Communications Director, Halifax

Competition #:

48933

Department:

Opportunities and Social Development

Location:

Halifax

Type of Employment:

Term

Union Status:

Exclusion - Non Union - NSPG

Closing Date:

14-Jun-26

About Our Opportunity The Communications Director will provide senior‑level strategic communication planning and advice, and help build public awareness and understanding of government and departmental initiatives. They will have a strong background in developing and implementing modern communication strategies, with a focus on integrating content across a range ofdigital platforms. A creative thinker and collaborator, the Director delivers strategic communications to diverse audiences through digital and traditional channels, advises senior officials, and builds relationships inside and outside government to develop, execute, and evaluate innovative strategies.

As Communications Director, You Will

Lead strategic communications planning and delivery, aligning with departmental priorities and government‑wide initiatives across digital, print, media, marketing, and stakeholder channels.

Serve as a key advisor to Ministers and/or Deputy Ministers and government senior leaders, providing counsel on complex and high‑profile internal and external communications issues.

Anticipate emerging issues and navigate crises with speed and clarity, providing expert support on matters affecting public safety, health, and government credibility.

Collaborate across departments and with the Executive Council, Premier’s Office, and central communications teams to coordinate unified government messaging.

Represent communications perspectives in executive decision‑making, influencing policy through strategic insights on public perception, risk, and reputation management.

Manage communication projects and campaigns from idea to impact, ensuring timely delivery, responsible budgeting, and measurable outcomes.

Integrate digital strategy, evidence‑based marketing, media relations, and stakeholder engagement into communication planning that shifts attitudes, improves understanding, and influences behaviour.

Guide internal communications and organizational change messaging that builds transparency and employee engagement across the department.

Qualifications And Experience

Complete post‑secondary education in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or another related field, along with several years of experience developing and delivering communications strategies.

Managing people, events, priorities, and competing interests.

Briefing senior executives/officials for media interviews, committee/special appearances, etc.

Developing and implementing multi‑channel communications strategies (digital, marketing, media, internal comms, crisis comms, etc.) for diverse audiences.

You Also Have

A strong understanding of government processes and public policy.

Exceptional interpersonal skills, ability to collaborate across departments, and advise with tact and clarity.

A track record of making sound, timely decisions in uncertain or complex situations.

Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.

An understanding of the evolving media landscape and digital engagement tools, with a lens toward innovation, accessibility, and impact.

Equivalency

Definition of professional communications experience includes 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.

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.

Benefits Based on employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers a range of benefits, including a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs.

Working Conditions

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.

What We Offer

Career Development where you have access to guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career.

Engaging workplace: employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in, supported by 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 13

Salary Range:

$4,322.15– $5,402.66 Bi‑Weekly

Employment Equity Statement Our goal is 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 Peoples, African Nova Scotians, 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 .

All questions and concerns may be directed to .

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