Communications Officer

About Us

Do you want to make an impact by helping Nova Scotians understand the programs, services, decisions, and priorities that shape their communities?

At the Government of Nova Scotia, communications professionals help people access information, understand government decisions, and connect with the services and supports they need. Whether explaining new programs, supporting communities through emergencies, helping people navigate change, or communicating important decisions that impact their lives, communications professionals play a critical role in keeping Nova Scotians informed and engaged.

Communications professionals collaborate across government to share expertise, align approaches, and support clear, accurate, accessible, and consistent information for Nova Scotians. This balance of departmental expertise and central coordination helps ensure people receive trusted information wherever they interact with government.

About Our Opportunity

Communications Officer for the Executive Council Office is part of a central communications team that supports senior leadership and communications teams across government. As a member of the Strategy, Issues Management and Rapid Response team, the Officer works under the guidance and oversight of senior communications staff to support strategic content planning and delivery.

The Communications Officer will create, edit and distribute news releases and create communications products such as speeches, social media content, web content, public announcements, and stakeholder communications. The communications officer is also responsible for media monitoring.

Work is completed in collaboration with colleagues and with direction on priorities, approach and sensitive or complex issues. 

Qualifications and Experience

We are looking for a professional who is motivated, collaborative, and organized and interested in building their skills in a fast-paced public sector environment. The minimum requirements are:

• Completion of a related bachelor’s degree along with one year of professional communications experience
• An equivalent combination of education, training and experience

Candidates should demonstrate the ability to:

• Communication and Writing: Draft and edit clear, accurate, and persuasive content in plain language for diverse audiences and channels
• Strategic Communications: Contribute to communications planning and content development by preparing draft materials and carrying out assigned tactics under the direction of senior team members.
• Collaboration and Relationships: Work respectfully and effectively with colleagues and partners, seek direction when needed, incorporate feedback and support coordinated delivery of communications products. Organization and Responsiveness: Organize assigned work, meet established timelines, adapt to changing priorities and raise risks or issues promptly. Equity and Inclusion: Apply equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility principles to communications planning and delivery.
• Context and Digital Acumen: Demonstrate a foundational understanding of government and media environments and the ability to use common digital, social media and information-management tools. 

Assets Include:

• An understanding of the public-sector environment.
• Training or experience with crisis communications, issues management, internal communications, change communications, or stakeholder engagement.
• Training or experience developing communications strategies and tactics that support inclusion and accessibility.
• An understanding of Nova Scotia’s unique social, historical, and demographic makeup.

Equivalency

We recognize equivalent combinations of training, education, and experience, providing opportunities for individuals with diverse backgrounds to contribute their skills and expertise.

Equivalencies include, but are not limited to:

• A completed diploma related to communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or digital media.
• Previous work experience related to professional communications, media relations, strategic communications planning, digital communications, public affairs, public engagement, stakeholder communications, or issues management.

Benefits

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.

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
• A Dynamic, client-focused office environment where service excellence and teamwork are our focus.