Senior Research and Insights Advisor

Our Communication and Engagement Unit is here to connect the community with Council. We work as strategic partners across our organisation to keep our residents informed and involved with the decisions Council makes.   

• Lead community engagement research using a range of tools and platforms
• Analyse engagement research results and provide insights about our customers, community and stakeholders' views and perceptions
• Present research and insights to the business to drive better outcomes for Hamilton's communities.

He angituutanga: The opportunity 

We're looking for a Senior Research and Insights Advisor to shape how our community’s voice influences Council decisions.

With up to 40 consultations each year, your work will directly inform everything from speed limits and playground designs to bylaws and long‑term planning. Staff at Council and our Elected Members use insights from community engagement to guide decision-making. 

The Senior Research and Insights Advisor will lead the development of survey design for a range of projects, making sure that consultation is genuine, relevant and actionable. Working closely with the Communication team, they'll advise on who should be consulted and how best to hear from them. 

Once consultation closes, you'll move into analysis and reporting mode. This includes analysing community sentiment from open-text questions, and reporting on themes from the results, including examples. 

Excellent written and verbal communication skills are critical to this role. Insights reports need to be understood by Elected Members, staff and our community so clear, visual reporting with excellent written commentary is a must have. Attention to detail is also important, ensuring consistency throughout reporting in how information is displayed. 

You'll need to be confident to present your findings to senior staff, and occasionally to our elected wing. 

You'll be working alongside the Research and Insights Advisor and Research and Insights Coordinator to manage consultations end-to-end.

• Manage a strategic programme of community engagement and sentiment research.
• Develop and execute tailored research designs to gather the right data and insights.
• Analyse data to accurately capture and summarise submission feedback.
• Identify trends, themes, and opportunities through data-driven analysis.
• Prepare clear and concise reports and presentations to communicate research findings and recommendations.
• Collaborate with diverse teams to understand business needs and provide actionable insights.
• Stay up to date with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in research and data analysis.

Oo puumanawa me oo wheako | Your skills and experience

• Graduate degree in social science discipline or similar, with grounding in qualitative research.
• Minimum of 5 years experience working with quantitative and qualitative data collection methods.
• Ability to apply judgement and initiative to solve varied problems.
• Strong project management skills including ability to drive multiple end-to-end projects simultaneously.
• Excellent written and oral presentation skills.
• Attention to detail and ability to present data visually to support decision-making
• Strong understanding of privacy and research ethics
• Confidence to advise on best‑practice approaches, including risks and benefits
• Knowledge of Local Government environment preferred.

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

Circa $105K 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: 01/04/2026

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.