Communications Advisor

At the heart of this role is the chance to use writing and design to tell stories that make a difference.

• Based in Wellington CBD
• 6-month fixed term role (parental leave cover)
• Starting Salary from $75k – $80k per annum, depending on experience

Join Volunteer Service Abroad Te Tūao Tāwāhi (VSA) as our Communications Advisor and use your creativity to tell stories that make a difference. From shaping stories and designing eye-catching content to creating social media, digital and website content, you'll have the opportunity to bring VSA's work across the Pacific to life in ways that connect with our audiences. It's a broad and varied role, spanning storytelling, graphic design, digital content, social media, website management, newsletters and communications planning. You'll work alongside colleagues, volunteers and partner organisations across the Pacific and Aotearoa, turning ideas, experiences and impact into communications that are engaging, authentic and impossible to ignore.

Who are we?

VSA is Aotearoa New Zealand's largest and most experienced volunteering agency working within international development. We connect skilled volunteers with organisations and communities across the Pacific and beyond, sharing skills, knowledge and experience to support locally identified aspirations and create sustainable change.

Our purpose is Te hono tangata, Te huringa ora, Connecting people, Transforming lives. We are guided by manaakitanga, respectful partnerships, cross-cultural learning and our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

We believe a world of thriving communities starts with a strong, supportive workplace. At VSA, we work, learn and understand together, valuing each other's contribution and bringing the spirit of volunteering to everything we do.

About the role

Reporting to the Marketing, Communications and Fundraising Manager, you'll be part of our small and collaborative team. You'll help bring VSA's work to life by finding the stories, creating engaging content and connecting with the audiences who care about what we do.

We asked our current Communications Advisor what they enjoy most about the role:

"I think the thing I love the most about my role is that it is varied and includes story writing and bits of design, and then the digital comms such as website updates and social media which keeps my week interesting."

If you enjoy moving between a great story, a strong visual idea and the practical details of getting content out into the world, you’ll find plenty to get stuck into here.

What you'll do:

• Find and tell compelling stories about VSA's volunteers, partners and impact across the Pacific.
• Create graphics and visual content in line with VSA's brand.
• Write and edit content for websites, newsletters, social media and other channels.
• Develop and deliver communications activities that support VSA's priorities.
• Update and improve VSA's website, using analytics and SEO to understand what engages our audiences.
• Support fundraising and engagement campaigns.
• Build relationships with colleagues, volunteers and partner organisations to uncover stories and communications opportunities.

What you'll bring

• 2 to 3 years' experience in communications, marketing, journalism or a similar role.
• Strong writing and editing skills and the ability to create engaging content for different audiences and channels.
• Graphic design skills at an intermediate level, using Adobe Creative Suite.
• A natural curiosity and an ability to find the story, identify the right angle and turn ideas into compelling content.
• Experience developing and delivering communications activities or plans.
• Experience creating content across a range of digital and traditional channels.
• Experience using a website Content Management System, with an understanding of digital content and SEO.
• An ability to use analytics and audience insights to understand engagement and improve communications.
• Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to work with diverse people and stakeholders.
• Excellent organisation, initiative and judgement, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• An appreciation of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, cross-cultural understanding and respectful partnerships, and motivation to contribute to VSA's purpose and the spirit of volunteering.

Why join VSA?

You'll never be short of a story.

From volunteers working alongside partners in the Pacific, to the people and communities behind VSA's programmes, you'll have the opportunity to tell stories that aren't often heard and help more people understand the impact of international volunteering.

You'll be part of a small, collaborative team where your ideas are valued, you'll have genuine ownership of your work, and there's plenty of opportunity to learn, grow and get involved beyond your day-to-day role.

You'll also enjoy:

• The chance to work for an internationally focused organisation and collaborate with people across the Pacific and Aotearoa.
• Employer-funded professional development opportunities.
• The opportunity to work temporarily from overseas, where the arrangement meets VSA's requirements.
• Genuine access to senior leaders and the opportunity to contribute your ideas.
• The chance to get involved in projects and work beyond your immediate role.
• One paid day each year to volunteer or contribute to your community.
• Birthday leave, because your birthday should be your day.
• Hybrid working, with up to two days a week from home.
• Flexible start and finish times to help you make work work for you.
• Five weeks of annual leave.

How to apply

VSA values diversity and is committed to an inclusive, flexible and supportive workplace. We encourage candidate from all backgrounds and welcome the unique talent and experience you can bring to the VSA team.

To apply, please submit the below through Seek:

• Your CV, outlining your relevant experience and skills.
• A short written response, up to 300 words, telling us why this role interests you and what you would bring to VSA.
• 1 to 3 examples of communications work you're proud of. We're looking for written stories and graphic design (or other relevant work). Please briefly explain your role in creating each example.

We'd love to see the range of your skills and creativity, so don't worry about making your examples formal. Choose work that shows us how you think, write, create and connect with an audience.

Applications will close on Wednesday, 16 September 2026 at 11:59pm.

If you would like to know more about this role, or VSA, or you have any questions about applying, please reach out to Natasha Muir (Marketing, Communications and Fundraising Manager) on 027 774 4606 or nmuir@vsa.org.nz