Director, Communications Hiring Pool

**Competition #**: 42859

**Department**: Communications Nova Scotia

**Location**: HALIFAX

**Type of Employment**: Term

**Union Status**: Exclusion - Non Union - NSPG

**Closing Date**: 24-May-24 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

Hiring Process

This competition process will be used to create a hiring pool to fill both an immediate opportunity with the Department of Economic Development, as well as future acting, term, and permanent Communications Director roles across the Provincial Government.

About Us

Communications Nova Scotia (CNS) is government's central communications office, legislated to provide delivery of communications, marketing and advertising services for all of government. CNS helps ensure Nova Scotians have the information they want and need about government priorities, programs and services.

We are a group of high-energy, hard-working, experienced communicators looking for diverse, fresh perspectives and talent to join the public service.

The immediate Communications Director opportunity is with the Department of Economic Development. That department leads and aligns government efforts to create the foundation for business growth, strategic sector development, and community economic development across the Province. The Department partners with Invest Nova Scotia and Events East Group to create a dynamic environment for businesses, entrepreneurs, and innovators in Nova Scotia.

About our Opportunity

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

Qualifications and Experience

Post-secondary degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, social/political science, or an acceptable equivalent (see equivalency below)
Seven (7) years of recent experience in professional communications/public affairs or an acceptable equivalent (see equivalency below)
Significant experience developing and implementing comprehensive communications strategies that leverage traditional and emerging digital strategies, focusing on analytics and data-driven storytelling. A strong understanding of accessibility and inclusivity principles in communications.
Proven success communicating in a complex environment to broad and diverse audiences
Experience managing people, events, priorities and competing interests
Experience briefing a Minister, Deputy Minister and/or Senior Executives/Officials for media interviews, committee/special appearances, etc.
Equivalency

Relevant post-secondary experience plus 7 years of recent professional communications experience.

**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. This may include background in the areas of data analytics, digital first, human-centered approaches and/or behavioural science.

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.
Additional Information

Reference checks will also be performed.

**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 Condition

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.
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.
Department Specific Flexible working schedule