Communications Advisor

About Us

The Department of Environment and Climate Change supports a clean and healthy environment for the wellbeing and benefit of Nova Scotians. We lead Government’s response to climate change and, as a regulator, we help make sure the province has clear, modern laws to protect the environment, while supporting safe and responsible economic development. 

To know more, please visit our website https://www.novascotia.ca/nse/ 

About Our Opportunity

We’re looking for an experienced communicator who is passionate about delivering clear, impactful messages to a diverse range of audiences. You will work with staff to promote public understanding of the environmental regulator’s role and responsibilities, climate change impacts facing the province and how they can be mitigated and adapted to, and ensure departmental priorities, policies and actions are clearly communicated. You will provide communications advice to senior officials and work with media to convey information to Nova Scotians in an accurate and timely manner.  You will also work with professionals in marketing, video, photo, design and more to deliver quality communications products and strategies.

The ideal candidate is skilled in developing effective and innovative communication strategies. You have experience working with a diverse range of audiences and crafting communications strategies and products that are accessible and inclusive. You have experience in the full range of communications skills, tactics and strategies to support the needs of Environment and Climate Change.

You will excel in this position if you are highly organized, love a fast-paced work environment, are energized by meaningful public service, are calm and steady under pressure, are efficient, and pride yourself on attention to detail in your work while also being able to connect your work to the big picture.

Primary Accountabilities

The Communications Advisor develops and implements communications strategies. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• briefing and providing communications advice to senior staff and elected officials
• supporting sessions of the Legislative Assembly and appearances at legislative committees
• media relations
• issues management
• writing communications products such as news releases, speeches, social media content and other materials
• event planning
• occasional evening and weekend work may be required
• acting as the Communications Director, as required

Qualifications and Experience

The successful candidate should have a post-secondary degree in public relations, communications, journalism and several years of professional communications experience, or an acceptable equivalent.

The successful candidate should also have:

• exceptional writing skills, including plain language skills, and speech writing experience 
• significant experience developing and implementing comprehensive strategic communications strategies that leverage traditional and emerging digital strategies
• experience and comfort briefing and advising senior staff and elected officials
• experience with media relations
• strong collaborative work ethic
• experience in communications strategies and tactics for inclusion and accessibility
• experience with social media and digital platforms/technologies and the ability to effectively engage large audiences with minimal resources
• 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 working in a fast-paced, under tight deadlines

Assets

Assets for this role include:

• Previous public sector experience
• Previous experience working for a science- and/or technical-based organization
• Experience converting complex technical and scientific information into clear, accessible, succinct and plain language information that supports public understanding and trust
• Leadership experience
• Editorial skills
• visual/graphic design
• French-language skills
• Experience working with marginalized communities
  
  

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.

Equivalency

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

Benefits

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 is a TERM employment opportunity with anticipated end date of 31 March 2027.  

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.
• A Dynamic, client-focused office environment where service excellence and teamwork are our focus.