Communication Advisor (Hiring Pool)

About Us

As the provincial government’s central communications agency, Communications Nova Scotia (CNS) helps ensure Nova Scotians have the information they want and need about government programs and services.

We are a group of high-energy, hard-working, experienced communicators looking for diverse, fresh perspectives and talent to join our team.

About Our Opportunity

We’re looking to create a pool of experienced communicators with a passion for communicating with a diverse range of audiences through innovative, accessible and inclusive strategies. Communications Advisors are integral members of our team. Together with an integrated team of communications and marketing professionals, they work with departments and offices to promote public understanding of government initiatives, programs and services and ensure government priorities, policies and actions are clearly communicated. They regularly brief and advise senior leaders and elected officials. They will have experience on developing and integrating content across a range of digital platforms. This includes, but is not limited to, leveraging internal Content Management Systems (CMS), Social Media Marketing, Email Marketing, SEO & SEM, as well as an understanding of measuring the effectiveness of campaigns using marketing analytics platforms.

As a pool competition, successful candidates can be contacted for current and future term or casual opportunities throughout a one-year period.

Primary Accountabilities

The Communications Advisor works with partners to develop and implement communications strategies and programs for government departments. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
 

• Briefing and providing advice to senior staff and elected officials
• Supporting sessions of the Legislative Assembly and appearances at legislative committees
• Media relations
• Issues management
• Content development for social media, speeches, public announcements, ads, new releases and the web
• Event planning
• Working with partners on stakeholder communications

Qualifications and Experience

University degree in public relations, communications, journalism, or marketing and five (5) years of professional communications experience, or an acceptable equivalent. The successful candidate will have:

• strong writing skills
• a background in developing and implementing communications strategies, including inclusive and accessible strategies
• experience with social media and digital platforms/technologies
• experience advising clients and working with a diverse range of stakeholders, including a grasp of Nova Scotia’s unique social, historical and demographic makeup
• experience with media relations
• digital proficiency: demonstrated fluency in digital communication platforms, including expertise in social media, email marketing, and content creation. Ability to effectively engage large audiences with minimal resources, maximizing efficiency and impact
• significant experience developing and implementing comprehensive communications strategies that leverage traditional and emerging digital strategies, focusing on analytics and data-driven storytelling
• knowledgeable in the latest marketing technologies and their application in audience engagement and support of data-driven storytelling.

Assets

• French-language skills
• Leadership experience
• Editorial skills
• Speech writing experience
• Experience working with marginalized communities
• Public sector experience
• Experience in/knowledge of data analytics, human-centred approaches and artificial intelligence

Equivalency

Relevant post-secondary experience, plus 5 years of recent professional communications experience.
**Definition of professional communications experience = professional writing experience, social media experience, media relations experience, experience interpreting complex information for a public audience, digital content creation, preparing and delivering briefings to senior-level officials, including experience with traditional and emerging digital-first communications strategies and data-driven storytelling. This may include background in the areas of data analytics, digital-first, human-centered approaches and/or behavioural science.

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.
 

LEADS

The Government of Nova Scotia has adopted the LEADS Leadership Framework.  During the interview, candidates will be expected to express how they have demonstrated the key behaviours and capabilities required to effectively lead in a caring and inclusive environment. LEADS Domains includes Leads Self, Engage Others, Achieve Results, Develop Coalitions and Systems Transformation.

Please follow LEADS (novascotia.ca) for more information.

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

Benefits

Based on the employment status, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs.  For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: Benefits for government employees.

Additional Information

This competition will include a two-phased screening approach. Those meeting the qualifications will be required to pass a written test to secure an interview.

What We Offer

• Career Development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career
• Engaging workplace: our Employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in, we have forward-thinking policies and strategies
• Mentorship through iNSpire: a new formal, interdepartmental mentorship program that connects employees so they can gain knowledge and experience to support their career development
• Countless career paths
• Department specific flexible working schedules