Senior Communications Advisor

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Senior Comunications Advisor

We are seeking applications for a permanent, fulltime Senior Communications Advisor.

Preferred location: Lincoln. Other locations - Hamilton, Palmerston North, or Wellington, may be considered for the right candidate.

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Mō te Pakihi | About the Company

As part of the Government’s reset of the science, innovation and technology system, on 1 July 2025, AgResearch, Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research, Plant & Food Research, and Scion merged to form the New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science, trading as the Bioeconomy Science Institute.

This merger has created a world-class research organisation of globally significant size and scale, with over 2,000 employees - including scientists, researchers, and support staff. It brings together fundamental science knowledge and expertise in the natural resources that underpin the bioeconomy and the native estate, alongside applied research capabilities in manufacturing, agritech and biotech, and the food and fibre sectors.

Our people drive innovation and commercial outcomes in the bioeconomy, using research and technology to support enduring economic growth and resilience, a healthy environment, and positive social outcomes for Aotearoa New Zealand.

This position sits under the current AgResearch group of the Bioeconomy Science Institute.

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Kōrero mō te tūranga | About the role

We’re looking for a skilled and strategic communicator to join us as a Senior Communications Advisor - a role where writing is at the heart of everything you do. You’ll be responsible for crafting clear, concise, and engaging content that showcases our science, our people, and our impact across Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond.

From science stories and impact case studies to parliamentary responses and statutory reports, you’ll produce high-quality written communications that support transparency, accountability, and connection. You’ll work across multiple channels - web, social media, corporate documents, and more - tailoring content to suit a wide range of audiences including Ministers, government agencies, iwi, industry partners, and the public.

Initially based within the AgResearch Group, you’ll also contribute to communications across the newly formed Bioeconomy Science Institute, helping shape the voice of an organisation built on a century of scientific excellence. This is a role for someone who thrives on variety, values precision, and enjoys turning complex ideas into compelling narratives that make a difference.

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What you will be doing

• • Translating complex science into plain-language content through reading, asking questions, and engaging with scientists
  • Writing science stories, impact case studies, and stakeholder communications
  • Drafting statutory reports and parliamentary accountability responses
  • Building strong stakeholder relationships to promote the impact of our science and organisation
  • Contributing to campaigns and proactive external communication activity
  • Supporting OIA and performance reporting processes

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Ōpūmanawa | About you

You’re a storyteller at heart with a sharp pen and a curious mind - someone who loves digging into complex science, asking smart questions, and turning it all into clear, compelling content that connects. With 5-7 years’ experience under your belt, you’re confident writing everything from bite-sized web stories to formal reports, and you know how to tailor your tone for Ministers, industry partners, or the public.

You thrive in an environment where there’s always another story to tell, and you bring both a sense of humour and a steady hand to the mix. You’re collaborative and strategic, comfortable navigating change and ambiguity, and energised by the opportunity to help shape something new. You understand how government works, enjoy working across a range of channels, and care deeply about making science accessible, engaging, and impactful.

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Tono Mai | Apply Now!

If this sounds like you, apply today using the link with:

• • Your CV
  • Cover letter
  • Writing samples: Please include 2 to 3 short writing samples (no more than 1,200 words in total) that show your ability to write clearly and effectively for different audiences. These could include anything from articles, reports, web content, internal communications, or social media copy. You’re welcome to share published work or internal pieces (with identifying details removed or redacted). Please include a brief note with each sample to explain its purpose and audience.

For further information, please contact Jenna Heller, Head of Communications and Marketing, AgResearch Group – Bioeconomy Science Institute at jenna.heller@agresearch.co.nz

To view the full position description, please click here 

Applications close: 12 August 2025 

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