Halifax Regional Municipality is inviting applications for the temporary full-time (up to 3 years with possibility of extension) position of Senior Communications Advisor in the Mayor’s Office.

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.

The Senior Communications Advisor provides high-level strategic communications advice and implementation support to the Mayor’s Office. This position plays a critical role in public messaging, media engagement, digital content development, and communications planning to support the Mayor’s priorities of mobility, affordability, and housing. Working in a fast-paced, high-profile environment, this role requires judgment, diplomacy, responsiveness, and a deep understanding of the public and political landscape.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Develop and implement a proactive, integrated communications strategy aligned with the Mayor’s vision and mandate.Draft speeches, op-eds, media releases, briefing materials, and web/social media content for the Mayor and Chief of Staff.Monitor media and public discourse; identify opportunities and risks; recommend responsive communications actions.Serve as a liaison between the Mayor’s Office and the media; coordinate interview requests, press conferences, and public announcements.Collaborate with HRM communications and departmental staff to ensure alignment and consistency of messaging.Advise on communications aspects of policy initiatives and stakeholder engagement.Support planning and execution of public events, community announcements, and strategic campaigns.Provide coaching and media preparation for the Mayor and senior staff as needed.Lead or contribute to crisis communications and rapid response efforts in coordination with HRM’s corporate communications.Maintain high standards for accessibility, inclusivity, and clarity across all public-facing content.QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience:Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Political Science, or a related discipline.Minimum of 7 years’ progressive experience in strategic communications, ideally within government, public sector, or high-profile environments.Technical / Job Specific Knowledge and Abilities:Expertise in media relations, strategic messaging, and content development.Strong knowledge of communications planning, public affairs, and digital media.Experience with tools such as Microsoft 365, social media management platforms, and media monitoring services.An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.  Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must clearly demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

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. 

COMPETENCIES: Visioning, Strategic Thinking and Innovation, Networking & Relationship Building, Communications, Organizational Awareness, Risk Management

WORK STATUS: Temporary full-time (up to 3 years)

HOURS OF WORK: Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm, 35 hours per week. Flex options to work outside of these hours and hybrid may be available.

SALARY: $84,000 - $105,000 annually. Salary will be commensurate with education and years of applicable experience. The successful candidate will have the option to participate in HRM's benefit and pension plans.

WORK LOCATION: City Hall (1841 Argyle Street, Halifax, NS)

CLOSING DATE:   Applications will be accepted until 11:59 pm on Thursday, July 31, 2025

Please note:  We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Only those applicants selected for an 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. 

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 please reach out to info@hawthornerecruitment.com to discuss their needs at any stage of the recruitment process. For more information on our accommodation process please click on the link; Accommodations | Hiring | Employment | Halifax