Executive Director of Communications

Southland Hospital, Invercargill or Wakari Hospital, Dunedin

• Provide strategic, technical, operational and managerial support for internal and external communications
• District-wide role

About Us

Here at Southern DHB, we’re undergoing significant transformation, as we work towards the goal of becoming a clinically and financially sustainable organisation, supported by our communities.

We’re working very hard on clinical, quality, and business improvement, strengthened financial performance and prioritising the development of our organisational culture through extensive consultation with staff and our communities with the aim of making Southern DHB not only a great place to work, but to become an employer of choice where our staff are valued and empowered and we can truly make a difference as we work towards a more patient-centred system.

In order to achieve this, we’re committed to putting the right people in place to work towards achieving our targets, and a brilliant opportunity exists to lead our dynamic Communications team as Executive Director.

Southern DHB has the largest regional coverage of all the New Zealand health boards, providing services to 350,000 people in diverse communities across a huge geographical area.

We take pride in all the services we provide and our aim is to improve, promote and protect the health of our region. We believe that our dedicated and passionate staff are a significant driving force behind the achievement of these standards, and we need more like minded people to help us continue providing for our community.

About the Role

It’s an exciting and challenging time to join us here at the Southern District Health Board and be part of building a sustainable health system for the Southern community.

Reporting directly to the CEO and with a position on the Executive Leadership Team the Executive Director of Communications is a key role in the provision of strategic public relations and communications direction across the organisation.

This role requires strategic leadership with a focus on high level communications, and we are looking for someone who can lead key projects, deliver to tight deadlines, and can articulate our strong vision, with a core underlying focus on our values of Kind Manaakitanga, Open Pono, Positive - Whaiwhakaaro and Community Whanaungatanga.

About You

To be considered for this role you will possess a proven track record of working as part of a senior management team with a strong public relations / communications background.

To succeed in this role you will be a positive highly skilled communicator with the ability to build and maintain exceptional working relationships.

About Southern DHB

Southern DHB has the largest regional coverage of all the New Zealand health boards, providing services to 350,000 people in diverse communities across a huge geographical area.

We take pride in all the services we provide and our aim is to improve, promote and protect the health of our region. We believe that our dedicated and passionate staff are a significant driving force behind the achievement of these standards, and we need more like minded people to help us continue providing for our community.

Now is also a great time to relocate to Southern if you were considering a move. The Southern district offers the benefits of excellent amenities, first class primary through to tertiary education and outstanding recreational opportunities.

Whether it is surfing, kayaking or sailing; skiing, hunting or fishing; theatre, live-music or art there’s literally something for everyone.

Why don’t you check out for what the region and we can offer you and your whanau.