Communications and Public Engagement Officer

About the Role

The Communications and Public Engagement Officer is responsible for coordinating and executing a range of communication services for the Municipality. This position leads the development and execution of the communications strategy to enhance public trust and strengthen municipal branding. The role fosters seamless and proactive communication between departments, staff, Council, and external stakeholders to ensure clarity, collaboration, and informed decision-making. The position plays a key role with leading and organizing the public engagement strategy to aligns with the Municipality's strategic goals and ensures residents, businesses, and stakeholders have opportunities to participate in decision-making processes.

About You

You have demonstrated experience with corporate communications and public relations, ideally within the public sector. You are a self-starter who enjoys taking initiative and working in a fast paced environment. Your written and verbal communication skills are impeccable, and you understand how to communicate to diverse audiences using a variety of platforms and tools. You have the ability to connect with people and engage them in conversation about the projects and strategy for MODL. You are tech savvy with multiple mediums including on-line (social media, website) communications management as well as media relations. You have graphic design skills that enable you to produce professional content. With your passion for high quality communication and public engagement, you are open and welcoming of diverse viewpoints, perspectives, and experiences.

Responsibilities:

• Provides expert guidance to internal and external project teams, ensuring that communications plans are strategically developed, aligned with best practices, and effectively executed.
• Directs the dissemination of accurate, relevant, and timely information on municipal initiatives, policies, and decisions, reinforcing public engagement and awareness.
• Monitors, assesses, and anticipates potential communication challenges arising from municipal policies, programs, or Council decisions, providing strategic recommendations and responses to mitigate risks.
• Oversees the production and distribution of Municipal Matters, ensuring it remains a vital and engaging source of information for residents and stakeholders.
• Creates impactful corporate messages, speeches, and speaking notes for municipal officials, reinforcing key priorities and enhancing public perception.
• Supports municipal departments in developing high-impact communication campaigns, offering expertise in media planning, marketing, and strategic messaging.
• Provides expert creative direction on advertising design, video production, photography, digital content, print materials, and all marketing assets to maintain brand integrity and enhance public engagement.
• Provides web and online content planning support to departments, including editing, key messages and advice on technical and content requirements for campaigns and how best to ensure SEO for content plans and page content.
• Administers some social media channels and provides oversight for social media channels maintained by other staff members.
• Performs the role of Public Information Officer in the Regional Emergency Management Coordination Centre.
• Collaborate with other departments to lead special projects for the municipality.
• Maintain project reporting summaries, including successes and lessons learned, digital analytics and budget updates to be used for leadership updates and future planning.

Key Qualifications

Minimum qualifications include:

• University degree in a communications-related field (e.g. public relations, marketing, or journalism); and
• A minimum 5 years' experience in a senior communications position.
• Previous experience with marketing/communications/public relations in a public-sector setting is preferred.
• Experience with media relations is an asset.
• Professional level communication skills (verbal and written) with excellent writing and editing skills.
• Skills in writing press releases.
• Digital communication and social media management.
• Graphic design and layout skills using creative software (Adobe suite, or other similar) is required.
• Effective public speaking skills.
• Professional designation in Public Relations is an asset.
• Experience with municipal government is considered an asset.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Skilled in applying tact and diplomacy when dealing with difficult residents is an asset.

Terms and Conditions of Employment:

• Permanent full time, Monday to Friday based on 35 hours per week.
• Flexible work options are available.
• Office environment, primarily based out of 10 Allée Champlain Drive, Cookville, Nova Scotia.
• Work outside regular office hours is required to attend evening meetings as necessary.

Other Important Details:

• Requires access to a reliable motor vehicle and a valid Nova Scotia Class 5 Driver's license.
• Requires a satisfactory background checks, including criminal record check.
• Annual salary: (Band 70) $73,905 to $92,383.
• Competitive group insurance, health and dental plan and defined benefit pension plan.

You can review the full job description: Communications and Public Relations Officer (this job description is under review to ensure details match the scope of the position).

Please submit a resume and cover letter no later than December 22, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.