Communications Director

The Government of Nova Scotia; Halifax; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The Government of Nova Scotia seeks a Communications Director for the Department of Municipal Affairs. In this role, you will lead strategic communication initiatives that engage Nova Scotians and support government objectives, manage high-stakes communication situations, and collaborate with various departments to ensure unified messaging. The successful candidate will have a solid background in communications and public policy, exceptional interpersonal skills, and the ability to navigate crises effectively.

Benefits

Defined Benefit Pension Plan

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Employee and Family Assistance Programs

Career Development Initiatives

Qualifications

• Several years of experience in developing and delivering communications strategies.
• Experience managing competing interests and briefing senior officials.
• Strong understanding of government processes and public policy.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic communications planning aligning departmental priorities.
• Serve as a key advisor on communications issues to senior officials.
• Manage communication projects ensuring timely delivery and measurable outcomes.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Crisis communication

Strategic planning

Public relations

Content development

Education

Post-secondary education in communications, public relations, journalism, or marketing

Job description

Union Status : Exclusion - Non Union - NSPG

Closing Date : 22-Jul-25 (Applications are accepted until 11 : 59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us

The Department of Municipal Affairs is dedicated to working with municipalities to build healthy, vibrant, and safe communities throughout Nova Scotia. Municipal Affairs provides programs, grants, and funding opportunities for municipalities and community groups. The Department also provides services and guidance to municipalities in many areas including land use planning, budget planning and finance, infrastructure development, policy and program development.

About Our Opportunity

We're hiring a strategic and collaborative leader to serve as Communications Director for the Department. This role sits at the executive table, shaping the way our department engages with Nova Scotians and supports the government’s broader communications agenda.

Whether it’s breaking down complex policy for public understanding, guiding our Minister through high-stakes media moments, or managing communications in a crisis, you’ll be at the center of it all.

Primary Accountabilities

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 the Minister and Deputy Minister, 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

You have a 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. In addition to this, you have experience in :

• Managing people, events, priorities and competing interests
• Briefing a Minister, Deputy Minister and / or 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.

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools : written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

Equivalency

We recognize equivalent combinations of training, education, and experience, providing opportunities for individuals with diverse backgrounds to contribute their skills and expertise. Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Based on the employment status, 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 .

Working Conditions

You will be working within a high-paced, busy office environment with strict deadlines, sensitive and confidential information, as well as frequent meetings and conferences that require travel. You must have the ability to travel when required.

Your normal work week is 35 hours / week, 7 hours / day. You may be required to work overtime on occasion.

What We Offer

• 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.

Pay Grade : EC 13

Salary Range : $4,136.98- $5,171.21Bi-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 Womenin 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 [e-mail].

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 concernsmay be directed to [e-mail].