Manager, Strategic Communications & Special Projects

About Us

The Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) is a civilian led police oversight agency responsible for conducting investigations into death, serious injury, sexual assault, intimate partner violence or any matter of public interest that may have arisen from the actions of a police officer in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. The Director of the SiRT is a civilian and is responsible for the direction of all investigations. The SiRT has jurisdiction over municipal policing agencies and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

For more information on the Serious Incident Response Team please visit our website https://sirt.novascotia.ca

About Our Opportunity

Reporting to the Director of the Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT), the Manager of Strategic Communications and Special Projects is responsible for the direction, planning, development, implementation and evaluation of strategic communications and special projects that enhance public understanding, transparency, and confidence in the SiRT.

While independent, the position collaborates with communications colleagues in Nova Scotia's criminal justice system including the police and prosecution service and including Communications Nova Scotia and Department of Justice to ensure consistency of message and delineation of justice partner roles. The position also works with communications colleagues in other areas of government and police agencies as unique situations/investigations arise to ensure coordination and consistency of message.

Primary Accountabilities

• Promotes public understanding of the SiRT and its role within the criminal justice system by producing, implementing, and evaluating communications strategies. This work includes communications, media monitoring, and direct engagement with media outlets and police agencies to address incorrect or misleading information about the SiRT.
• Acts as a liaison between the SiRT and the media and affected parties, families, and victims, helping them understand the SiRT investigative process, access available supports and resources.
• Develops and maintains content on the SiRT website, including news releases, resources for affected parties, families, and victims, media, and other stakeholders.
• Creates and manages the SiRT social media content and accounts.
• Assesses stakeholder and public reaction to SiRT files and provides advice and assistance to the SiRT Director and Assistant Director, responding appropriately, and dealing expertly, professionally, and with sensitivity.
• Organizes and assists the SiRT Director and Assistant Director with the SiRT Community Liaison Committees in NS and NB.
• Contributes to the development of SiRT initiatives and policies.
• Researches issues and collaborates with national bodies and communications professionals locally and across the country.

Qualifications and Experience

The successful applicant for the Manager of Strategic Communications and Special Projects must have graduated from an accredited post-secondary institution with a degree in journalism, public relations, electronic and digital media communication, or a closely related field. Applicants must have several years of recent, related work experience.

The Manager of Strategic Communications and Special Projects must be able to manage competing priorities, build and maintain relationships with police agencies and stakeholders, and identify and take advantage of trends in communications and media. Applicants should have above average judgement, integrity, tact, and interpersonal skills, and demonstrate their ability to manage priorities and work effectively in a highly confidential environment.

Must hold a valid driver’s license and be willing to travel occasionally.

Fluency in written and oral French will be considered an asset.

Candidates will be assessed for the above qualifications 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

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

• Work is conducted in a comfortable office environment where there is opportunity to move around. You will have daily contact with the public, police agencies, and other stakeholders.
• This position is located in Halifax, Nova Scotia and the successful applicant will be expected to travel within Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, as required, sometimes on short notice with overnight stays.
• Your normal work week is 35 hours/ week, 7 hours/day. Availability outside of normal working hours is required.

What We Offer

• Career development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career.
• An engaged workplace where we foster respect and recognition.
• Countless career paths.