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 Executive Council Office (ECO), as well as future term and permanent Communications Director roles within the Province of Nova Scotia and its many Departments. Successful candidates who pass the interview process will be eligible for hire as additional vacancies become available (up to 1 year).

About Us

At the NS Provincial Government, our communications team collaborates across various departments to ensure our messages, programs, and initiatives are informed by thorough research and resonate with the diverse needs of our communities. We don't just accept differences – we celebrate and foster a culture of diversity and belonging. We are committed to creating an environment where diverse perspectives and experiences are not only welcomed but valued. We invite applications from individuals who are passionate about promoting equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) in their work.

The immediate Communications Director opportunity is with the Executive Council Office (ECO). The Executive Council Office (ECO) provides central leadership to achieve government priorities and support for executive leadership. It supports the Premier, Executive Council (Cabinet) and its Committees in decision-making and strategic priority setting by providing policy, legal, communications, and labour relations advice.

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. 

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 may be required to coach and mentor a team of skilled communicators in a supportive environment focused on continuous learning and innovation.

As Communications Director, you will:

• Lead strategic communications planning and delivery, aligning with departmental priorities and government-wide initiatives across digital, print, media, marketing, and stakeholder channels.
• Serve as a key advisor to Ministers and/or Deputy Ministers and government senior leaders, providing counsel on complex and high-profile internal and external communications issues.
• Anticipate emerging issues and navigate crises with speed and clarity, providing expert support on matters affecting public safety, health, and government credibility.
• Collaborate across departments and with the Executive Council, Premier’s Office, and central communications teams to coordinate unified government messaging.
• Represent communications perspectives in executive decision-making, influencing policy through strategic insights on public perception, risk, and reputation management.
• Manage communication projects and campaigns from idea to impact, ensuring timely delivery, responsible budgeting, and measurable outcomes.
• Integrate digital strategy, evidence-based marketing, media relations, and stakeholder engagement into communication planning that shifts attitudes, improves understanding, and influences behaviour.
• Guide internal communications and organizational change messaging that builds transparency and employee engagement across the department.

Qualifications and Experience

You have a complete post-secondary education in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing or another related field, along with several years of experience developing and delivering communications strategies. In addition to this, you have experience in:

• Managing people, events, priorities and competing interests
• Briefing Senior Executives/Officials for media interviews, committee/special appearances, etc.
• Developing and implementing multi-channel communications strategies (digital, marketing, media, internal comms, crisis comms, etc.) for diverse audiences.
  
  

You also have:

• A strong understanding of government processes and public policy
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, ability to collaborate across departments, and advise with tact and clarity.
• A track record of making sound, timely decisions in uncertain or complex situations.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
• An understanding of the evolving media landscape and digital engagement tools, with a lens toward innovation, accessibility, and impact.

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

We recognize equivalent combinations of training, education, and experience, providing opportunities for individuals with diverse backgrounds to contribute their skills and expertise. Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

**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.

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.

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.

Working Conditions

• 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 with attention to accuracy.
• Majority of time is spent in a comfortable office setting with frequent opportunity to move

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.

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