Below is a job the KCDC is currently advertising, reproduced verbatim.

Our interpretations:

“Kickstart your career“: this is not a position carrying a big salary.

“a fixed term position until January 2020 to provide cover while a staff member is on secondment“: the existing person is exclusively a propagandist for the Ewy extension until then.

“Particular interest in digital communications”: the job will involve monitoring blogs and social media to see what people in Kapiti are saying about us.

“content management systems“: you know how to use web search engines and Ctrl+f

“share that knowledge with others“: we will want you to translate millennial-speak for our older bosses and vice versa.

“top notch written and oral communication skills;” you know how to string a sentence together using correct spelling/grammar/syntax; people will find your utterances comprehensible.

“good judgment and political sensitivity“: we want the most favourable interpretive descriptions possible of what we do, including stuff-ups.

“A current and valid NZ Drivers Licence is essential“: you will need to go to places where ratepayers and other employees gather to talk to them and take pictures of them looking enthusiastic about what we are are doing.

Communications Coordinator – Ref 050
We are looking for a savvy  individual  to join our lively communications team where no two days are the same.

Kickstart your career and develop new skills within a supportive team whose work is highly valued. Working across a range of internal and external communications and engagement activities, this role is a great opportunity for a recent graduate with a particular interest in digital communications . This is a fixed term position until January 2020 to provide cover while a staff member is on secondment.

To be successful in this role you will have:

  • Tertiary qualification in communications, media, marketing or a related field
    Great interpersonal skills with a commitment to customer service and ability to work with a wide range of people within and outside the organisation
  • Excellent web and social media literacy and and understanding of modern digital communication.
  • Experience using content management systems, video and photo editing packages and online publishing tools is desirable
  • Demonstrated ability to learn and accept new technologies, and to share that knowledge with others
  • Top notch written and oral communication skills, eye for detail and understanding of proof reading and editing processes
  • An ability to cope with change; adjust to and work with a variety of situations, individuals and agencies.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively under pressure, remaining calm demonstrated effective time management and organisational skills.
  • Demonstrated understanding of the need for and ability to exercise discretion, good judgment and political sensitivity within the unique local government environment.
  • An understanding of the role of local government.
  • A current and valid NZ Drivers Licence is essential.