Director, Communications

About Us

The Nova Scotia Department of Justice works to provide equitable, effective, and accessible justice services that support safe and inclusive communities across the province. We serve Nova Scotians by helping them access a justice system that is responsive, efficient, and grounded in their lived experiences, whether they are navigating the courts, seeking supports, addressing harm, or working to keep their communities safe. 

About Our Opportunity

The Communications Director is a strategic leader responsible for the full scope of internal and external communications. Reporting to senior leadership, the Director provides trusted advice and support to the Minister, Deputy Minister and Senior Executive Team, leads and mentors communications staff, and works collaboratively across the Department to advance justice priorities. The role requires strong relationships with colleagues across government, including the Premier’s Office and central communications teams, as well as with justice system partners. The Communications Director stays attuned to emerging issues, public sentiment, and evolving communications practices, and plays an active, proactive role as part of the Department’s leadership team.

This is a dynamic opportunity for a seasoned communications professional to make a meaningful impact for Nova Scotians. The Communications Director provides senior-level strategic communications planning and advice, helping to build public awareness, understanding, and confidence in government and departmental initiatives. With a strong foundation in modern communications, the Director also develops and integrates content across digital and traditional platforms, ensuring messaging is clear, inclusive, and effective.

A creative thinker and collaborative leader, the Communications Director brings extensive experience in delivering strategic communications to diverse audiences in fast-paced, high-profile environments. They have a proven track record of advising senior officials and partners inside and outside government, developing and implementing innovative communications strategies, and evaluating their impact. The Director also brings experience in guiding teams, mentoring skilled communicators, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation.

As Director of Communications, you will:

•    Lead strategic communications planning and delivery aligned with departmental priorities and government-wide initiatives across digital, media, marketing, print, and stakeholder channels.
•    Serve as a key advisor to the Minister, Deputy Minister, and senior leaders on complex and high-profile communications issues.
•    Anticipate emerging issues and support effective crisis communications, providing clear, timely counsel on matters affecting public safety, public confidence, and government credibility.
•    Collaborate across departments, with Executive Council, the Premier’s Office, and central communications teams to support coordinated and consistent government messaging.
•    Bring communications insight to executive decision-making, advising on public perception, risk, and reputation management.
•    Manage communications projects and campaigns from concept to delivery, ensuring strong outcomes, accountability, and value for public resources.
•    Integrate digital strategy, media relations, marketing, and stakeholder engagement to improve understanding and support positive change.
•    Guide internal communications and change initiatives that strengthen engagement, and organizational alignment.

Qualifications and Experience

You have a post-secondary education in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or another related field. Along with several years of progressive leadership experience developing and delivering strategic communications initiatives.

In addition, you have experience in:

•    Managing people, events, priorities, and competing interests
•    Briefing senior executives and officials for media interviews, committee appearances, and special events
•    Developing and implementing multi-channel communications strategies including digital, marketing, media, internal communications, and crisis communications for diverse audiences
•    A Master’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, Marketing, Public Administration or a related discipline would be considered an asset.

You also bring:

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

Assets::

•   An understandig and knowledge of Government structure, and how it works
•   Knowledge and understanding of the role and function of the Department of Justice

We will assess the qualifications and competencies outlined above using one or more of the following tools: written examinations, standardized tests, oral presentations, interviews, and reference checks.

Communications Experience

Professional Communications Experience is defined as:

•    Preparing strategic communications plans utilizing professionally recognized approaches
•    Professional writing and digital content creation
•    Media relations and engagement with diverse audiences
•    Interpreting complex information for public consumption
•    Preparing and delivering briefings to senior-level officials
•    Experience with both traditional and emerging digital-first communications strategies
•    Data-driven storytelling and evidence-based communications

Assets

•    Solid understanding of the public-sector environment
•    Knowledge of Nova Scotia’s unique social, historical, and demographic context
•    French language skills
•    Experience with or knowledge of data analytics, human-centred approaches, and artificial intelligence

Equivalency

We recognize equivalent combinations of training, education, and experience, providing opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds to contribute their skills and expertise. Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must clearly demonstrate how their qualifications meet the requirements in their application.

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 Conditions

Normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day, in office.

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 conducted.

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.