The Membership and Communications Manager is responsible for leading NZAGS’ member engagement, communications, media, and advocacy support functions. Working closely with the CEO, this role ensures NZAGS communicates clearly and effectively with its members, stakeholders, partners, and the wider health sector.
This is a varied and hands-on role that combines strategic thinking with practical delivery. The Membership and Communications Manager will develop and deliver communications across NZAGS’ digital channels, strengthen membership engagement and retention, support policy and advocacy activity, and help deliver strategic projects that advance the organisation’s purpose.
The role requires a confident communicator who can write well, manage relationships, understand the needs of a professional membership organisation, and work comfortably across both operational and strategic priorities.
Key responsibilities
Communications and media
- Develop and deliver NZAGS’ communications approach across newsletters, website, social media, member updates and external communications.
- Prepare clear, professional and engaging written content for a range of audiences.
- Support media engagement, including preparing media releases, statements, briefing notes and key messages.
- Monitor relevant health sector issues and identify opportunities for NZAGS to contribute to public and sector conversations.
- Maintain a consistent NZAGS voice and ensure communications are timely, accurate and professional.
Membership engagement
- Lead initiatives to strengthen member engagement, onboarding, retention and value.
- Maintain regular communication with members and ensure they are informed about NZAGS activity, advocacy, events and opportunities.
- Support the development of member resources, surveys, feedback processes and engagement campaigns.
- Help identify opportunities to grow membership and improve the member experience.
- Work with the CEO to understand member needs and translate feedback into practical improvements.
Policy and advocacy support
- Support the CEO with policy, advocacy and stakeholder engagement activity.
- Assist with preparing submissions, briefing papers, position statements and consultation responses.
- Track relevant health policy developments and support NZAGS’ contribution to sector discussions.
- Help build and maintain relationships with key external stakeholders, including health sector organisations, government agencies and professional bodies.
Digital channels and systems
- Manage and update NZAGS’ website content and digital communication platforms.
- Support the effective use of CRM and membership systems to improve communication and engagement.
- Use analytics and member feedback to monitor the effectiveness of communications and campaigns.
- Maintain accurate member communication lists and support good data management practices.
Projects and organisational support
- Lead or support strategic projects agreed with the CEO.
- Plan, coordinate and deliver communications and engagement activity for NZAGS initiatives.
- Contribute to reporting on communications, membership, media and project activity.
- Work flexibly across the organisation to support priorities as they arise.
Key relationships
- Chief Executive Officer
- NZAGS members
- NZAGS Executive and committees
- Health sector stakeholders
- Media contacts
- Industry partners and external suppliers
- RACS and other professional bodies, as required
Skills and experience
The successful candidate will bring:
- Proven experience in communications, membership engagement, stakeholder engagement, policy or a related field.
- Excellent writing, editing and content development skills.
- Confidence preparing material for different audiences, including members, senior stakeholders, media and the wider public.
- Experience with digital communications, including websites, newsletters and social media.
- Strong relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Sound judgement, discretion and political awareness.
- Strong organisational and project management skills.
- Confidence working independently in a small team environment.
- The ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on delivery.
- Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and digital communication tools.
Desirable experience
- Experience working in a membership organisation, professional body, health sector organisation or not-for-profit.
- Understanding of New Zealand’s health sector and health policy environment.
- Media relations or issues management experience.
- CRM or membership database experience.
- Experience supporting advocacy, submissions or public policy work.
Personal attributes
- Professional, organised and self-motivated.
- Clear, confident and thoughtful communicator.
- Practical and solutions-focused.
- Comfortable working with senior professionals and external stakeholders.
- Able to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
- Collaborative, adaptable and calm under pressure.
- High level of integrity, discretion and attention to detail.
Why join NZAGS?
This is an opportunity to take on a meaningful and varied role within a respected professional organisation that supports general surgeons and surgical care across Aotearoa New Zealand. You’ll work closely with the CEO, have direct visibility across the organisation’s work, and contribute to communications, membership and advocacy activity that genuinely matters.
For further information or a copy of the position description please email ••••@nzags.co.nz