Council Communications Specialist

Job Description

Job Posting

The Halifax Regional Municipality is inviting applications for the permanent, full-time position of Council Communications Specialist in Corporate Communications, Chief Administrative Office.

The Halifax Regional Municipality 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.

Reporting to the Manager of Internal Communications, the Council Communications Specialist is responsible for providing communications support to the Councillors' Support Office and, through this office, to the members of Regional Council. The Council Communications Specialist coordinates and manages processes related to Council-wide communications efforts such as newsletters, reports, ads, public service announcements, web content and informational updates while ensuring communications strategies and activities support the vision and corporate direction of the Halifax Regional Municipality. This work is conducted in a highly sensitive political environment. The incumbent provides professional communications support regarding corporate projects and priorities by working in the design, delivery and oversight of communications initiatives that adhere to corporate protocols and processes. The Council Communications Specialist is responsible for fostering and maintaining productive relationships with municipal elected officials, internal business units, external partners, other levels of government and the public, while simultaneously advancing the policies and priorities of the municipality. This requires the incumbent to balance assertiveness and sensitivity while adapting quickly to meet communications needs in accordance with the strategic direction of the municipality.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Delivers support with communications research and analysis as well as editing of materials while adhering to confidentiality.
• Compiles key messages, project/ program details, questions and answers and other required communications material for Councillors based on facts/information sourced from municipal staff. Note: The position does not develop opinion-based messaging or political advice for Councillors.
• Coordinates development and production of print and digital collateral (newsletters, advertising, business cards, signage, posters, social media graphics, etc.) on behalf of Councillors.
• Coordinates the dissemination of information to media and the public on behalf of individual Councillors (e.g. public service announcements/ news releases regarding events hosted by Councillors and commitments of funding from their individual budgets).
• Supports Councillors with basic administration and maintenance of content on their web pages and intranet).
• Develops, implements and evaluates communications efforts on behalf of the Councillors' Support Office – and in support of individual Councillors – that advance the priorities of Regional Council and the administration.
• Identifies potential issues and opportunities that may arise from municipal policies, programs or Regional Council decisions and provides recommendations to Councillors Support Office regarding effective proactive/ reactive communications efforts.
• Identifies ways to increase the effectiveness of existing tools, processes and procedures for internal and external communications and provides recommendations to Councillors Support Office.
• Assists the Emergency Management Division, as needed, by providing support as a liaison with Councillors to capture their questions/ feedback as well as relay approved administrative messaging that can be shared with constituents.
• Consults with colleagues in the marketing, public affairs, internal communications and print services sections to ensure compliance with the municipal brand, as well as consistency in key messaging and the organization's overall communications approach.
• Coordinates the end-to-end delivery of innovative, effective and cost-efficient communications products, services and strategies.
• Manages and monitors the progress of multiple communications activities and provides regular updates to the Councillors' Support Office.
• Identifies techniques and strategies for forging and maintaining strong relationships with business unit partners and elected officials.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

• University degree in Public Relations, Marketing or a related field and five years of experience working in a communications or marketing environment.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Experience working in municipal government will be considered an asset.

Technical / Job Specific Knowledge and Abilities:

• Excellent computer skills and proficient in relevant software: Adobe (InDesign and Photoshop), Canva, PowerPoint, Excel and basic knowledge of print production.
• Demonstrated ability in project management.
• Ability to work under pressure, meet tight deadlines and manage multi-focused priorities.
• Demonstrated knowledge of communications planning and research skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including document production and editing.
• Excellent customer relations and partner management skills.
• Sound knowledge of municipal government and/or previous experience working in a government setting would be considered an asset.

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. Candidates, who are selected for testing, may be tested in a group setting, scheduled at the employer's discretion.

COMPETENCIES: Analytical Thinking, Communication, Customer Service, Networking/Relationship Building, Organizational Awareness, Organization and Planning, Teamwork and Cooperation, Valuing Diversity.

WORK STATUS: Permanent, full-time

HOURS OF WORK: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m, 35 hours per week and beyond those on an as-required basis. This position will require extended, flexible hours on days when Regional Council is in session. Flex options to work outside of these hours and hybrid may be available.

SALARY: Level 6, Non-Union, $72,370 - $93,650. Salary will be commensurate with education and years of applicable experience. Salary will be determined based on relevant experience and qualifications related to the specified pay band and job. Placement above the midpoint of the pay band is typically reserved for candidates who significantly exceed the minimum qualifications, such as those with exceptional experience, specialized skills, or demonstrated achievements relevant to the role. This ensures fair and consistent compensation practices across the organization.

WORK LOCATION: City Hall, 1841 Argyle Street, Halifax

CLOSING DATE: Applications will be received up to 11:59pm on Sunday, March 1, 2026

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.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to provide proof of their qualifications, including, but not limited to, educational credentials, professional licenses, and relevant certifications.

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 discuss their needs with the Talent Acquisition Advisor when invited to the assessment process. For more information on our accommodation process please click on the link;

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