Department: Opportunities and Social Development
Location: HALIFAX
Type of Employment: Term
Union Status: Exclusion - Non Union - NSPG
Closing Date: 09-Jun-26 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)
At the Department of Opportunities and Social Development (OSD), we are a large and diverse department providing a broad portfolio of programs and services including Child and Family Wellbeing (CFW), Employment Support Services (ESS), Income Assistance (IA), Supportive Housing and Homelessness, and the Disability Support Program (DSP).
Through our services, we advocate for and help vulnerable Nova Scotians be independent, self-reliant, and secure. We work collaboratively across the province with a strong dedicated network of supports and staff, to achieve desired and shared outcomes for all.
At the NS Provincial Government, our communications team collaborates across various departments to ensure our messages, programs, and initiatives are informed by thorough research and resonate with the diverse needs of our communities. We don't just accept differences – we celebrate and foster a culture of diversity and belonging. We are committed to creating an environment where diverse perspectives and experiences are not only welcomed but valued. We invite applications from individuals who are passionate about promoting equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) in their work.
We’re looking for experienced Communication Advisors who are passionate about delivering clear, impactful messages to a diverse range of audiences. You will work with staff to promote public understanding of initiatives, programs and services, and ensure priorities, policies and actions are clearly communicated. You will work with media, accepting and coordinating requests and media questions and developing answers. You will also work with professionals in marketing, video, photo, design and more to deliver quality communications products and strategies.
The ideal candidate is skilled in developing effective and innovative communication strategies. You have experience working with a diverse range of audiences and crafting communications strategies and products that are accessible and inclusive. You have experience in the full range of communications skills, tactics and strategies to support the needs of the department you’re supporting. You will be expected to brief and advise senior leaders and elected officials.
The Communications Advisor works with partners to develop and implement communications strategies. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- briefing and providing advice to senior staff and elected officials
- supporting sessions of the Legislative Assembly and appearances at legislative committees
- media relations
- issues management
- developing and implementing communications strategies
- writing news releases, speeches and other materials
- content development for social media, public announcements, marketing and web
- event planning
- working with partners on stakeholder communications
- Occasional evening and weekend work may be required
The successful candidate should have a post-secondary degree in public relations, communications, journalism and several years of professional communications experience, or an acceptable equivalent.
The successful candidate should also have:
- strong writing skills, including plain language skills, and speech writing experience
- experience with media relations
- strong collaborative work ethic
- significant experience developing and implementing comprehensive communications strategies that leverage traditional and emerging digital strategies
- experience in communications strategies and tactics for inclusion and accessibility
- experience with social media and digital platforms/technologies, and the ability to effectively engage large audiences with minimal resources
- experience advising clients and working with a diverse range of stakeholders, including a grasp of Nova Scotia’s unique social, historical and demographic makeup
- experience and comfort briefing and advising senior staff and elected officials
- experience working in a fast-paced, collaborative work environment, under tight deadlines
Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.
**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.
- Solid understanding of the public-sector environment
- Leadership experience
- An understanding of Nova Scotia’s unique social, historical and demographic make-up
- Experience working with vulnerable populations and an understanding of the associated social and systemic complexities
- Experience in/knowledge of data analytics, human-centred approaches and artificial intelligence.
- French language skills
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.
- 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 with attention to accuracy.
- Majority of time is spent in a comfortable office setting with frequent opportunity to move
This is a TERM employment opportunity with an anticipated end date of January 7, 2028. The appointment status (‘term’, ‘temporary’ or ‘casual’) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.
This competition will include a two-phased screening approach. Those meeting the qualifications will be required to pass a written test to secure an interview. The interview process will also include the requirement for candidates to do a presentation on a pre-determined topic, which will be shared in advance of the interview date.
Reference checks will also be performed.
- 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.
- A dynamic, client-focused office environment where service excellence and teamwork are our focus
Pay Grade: EC 11
Salary Range: $3,571.99 - $4,465.03 Bi-Weekly
Employment Equity Statement:
Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on your electronic application.
Accommodation Statement:
We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Candidates may request accommodations based on any grounds protected by the Human Rights Act. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please contact us at [email protected].
Current government employees may access this posting through the link below:
PLEASE NOTE: Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information.
Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials, the results of which must be satisfactory to the employer. We thank all applicants for the interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All questions and concerns may be directed to [email protected].
