Director of Brand & Marketing, New Zealand Story – 12 month fixed term

New Zealand Story protects, promotes and enhances Brand New Zealand internationally. Through research, storytelling, the FernMark Licence Programme, and partnerships across NZ Inc, sectors and exporters, it builds familiarity, reputation and preference for Aotearoa New Zealand in global markets.

You’ll join an organisation shaping how New Zealand is seen around the world.

Reporting to the Executive Director, you’ll lead brand and marketing strategy, influence across NZ Inc, and head a high-performing marketing and communications function.

You will:

• →Help shape how New Zealand shows up globally.
• →Lead a focused, insight-driven marketing and communications strategy.
• →Drive aligned storytelling that strengthens Brand New Zealand globally.
• →Build strong cross-agency and private sector partnerships to increase impact.
• →Lead the evolution of digital platforms and marketing technology for future growth.
• →Embed Te Ao Māori and tikanga authentically in storytelling and practice.

This is a significant leadership role for someone who understands the power of story, the discipline of brand, and how to create impact through others.

This is a rare opportunity to steward Brand New Zealand and shape how New Zealand is represented globally.

You’ll elevate the impact and consistency of Brand New Zealand internationally delivering high-quality storytelling, strong cross-agency alignment, and a modern, future-fit marketing function.

• Brand New Zealand is effectively strengthened and stewarded globally.
• Te  Ātea Brand Hub is an effective cross-agency forum that strengthens alignment and collective impact internationally.
• Flagship storytelling toolkits are valued resources across NZ Inc and by exporters, enabling more consistent international storytelling and shifting perceptions of New Zealand.
• NZ Story’s contribution to NZ Inc is clearly demonstrated through credible evidence of strategic value, collective impact and performance.
• New Zealand Story and the FernMark Licence Programme are supported by future-focused marketing technology and digital platforms that enable growth, effectiveness and long-term ambition.
• The MarComms team is led with maturity and care, delivering high-quality work that advances New Zealand Story’s purpose and priorities.

You’re a strategic, commercially astute marketing leader who operates confidently at executive level and can take our brand and storytelling to the next level.

You’ll bring:

• Experience leading brand, marketing or communications strategy at scale.
• Strong stakeholder influence across complex systems and partners.
• A track record of building high-performing, engaged teams.
• Expertise in brand, storytelling and positioning in global markets.
• Confidence using data and insight to guide decisions.
• Experience leading digital, channel or marketing technology change.
• Comfort engaging with Te Ao Māori and embedding cultural authenticity in your work.
• Experience working within or closely with NZ Inc would be advantageous.

For more information about this 12-month fixed term role, see the position description: here. If this sounds like the opportunity you’ve been waiting for, please apply with your CV and cover letter. Applications close midday 19 June 2026.

We believe New Zealand is good for the world.  New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) is an equal opportunity employer.  At NZTE it is all about our people and we seek diversity of thought; we welcome and encourage you to apply regardless of ethnicity, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, neurodiversity or disability.  If we need to make specific accommodations in any part of the interview process, please note this in your application or discuss with the Talent Acquisition Partner.