Communications Advisor

About Us

We offer an opportunity to work with two departments that are focused on using Nova Scotia’s natural resources to fuel the clean energy transition and create economic opportunities for our province and our people.

The Department of Energy supports the use and development of energy resources to help increase energy security, create jobs, grow the economy and create social benefits. The Department of Natural Resources is responsible for the development, management, conservation and protection of the province’s forest, wildlife and mineral resources, and for managing Nova Scotia’s provincial parks.

One communications team serves both departments, working with a broad range of subject matter and helping ensure Nova Scotians have information about programs, services and priorities. It is a high-energy team working in a fast-paced environment. We are looking for an experienced communicator to join our team for a 13-month term.

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 in the two departments to promote public understanding of their initiatives, programs and services and ensure priorities, policies and actions are clearly communicated. 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 these departments. You will be expected to brief and advise senior leaders and elected officials.

Primary Accountabilities

The Communications Advisor works with partners to develop and implement communications strategies for the Department of Energy and the Department of Natural Resources. 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
• writing news releases, speeches and other materials
• content development for social media, public announcements, ads and web
•  event planning
• working with partners on stakeholder communications
• occasional evening and weekend work may be required

Qualifications and Experience

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

The successful candidate should also have:

• strong writing skills, including plain language skills, and speech writing experience
• significant experience with media relations
• significant experience developing and implementing comprehensive communications strategies that leverage traditional and emerging digital strategies
• 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 and comfort briefing and advising senior staff and elected officials
• experience working in a fast-paced, collaborative work environment, under tight deadlines

Equivalency

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

Assets

Assets for this role include:

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

Benefits

Based on the employment status and union agreement, 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

PLEASE NOTE: This is a term employment opportunity with an anticipated end date of October 2, 2026. However, the position status (“term”, “temporary” or “casual”) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.

What We Offer

• Engaging workplace: our employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in, we have forward-thinking policies and strategies.
• Department specific flexible working schedules.