Director, Communications Hiring Pool

Hiring Process

This competition process will be used to create a hiring pool to fill both an immediate opportunity with the Department of Economic Development, as well as future acting, term, and permanent Communications Director roles across the Provincial Government.
 

Successful candidates who pass the interview process will be eligible for hire as additional vacancies become available (up to 1 year).

About Us

Communications Nova Scotia (CNS) is government’s central communications office, legislated to provide delivery of communications, marketing and advertising services for all of government. CNS helps ensure Nova Scotians have the information they want and need about government priorities, programs and services.
 

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

The immediate Communications Director opportunity is with the Department of Economic Development. That department leads and aligns government efforts to create the foundation for business growth, strategic sector development, and community economic development across the Province. The Department partners with Invest Nova Scotia and Events East Group to create a dynamic environment for businesses, entrepreneurs, and innovators in Nova Scotia.

About our Opportunity

The Communications Director will provide senior level strategic communication planning and advice and help build public awareness and understanding of government and departmental initiatives. They will have a strong background in developing and implementing modern communication strategies, with a focus 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. 
 

A creative thinker and collaborator, the Communications Director has extensive experience delivering strategic communications to diverse audiences through digital and traditional channels.  The Communications Director advises and builds relationships with senior officials and colleagues in- and outside of government to develop, implement and evaluate innovative communications strategies.

The Communications Director manages effective delivery of high-quality and inclusive communications in a fast-paced environment. They coach and mentor a team of skilled communicators in a supportive environment focused on continuous learning and innovation.

Qualifications and Experience

• Post-secondary degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, social/political science, or an acceptable equivalent (see equivalency below)
• 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.
• Seven (7) years of recent experience in professional communications/public affairs or an acceptable equivalent (see equivalency below)
• Significant experience developing and implementing comprehensive communications strategies that leverage traditional and emerging digital strategies, focusing on analytics and data-driven storytelling. A strong understanding of accessibility and inclusivity principles in communications.
• Proven success communicating in a complex environment to broad and diverse audiences
• Experience managing people, events, priorities and competing interests
• Experience briefing a Minister, Deputy Minister and/or Senior Executives/Officials for media interviews, committee/special appearances, etc.
• Knowledgeable in the latest marketing technologies and their application in audience engagement and support of data-driven storytelling.

Equivalency

Relevant post-secondary experience plus 7 years of recent professional communications experience.
 

**Definition of professional communications experience = professional writing experience, digital content creation,  media relations experience, experience interpreting complex information for a public audience, 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.

Assets

• Solid understanding of the public-sector environment 
• Leadership experience
• An understanding of Nova Scotia’s unique social, historical and demographic make-up
• French language skills
• Experience in/knowledge of data analytics, human-centred approaches and artificial intelligence. 

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. The interview process will also include the requirement for candidates to do a presentation on a pre-determined topic which will be shared in advance of the interview date.

Reference checks will also be performed.

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.

Working Condition

• Normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day.
• Will be required to work outside business hours from time to time.
• High concentration of demands and priorities.
• Pressures to meet deadlines.

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.
• Countless Career Paths.
• Department Specific Flexible working schedules.