Head of Strategic Communications

At Halter, we’re on a mission to enable farmers and graziers to run the most productive and sustainable operations. Our customers are using Halter to break free from the time-intensive constraints of conventional practices. Imagine watching 500 cattle stand up and walk calmly towards their next break? No quad bikes,...

We’re backed to deliver on a mission that matters by Tier 1 investors including Founders Fund, Bessemer Venture Partners, BOND, DCVC, Blackbird, Promus Ventures, Rocket Lab’s Peter Beck and Icehouse ventures.

To find out more, visit our LinkedIn & Instagram.

Halter is one of the world’s fastest growing agritech companies, and the most transformative technology available to dairy and beef farmers. Halter is the fastest growing company in New Zealand, with over 1M cows with Halter on farms throughout NZ, AUS and Northern America. You will set and deliver our global communications and engagement strategy, working closely with the broader strategic relations team, and your own strategic comms team in each market. You’ll help unlock new opportunities and ensure consistent messaging on complex topics to key stakeholders, markets and customers. You bring 5-10 years’ experience in senior communications roles and a background in media or communications. Reporting to the Senior Director, External Relations, this is an opportunity to lead our communications and engagement strategy at home in New Zealand and across our international markets.
Communications Strategy Development - Develop and implement comprehensive engagement and communication strategies that align with Halter’s mission, operating principles and growth strategy. Work collaboratively to ensure core messaging is aligned across internal and external communications. You will channel Halter’s natural communication style and tailor this for different markets. Monitoring and analysing emerging industry trends, insights and stakeholder feedback to shape communication priorities and narratives.
Media Engagement - Your relationships with and knowledge of media in the markets we operate will be paramount and it is expected that you will bring expertise in story development and strategic media pitching. But the true magic will be in how you combine your media knowledge, with a deep understanding of Halter and our brand, to ensure we always show up in an authentic way.
Issues Management - At times you will need to respond with urgency as events unfold. You are expected to have an ability to think calmly under pressure, to prioritise tasks and to manage communications strategically to support customers and to support Halter’s brand and reputation while working effectively with external stakeholders.
Public Relations - Champion thought leadership initiatives, positioning Halter as an industry innovator through compelling narratives and engagement across traditional and digital channels. Oversee the planning and delivery of major announcements, strategic campaigns, and critical communications initiatives.
Collaboration & Leadership - You'll work closely with the Executive team and other leaders to integrate communications strategies into the wider business. You will lead a global team of Strategic Comms managers, setting the direction and providing mentoring and guidance.
Documentation - In partnership with colleagues and advisors, you will help develop documents and presentations for external stakeholders across a range of topics. For example, you might partner with our advisors on writing a submission from Halter to a government on a particular topic that would be publicly available.

These skills are essential for this role. We expect applicants to demonstrate evidence of these requirements in their CV, cover letter and in interviews.
Significant experience in developing and delivering strategic communications strategies. You bring at least 5-10 years' experience in senior strategic communications roles, and a bonus if you have experience in government relations and/or the farming industry. You have examples of delivering successful strategic communications campaigns through developing key messaging, telling stories and sharing narratives across a range of channels. You have examples of how you’ve effectively adapted your communication to suit different audiences and styles. You have examples of dealing with complex technical or regulatory topics and delivering effective communications from them. You deeply understand the media landscape and are strategic in your thinking and approach to stakeholders. You are highly organised at building and strengthening networks and relationships.
Influencer & Communicator - You’re an influential communicator and presenter. You have examples of conveying complex technical topics with clarity and confidence. You’re an exceptional listener. You have high quality written and verbal communication skills. You’re an ambassador by building rapport and trust with people naturally. You have examples of influencing senior stakeholders at a level similar to senior politicians or executives.
Proactive & Self-Directed - You have a proven track record of working in a highly self-directed, proactive, resourceful way to deliver value. You have high emotional intelligence and self-awareness. You approach challenges with a “can-do” attitude. You are driven to deliver value. Your ambition and growth mindset is matched by your genuine humility.