Communications Specialist, Communications, Engagement and Change

Click here to apply as an internal applicant.

*Company*
: IWK Health
Req ID:
214691

Department/Program:
Communications, Engagement and Change , Communications, Engagement and Change

Location:
Halifax

Type of Employment:
Temporary Hourly FT long-assignment ( 100% FTE) until 01/29/2027 x 1 position(s)

Start Date:
02/09/2026

Union Status:
Non-union , Management/Non Union Bargaining Unit

Compensation:
$
-
$ /hour

Closing Date
: January 16, 2026 (Applications are accepted until 23:59 Atlantic Time)

IWK Health is a respected academic health sciences centre located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, providing tertiary and primary care for two million children, youth, adults and families each year across the Atlantic region. We have a team of approximately 4000 employees, physicians, volunteers and learners at sites across Nova Scotia . People build careers with IWK Health with our focus on training and mentorship opportunities. We recognize each other's talent and celebrate our successes. We collaborate in modern facilities or virtually from home, align our work to our values , and enjoy access to enhanced benefits and wellness programs. We are proud to support our patients, families and communities and are grateful for the generous donor support we receive.

Promoting an anti-racist environment, and calling out discrimination as we work and provide care, is important to us. We are located in Mi'kma'ki, the unceded and ancestral territory of the Mi'kmaq people. Working in Mi'kma'ki and providing care to those across Atlantic Canada is a shared privilege with the original inhabitants who have lived here for many thousands of years prior to colonization. There are 13 First Nation communities across Nova Scotia, and more than 50 historic African Nova Scotian communities who also have a long, deep, and complex history dating back over 400 years. We have the highest percentage of people with disabilities in the country. Nova Scotia has the highest proportions of transgender and non-binary people than any other province or territory in the country. We are active in our work to eliminate discrimination, but have more work to do to build that trust, acknowledge our biases and reduce the barriers our diverse communities face. We want IWK Health to be a safe and supportive space of equity and belonging in the care we provide and the employment we offer. We welcome all interested persons who self-identify as Indigenous, Black/African Nova Scotians, Persons of Colour, Immigrants/Newcomers, Persons with Disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ to apply to support our goal for our workforce to be representative of the patients, families, and communities that we care for at all job levels.

*The Opportunity*
The Communications Specialist is an intermediate-level position primarily focused on internal audiences. A weekly internal newsletter is a core responsibility. Working closely with leaders across the organization, this role proactively supports the development and implementation of the internal communications strategy. The incumbent provides timely and consistent messages that reflect the values and priorities of the IWK, while integrating activities with external initiatives.

Reporting to the Director, the Communications Specialist supports key organizational strategies as well as the implementation of the departmental plan. Confident working with departments and leaders across the organization, the role provides advice and communications solutions.

This role works closely with their communications colleagues to support the implementation of strategic communication plans and collectively contributes to the department's success.

The Communications Specialist maintains a high degree of confidentiality, manages their work efficiently and effectively, and delivers results against set goals. Well-spoken, strategic, articulate and professional are essential attributes. The role requires a high degree of flexibility and may support on-call requirements.

*Hours of Work*
Monday to Friday; 75 hours bi-weekly.

Your Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree such as a Bachelor's degree in Public Relations or Communications
• Minimum of 3 years of experience with progressive levels of responsibility within a communication environment required
• Excellent written, spoken, presentation and interpersonal communication skills
• Understand and apply current communications best practices in areas of analytics, measurement, and accessibility
• Effective time management, and ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities
• Superior attention to detail with ability to execute effective solutions to drive success
• Knowledge and experience working with electronic communications platforms (social media, email marking tools like MailChimp and Constant Contact)
• Experience with website and design platforms (html, Drupal, CMS, Intranet, Adobe Creative Suite, Canva)
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills, organizational skills, innovation, and flexibility
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Programs
• Experience creating and editing electronic newsletters and videos an asset
• Competency in other languages considered an asset, French preferred.

Thank you for your interest in IWK Health.

Please note that we only contact applicants selected for interview/testing. If we invite you to participate in an assessment process (such as an interview or testing) you have the right to request accommodation. Please discuss your needs when invited to the assessment process.

This is a Management/Non Union bargaining unit position. Preference is given to bargaining unit employees for unionized positions. Successful applicants changing unions, bargaining units or employment status, are advised to seek clarification regarding their seniority, benefits, and vacation entitlement and/or usage, prior to accepting the position.

An offer of employment is conditional upon the completion and satisfactory results of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials.

I
f you are an employee of IWK Health , please apply through the internal careers page to ensure you are flagged as an internal applicant.