Strategy and Policy Advisor

He angituutanga: The opportunity 

At Hamilton City Council, our purpose is to improve the wellbeing of Hamiltonians and help make our city a great place to live. We’re looking for a Strategy and Policy Advisor to join our Customer and Community Group and support work that has real impact across the city.

In this role, you’ll provide high-quality policy advice and help shape the strategies, policies, bylaws and plans that guide how we deliver services to our community.

You’ll work across a wide range of teams including Parks and Recreation, Aquatics, Libraries, Customer Services, Safety and Resilience, and Regulatory Services, giving you exposure to diverse projects and priorities.

This is a great opportunity to contribute to meaningful work that improves community outcomes.

What you’ll be doing

• Provide clear, practical policy and strategy advice to support decision-making
• Lead or contribute to the development or review of policies, strategies, plans, and bylaws
• Prepare briefings and reports for staff and Councillors
• Work collaboratively with internal teams and external stakeholders
• Support engagement and participation processes as part of strategy and policy development

Oo puumanawa me oo wheako | Your skills and experience

• At least 3 years’ experience in policy and/or bylaw development, with a strong track record of delivering written work
• Experience working collaboratively with a diverse range of stakeholders, including Māori partners, community groups, health sector, NGOs, and government agencies
• A relevant tertiary qualification
• Local Government experience (preferred)
• Strong written communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, concise reports and documents
• Sound understanding of, or willingness to learn, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and tikanga Māori
• Strong research, analysis, and critical thinking skills
• Political nous and the ability to think strategically
• A collaborative work style with well-developed relationship skills
• A positive, solution-focused mindset
• Self-motivation and the ability to manage work independently

He aha te wariu o te utu kaimahi? | What’s the salary? 

The salary band is $90,000 - $110,000 dependent on skills and experience.

Ngaa waahi whakarato painga kei a maatou: What we offer 

• Flexible by choice; an award-winning flexible working policy.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Two Wellbeing days per year.
• Free health insurance through Unimed including hospital/surgery grade cover and discounted. membership rates for family members.
• Free annual health checks and flu vaccination.
• Ability to purchase additional annual leave.
• Eye testing/glasses cost reimbursement.
• Discounted purchases from local businesses; gym memberships, cafes, dentists, hairdressers and many more.

Me Tono Inaaianei!: Apply Now! 

• View the Position Description
• Click apply
• ​Complete your application.

If you wish to include a cover letter with your application, please combine this in the same file as your resume and upload as a PDF file. Alternatively, you can use the 'Write a message to the Hiring Team' text box.

Applications close on the: 12 June 2026

Note: We will be shortlisting as we receive applications.

Council is committed to honouring the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi through its relationship with Kiingitanga, Waikato Tainui, mana whenua and maataa waka within Hamilton Kirikiriroa.

All candidates will be notified of the outcome on their application via email. Short-listed candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks and a criminal check. Further background checking will be required when relevant to the role. View more information about these checks, our commitment to the Privacy act and details for international applicants by clicking here

It is important to us that we support you throughout our selection process (interview and assessments). If you have any access needs during this process, let us know in advance so we can make sure these are met.

As a council, we believe in creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and belongs. We value inclusiveness (Kotahitanga) – we respect and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents that everyone brings.

This role is being sourced directly. If/where Hamilton City Council requires the support of a recruitment agency, we will seek this support from our panel of selected agencies. Hamilton City Council will not be responsible for, and will not pay, any commissions, fees or other payments related to unsolicited contact.