1 in 3. That's how many New Zealanders will be diagnosed with cancer in our lifetimes. At the Cancer Society, our vision of 'working together towards a future free from cancer' guides everything we do.
Every day, we support people and whānau affected by cancer through services such as accommodation, transport assistance, information, advocacy and emotional support. We're proud of the difference we make, but we know there's an opportunity to reach and support even more people across our communities.
That's why we're focused on increasing our reach, deepening community connections, and strengthening the sustainable funding that enables us to support more people, more often, across the Southern region. Communications play a critical role in helping us tell our story, amplify our impact, inspire support, and ensure more people know about and can access the services available to them.
To help us achieve this, we're looking for an experienced Communications Specialist to drive our communications across Cancer Society Southern. Through expert communications advice, media engagement, stakeholder relationships and compelling storytelling, you'll help strengthen our profile, grow community engagement, and elevate awareness of the impact we make.
Āu Mahi – What You'll Do
Reporting to the Marketing & Communications Manager, you'll be our communications specialist, providing expert advice and leadership on communications and storytelling across Cancer Society Southern.
You'll play a critical role in shaping how we communicate with our communities, supporters, stakeholders and the wider public. Through strategic communications planning, media engagement, content development and reputation management, you'll help strengthen awareness of our services, grow engagement, and showcase the impact of our work across the Southern region.
Working closely with leaders and teams, you'll identify opportunities to tell compelling stories, provide communications advice and support, and deliver communications that advance organisational priorities, fundraising outcomes and community impact.
In this role, you will:
- Lead the planning and delivery of internal and external communications initiatives, ensuring messaging aligns with organisational priorities and strategic objectives.
- Develop high-quality content and communication campaigns across a range of channels, including media, digital platforms, stakeholder communications and supporter engagement activities.
- Act as a trusted communications adviser, partnering with leaders and teams to identify opportunities, manage communications risks, and strengthen the effectiveness and reach of organisational communications.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with media, people with lived experience of cancer, supporters and community stakeholders to enhance Cancer Society Southern's profile and reputation.
Mōhou Ake – About You
You'll be an experienced communications professional who combines strategic thinking with exceptional communication and relationship-building skills. You’ll know how to translate complex information into compelling narratives, build trusted relationships, and develop communications that engage, influence and inspire.
You'll be confident providing advice to leaders, identifying opportunities to strengthen organisational communications, and balancing strategic thinking with hands-on delivery.
To be successful in this role, you'll bring:
- Significant experience in communications, media, journalism, public relations or a related field.
- Outstanding writing, editing and content development skills, with the ability to tailor messaging for a range of audiences and channels.
- Proven experience developing and delivering communications strategies, campaigns or initiatives that achieve measurable outcomes.
- Strong media and stakeholder relationship management skills, with experience securing positive coverage and managing sensitive communications.
Experience in the for-purpose sector would be advantageous but isn't essential.
Ngā Painga – What We Offer
This is an opportunity to build on the incredible work already happening across Cancer Society Southern and help us reach, support and positively impact even more people affected by cancer throughout our communities.
As part of the Cancer Society tīma, you'll also enjoy:
- 4 paid Wellbeing Days per year (1 per quarter)
- A Wellbeing Allowance
- Contributions towards your flu shot and skin check
- Life Insurance
Tono Ināianei – Apply Now
If you're an experienced communications professional who enjoys combining strategic thinking, storytelling and relationship-building, we'd love to hear from you. Join us to help shape how Cancer Society Southern engages with its communities, strengthens its profile, and amplifies the impact of our work across the Southern region.
Click Apply to submit your CV and cover letter through Seek.
For any questions about the role, please contact our People Experience team at [email protected].