budgets under your control on a monthly basis, investigate variations and report to the
Group Manager along with recommendations on how such variations should be managed.
▪ Maintain expenditure within budget and delegated responsibilities.
▪ Present a professional and well considered business case when requesting a change in
resource requirements.
Note: Specific performance measures for this position will be discussed between you and your manager through
the performance development plan process
Page 3 Position Description: Manager - Strategic CommunicationsWhat You Will Bring
The qualities listed below, knowledge and skills are the key focus for this role and are used to assess
an applicant’s suitability for the role.
Education and Qualifications
Essential:
A tertiary qualification or significant senior experience in a relevant discipline
(Communications, Public Administration, Management).
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Essential:
• Strategic mindset with experience developing and implementing complex strategic plans
in a large organisation.
• Significant experience dealing with potentially complex legislative and public relations
issues.
• Demonstrated experience in leading staff including recruitment, performance
management and implementing new initiatives.
• Excellent administrative and organisational skills.
• Experience in leading, motivating and developing a high performing team.
• Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office, Outlook and other systems.
• High level of interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
• Sound time management.
• Knowledge in implementing new processes and systems.
Desirable:
• Experience in Local or Central Government communications.
• Knowledge and/or experience in the business Local Government legislation and Local
Authority functions.
• Project management experience.
Agreement
Employee
Name Sign Date
Manager
Name Sign Date
Note: From time to time it may be necessary to consider changes in the position description in response to the
changing nature of the work environment, which includes technological and statutory change. Such changes may
be considered as part of the performance development review process or as required.
Page 4 Position Description: Manager - Strategic CommunicationsWhat We All Do
Customer Commitment
Treat customers with respect – taking the time to listen, learn and understand.
Present a positive image of Council by ensuring an efficient, courteous and professional service
to customers at all times.
Acknowledge problems and complaints, identifying and promptly acting on solutions.
Continuous Improvement
Evaluate and review work practices and processes within all areas of responsibility to ensure
that they are effective and efficient and implement improvements where appropriate.
Identify and propose additional business or service opportunities that enhance Council’s
existing capabilities.
Health and Safety
Promote a safe and sound working environment and a culture of safe and responsible
behaviours and attitudes.
Adhere to Health and Safety policies and procedures, enabling a safe and healthy work
environment for all workers and members of the public.
Civil Defence Emergency Management
Assist Council in preparing for and responding to an emergency.
After establishing the safety of members of your household, you may be assigned duties to
assist Council and/or Emergency Management Southland in an emergency.
Other Duties
Undertake duties from time to time that may be in addition to those outlined but which fall within
you capabilities and experience.
Page 5 Position Description: Manager - Strategic CommunicationsThe information contained in the Candidate Brief is to assist candidates in their evaluation of the suitability of the advertised role.
Decipher Group Limited accepts no liability for information provided, on behalf of the client, in good faith.
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