Position Description
Title: Project Communications Specialist
Reports to: Deputy CAO
Status: Full-time – Term (2 years)
Classification: Administration
Salary Scale: Specialist
Location: 493 Main St. and offsite (Mahone Bay)
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm plus some evenings
and weekends
Scope
The Project Communications Specialist will be responsible for creating and
implementing communications programs for the Town using various media.
Working closely with members of Council, Management, and the
Communications Committee, the Project Communications Specialist will
develop, implement, and manage internal and external communications plans
and strategies.
This position will also play a large role in developing community relations
strategies and public awareness campaigns with particular attention to
communications around capital projects and Housing Accelerator Fund actions
in the Town. This position will also provide communication, project and logistical
support in the development of corporate strategic initiatives in relation to the
implementation of the Town’s strategic plan.
Qualifications
• Successful completion of a university degree or advanced/graduate
diploma in a related field (ex. Communications, public relations,
marketing) or demonstrated equivalent work experience (6+ years
direct experience)
• Knowledge of legal and governmental processes, grant applications,
funding or contribution agreements and reporting, and real estate is
considered a benefit.
• Key competencies include but are not limited to: Exceptional
communication skills (written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation),
analytical thinking, independence, flexibility, and ability to meet
deadlines.
• Ability to work and build relationships with people from diverse
backgrounds.
• Ability to carry out site visits and work out of the office setting as needed,
which may include some evenings and weekends.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and Office 365
• Valid Nova Scotia Class 5 driver’s license
Summary of Principle Duties and Functions
Public Relations and Institutional Communication
Develops and implements internal and external communications plans and
strategies.
• Facilitates accurate and timely communication of information on Town issues to
external parties.
• Manages the Town’s entire social media presence.
Media Relations and Public Messaging
• Develops and maintains a current list of media contacts.
• Drafts and disseminates all corporate news releases, key messages and other
corporate communication and media vehicles and assists the Clerk with Town
Hall News.
• Takes a lead role in public messaging in relation to capital projects and housing
initiatives.
• Undertakes responsibility for developing corporate messaging.
• Monitors and tracks media issues of relevance to the Town and anticipates and
develop a plan to address any potential matters that may arise.
Support for Council and Leadership
• Provides support to the Mayor and members of Council with the preparation of
key messages, speaking notes, speeches, etc.
• Under the guidance of the CAO, provides strategic communication advice and
assistance as necessary to members of Council.
• Works as the primary staff resource to the Communications Committee with the
support of the Deputy CAO.
• Assists in the development of policies and procedures for consideration related
to communications.
• Works collaboratively with the Deputy CAO on action plans and reporting
requirements for the Housing Accelerator Fund.
• In an Emergency, acts as a communications contributor to Regional Emergency
Measures efforts.
• Other responsibilities and projects assigned by the CAO or Deputy CAO.
Event Planning and Special Projects
• Takes a lead role in planning, developing, and executing of Town special events
such as Town Halls, public meetings, and community consultations generally.
• Works with the CAO and management on special projects as may be required.
• Provides assistance in researching grant programs (capital and housing related
primarily), writing grant applications and reporting for funding streams as
necessary.
Advertising and Cost Efficiency
• Works with Town staff to minimize the costs of advertising by recommending
new practices and target areas for improvement.
• Ensures effective tracking and measurement tools are in place to measure the
effectiveness of the Town’s communications efforts.
Working Conditions
• This position will be based in Town Hall with eligibility for alternate work
arrangements as outlined in policy.
• This position may require site visits and consultation with varying parties, which
may include but not limited to contractors, equity seeking groups, Indigenous
organizations, and residents.
• Normal office hours are 8:30am – 4:30pm Monday through Friday, however this
position is expected to attend various meetings outside of business hours.
Competition Closes March 19, 2025:
Please send application, including a resume, covering letter, and any
other useful information (previous work samples), in confidence to Eric J.
Levy, Deputy CAO at eric.levy@townofmahonebay.ca or in person at 493
Main Street, Mahone Bay.