Senior Director, External Relations

About Halter

Halter is dedicated to empowering farmers and graziers to run highly productive and sustainable operations. Our technology allows customers to manage cattle effortlessly without traditional constraints such as fences, quad bikes, or dogs — enabling cattle to move calmly and autonomously. Our mission is transformational for the agricultural sector, offering not just innovation but life-changing solutions. Our team is driven by challenging problems within a high-performance culture, supported by top-tier investors.

Role Overview

The Senior Director of External Relations represents Halter's communication and engagement efforts with regulators, media, industry bodies, and broader markets. This strategic leadership role entails defining and implementing Halter's approach to regulatory access, reputation building, and policy advocacy across New Zealand, Australia, and the United States. The role is hands-on, combining team leadership with direct management of key relationships and projects.

Main Responsibilities

• Develop and refine Halter's external relations strategy across regulatory and market access, reputation and narrative, and policy and advocacy pillars.
• Facilitate regulatory approvals and market entry by engaging early and influencing rulemaking related to virtual fencing and animal welfare.
• Oversee the company’s public narrative, directing media relations, PR efforts, and crisis communications to maintain a clear and authentic brand story.
• Lead policy shaping efforts, proactively influencing standards and regulations to secure a favorable environment for long-term growth.
• Maintain and personally manage senior-level relationships with regulators, government officials, industry leaders, and media, overseeing these engagements through to results.
• Guide and develop a distributed External Relations team spanning New Zealand, Australia, and the U.S., including key leadership roles and managers.
• Collaborate closely with market expansion teams to align commercial goals with regulatory realities.
• Identify and mitigate reputational and regulatory risks proactively, responding decisively when challenges arise.
• Work cross-functionally, partnering with commercial, product, legal, customer, and executive teams to ensure alignment and early issue detection.
• Maintain a lean, impactful team that maximizes company-wide credibility instead of centralizing all external interactions.

Candidate Profile

• Proven ability to build trusted, enduring relationships with regulators, government officials, industry stakeholders, and media representatives.
• Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks and policy formation processes across multiple jurisdictions.
• Exceptional communication skills with talent for crafting compelling narratives aimed at government, media, and industry audiences.
• Experienced in media relations, competent in managing both proactive campaigns and reactive issues with sound judgement.
• High political and cultural acuity, adept at navigating diverse environments across countries and institutions.
• Calmness under pressure with foresight to anticipate problems and composure to handle crises effectively.
• Experienced leader of senior, remote teams, with hands-on leadership and high expectations.
• Tenacious problem solver, resilient and creative in addressing complex and ambiguous challenges over the long term.
• Forward-thinking with the ability to anticipate shifts in external factors and position the company advantageously.

Attributes for Success

• Leadership from the front: guide strategy, coach your team, and take ownership of outcomes without needing perfect information.
• Versatility: equally skilled at strategic planning and handling immediate operational tasks.
• Engagement in execution: personally involved in relationship-building and operational delivery.
• Proactive engagement: establish relationships and narratives early to unlock opportunities and manage risks.
• Prioritization: focus resolutely on initiatives that generate growth and open doors, cutting non-essential activities.
• Clear, honest communication preserving credibility and trust.
• Influence by collaboration: foster trust rapidly and simplify stakeholders’ tasks.
• Comfort with uncertainty: willing to navigate and succeed in prolonged regulatory and reputational challenges.

Bonus Experience

• Prior leadership in external relations, government affairs, public affairs, or corporate communications during periods of rapid growth or international expansion.
• Multi-market experience particularly across New Zealand, Australia, and the U.S.
• Background in agriculture, agtech, hardware, or similarly regulated, fast-growing industries.
• Track record of managing high-stakes media and reputation events successfully.
• Ability to cultivate enduring champions and advocates who provide support beyond your tenure.

Benefits

• Complimentary snacks and beverages during the workday.
• Health support through Southern Cross Health Insurance partnership.
• Parental leave provisions include six months fully paid for primary caregivers and four weeks fully paid for secondary caregivers plus additional family support.
• Annual $1,000 personal development allowance to invest in your growth.
• Unlimited paid annual leave and wellness leave to ensure proper rest and recharge.
• Attractive total compensation package including salary, benefits, and employee stock ownership opportunities.

Work Culture

Halter embraces an office-first philosophy, emphasizing in-person collaboration as essential for growth, impact, and strong interpersonal connections. While the office is the default workplace, flexibility is provided when necessary, grounded in a culture of trust and autonomy. The energetic and inspiring environment fosters continuous learning and meaningful problem solving.

Inclusion Statement

Halter actively promotes diversity and inclusivity, encouraging applicants from all backgrounds even if not every qualification is fully met. The organization values genuine potential and welcomes conversations about fit and opportunity.