Strategic Communications Business Partner - Media & Advocacy - Marketing & Brand

IHC | Permanent Opportunity

• Shape proactive media and advocacy communications across Aotearoa
• Influence important conversations around disability rights and inclusion
• Join a purpose-led organisation with a strong voice and national reach

The opportunity Great communications can do more than tell a story. They can challenge thinking, influence conversations and help create meaningful change. IHC is looking for an experienced Strategic Communications Business Partner – Media & Advocacy to help strengthen its voice, build its public profile and contribute to important conversations about the rights, inclusion and wellbeing of people with intellectual disabilities. Joining at a time of significant organisational transformation, you'll have the opportunity to help IHC take a more proactive, considered and influential approach to media and advocacy communications. This role goes beyond responding to media enquiries or managing reputational issues. It's about identifying opportunities, developing compelling narratives, building relationships and helping IHC communicate with confidence on issues that matter. About the role Reporting to the Head of Strategic Communications, you'll act as a trusted communications partner to executive leaders across IHC, providing strategic advice on media engagement, advocacy communications, reputation and emerging issues. Working closely with the executive, advocacy colleagues and external stakeholders, you'll help shape IHC's public voice, identify opportunities for proactive media engagement and contribute to conversations that influence understanding of disability rights and inclusion. You'll be responsible for:

• Developing proactive media and communications strategies that increase awareness of IHC's work, priorities and impact.
• Identifying opportunities to contribute to public conversations and influence understanding of disability rights and inclusion.
• Building and maintaining trusted relationships with journalists, media outlets and relevant external stakeholders.
• Working alongside advocacy colleagues and senior leaders to translate complex issues into clear, compelling and accessible messages.
• Providing strategic advice on emerging issues, reputational risks and sensitive communications matters.
• Supporting media engagement, spokesperson preparation and consistent organisational messaging.
• Developing engaging stories that reflect the voices, experiences and aspirations of people with intellectual disabilities and their whānau.

About you You'll bring strong communications experience, an understanding of the media landscape and the ability to navigate complex or sensitive issues with confidence and care. We're interested in people who offer:

• Experience in media relations, external communications, public affairs, advocacy or reputation management.
• The ability to identify strong stories and turn complex issues into clear and engaging communications.
• Sound political and stakeholder awareness, with the judgement to navigate sensitive or challenging environments.
• Strong writing, influencing and relationship-building skills.
• Confidence working with senior leaders and a range of internal and external stakeholders.
• A proactive mindset, curiosity and the willingness to contribute wherever needed within a small, collaborative team.
• A genuine commitment to inclusion, accessibility and ensuring diverse voices are represented respectfully.

Experience in the disability, not-for-profit or advocacy sectors would be valuable, but isn't essential. We're equally interested in candidates who bring strong media and communications capability, curiosity and a genuine connection to IHC's purpose. Why IHC? IHC has a long-standing commitment to advocating for the rights, inclusion and welfare of people with intellectual disabilities, alongside supporting people to live satisfying lives in their communities. With significant reach across Aotearoa, IHC has both the opportunity and responsibility to contribute to conversations that shape understanding, attitudes and outcomes. You'll be joining a communications function with strong leadership support and an appetite to strengthen how the organisation engages with its stakeholders, the media and the wider community. This is a chance to bring your communications expertise to an organisation where your work can influence conversations, raise awareness and contribute to meaningful change. Interested? If you're an experienced communications professional who knows how to develop a strong story, build trusted relationships and influence important conversations, we'd love to hear from you. For any questions please call Bernie Sharkey-Burns (021 023 89733) or Rebecca Berney () and quote Job ID: for a confidential chat. To apply for this vacancy, you MUST be a New Zealand citizen, resident, or have already secured the right to work in New Zealand and therefore hold a valid visa. At the appropriate stage we will request your references, we ask that you do not include them on your CV when applying.