Wellington|Fulltime, Permanent.  

DairyNZ’s story 

Deliver a positive future for New Zealand dairy farming 

Te whakaputa i te anamata kounga mō ngā pāmu kau o Aotearoa 

We are full of people who have a passion for delivering great outcomes and creating positive change. We leverage our collective strength by bringing the dairy sector together, helping farmers build more sustainable, profitable, and resilient farm businesses; because a strong dairy sector means a strong?New Zealand.  

Your opportunity  

Based in our Wellington City office, this role is a key part of our Policy & Government Relations team, reporting to the GM Policy & Government Relations. You will play an important role in coordinating and strengthening DairyNZ’s external stakeholder relationships, while leading the delivery of strategic Corporate Affairs projects from end to end. 

These projects span multiple business units and work programmes and often involve cross-sector partners and external stakeholders. This includes leading major organisational initiatives such as the AGM, director elections, consultations, and other strategic projects aligned with DairyNZ’s work programmes. You’ll be responsible for project delivery from creation through to completion, ensuring effective coordination and alignment across the organisation. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Build and maintain strong, trusted relationships with key stakeholders including government officials, sector partners, community leaders, and advocacy groups. 

• Coordinate and prepare strategic engagements, including meetings and briefings for the DairyNZ Board and Leadership Team, covering opportunities, risks, key messages, itineraries, ministerial correspondence, and engagement strategies. 

• Represent or act on behalf of the GM with designated stakeholders when required, supporting effective relationship management and issue navigation. 

• Lead and deliver strategic Corporate Affairs projects from ideation to completion, ensuring alignment with the DairyNZ strategy and Corporate Communications and Media Strategy. 

• Develop project plans, timelines, and budgets as needed, ensuring delivery to scope, timeframes, and budget requirements. 

• Provide issue-management support across projects, working closely with Corporate Communications & Media to anticipate and manage emerging risks. 

• Identify opportunities to improve strategic project delivery and engagement outcomes across the business unit, providing advice and recommendations to the GM. 

About you  

You will bring deep experience in government relations, stakeholder engagement, or corporate communications, supported by a relevant tertiary qualification in journalism, communications, public relations, or engagement. Professional certifications such as PMP are an advantage. 

You’ll have a solid background of 10+ years working across stakeholder relations, project management, and communications, along with substantial experience—typically 6–8 years—in corporate communications or media-related roles. You’ll be confident managing strategic projects end-to-end, with a proven ability to deliver high-quality outcomes and apply effective project management methodologies. 

Strong communication and relationship-building skills are essential, along with the ability to influence, negotiate, and develop trust across a wide range of stakeholders. You’ll be highly organised, able to manage multiple priorities, and experienced in leading cross-functional work. With strong analytical and problem-solving skills, you bring a results-focused mindset and the confidence to operate in a dynamic, politically aware environment. 

Why you should join us 

Make a difference - Together with our farmers, help us drive positive progress for the sector and country we love. Our credible work supports a sustainable future for farmers, the environment and communities across Aotearoa New Zealand. 

Bring the whole you?- We put people at the heart of what we do. We welcome all that you are and support your wellbeing, so you thrive personally and professionally. 

Join a vibrant culture - Be part of a team that truly believes in our values. We have the courage to take bold action and the curiosity to drive innovation. Our credibility shines in our evidence-based work and our connectedness builds meaningful, collaborative relationships. 

Empowering you - We succeed when you do, which is why we champion the development and growth of our people. We empower you to do and be at your best through learning opportunities and great benefits. 

Sound good to you? Come join our team who together, are making a difference. 

Check out the full position description here to read more detail. Applications close Wednesday 18^th February 2026.