Outreach & Engagement Specialist

Job Posting

Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is inviting applications for a temporary full-time position (up to 12 months) of Outreach & Engagement Specialist in the Planning and Customer Engagement Department division of Halifax Transit in the Halifax Regional Municipality. Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is committed to reflecting the community it serves and recognizing Diversity and Inclusion as one of the Municipality's core values. We have an Employment Equity Policy and we welcome applications from African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Women in occupations or positions where they are underrepresented in the workforce, Indigenous/Aboriginal People, Persons with Disabilities and 2SLGBTQ+ Persons. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify on their electronic application.

Under the direction of the Manager, Programs & Engagement, the Outreach & Engagement Specialist is responsible for providing coordination, guidance and support for the implementation of communications and engagement strategies for Halifax Transit's internal and external audiences.

In this role, the Outreach & Engagement Specialist delivers communication materials, events and transit engagement activities that contribute to operational excellence, build awareness of transit services and programs, and increase public transit ridership.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead public outreach, engagement, and communications strategies to support Halifax Transit's strategic priorities and meet the needs of the municipality's diverse population.
• Provide day-to-day guidance and coordination of internal outreach and engagement initiatives including internal notices, employee events, and Regional Council communications.
• Manage internal and public events and activities including event design, staff scheduling, registrations, equipment bookings, event onsite set up and tear down, and event promotion.
• Work collaboratively with Corporate Communications staff, internal and external stakeholders, and suppliers to ensure the timely delivery of high-quality marketing and communications solutions;
• Prepare and deliver public presentations to various audiences and respond to questions and feedback.
• Monitor and analyze results of outreach and engagement activities and assist in the preparation of weekly and monthly reports for the Manager, Programs & Engagement; and
• Complete other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

• Graduate with a bachelor's degree or Diploma in Community Engagement, Community Development, Communications, Public Relations, Marketing or a related degree or diploma; and
• Minimum of three years of relevant experience, preferably in an engagement or communications role with local government.

Technical / Job Specific Knowledge and Abilities:

• General understanding of public transit and its benefits, the Halifax Transit network, and local geography.
• Proficient in use of information-based technology and software including Word, Windows, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• An understanding of and experience with the implementation of various marketing, communications, and engagement methods, i.e. integrated multi-media campaigns, social media, survey design, online engagement platforms, website and intranet content management systems, mobile apps, etc.;
• Proven high-level verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team to meet organizational objectives; and
• Superior time management and organizational skills with the proven ability to plan, organize, and prioritize.
• Security Clearance Requirements: Applicants may be required to complete an employment security screening check.

Please Note - Testing may be conducted as a component of the selection process to assess technical and job specific knowledge. Candidates who are selected for testing, may be tested in a group setting, scheduled at the employer's discretion.

COMPETENCIES: Valuing Diversity, Value & Ethics, Organizational Awareness, Customer Service, Communications, Analytical Thinking, Conflict Management, Risk Management, Organizing & Planning, Teamwork & Cooperation

WORK STATUS: Temporary, Full-Time (up to 12 months).

HOURS OF WORK: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, 35 hours per week. Additional hours will be required, including attendance at evening/weekend public meetings and events.

SALARY: $37.22 per hour, as per the NSGEU 222 Collective Agreement

WORK LOCATION: 1791 Barrington Street, Halifax NS

CLOSING DATE: Applications will be received up to 11:59 pm on Tuesday, November 18, 2025

This is a bargaining unit position. External applicants will only be considered if there are no qualified bargaining unit candidates.

Please note: We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Only those applicants selected for interview/testing will be contacted.

To ensure a fair and equitable hiring process, candidates are expected to complete all parts of the recruitment process, including assessments, assignments, and interviews independently and without the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools or other forms of external assistance. The use of AI to complete any component of the hiring process is not permitted and may result in disqualification from consideration.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to provide proof of their qualifications, including, but not limited to, educational credentials, professional licenses, and relevant certifications.

During the recruitment process, applicants have the right to request an accommodation. Applicants invited to participate in an assessment process (such as interview or testing) and who require an accommodation, should discuss their needs with the Talent Acquisition Advisor when invited to the assessment process. For more information on our accommodation process please click on the link: Accommodations | Hiring | Employment | Halifax