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Communications Advisor, Halifax Regional Police


Halifax Regional Municipality is inviting applications for permanent position of Communications Advisor in the Office of the Chief of Police with Halifax Regional Police. We encourage applications from qualified African Nova Scotians, racially visible persons, women in non-traditional positions, persons with disabilities and Aboriginal persons. HRM encourages applicants to self-identify.

Reporting to Manager, Public Relations and Communications, the Communications Advisor leads, advises on and implements internal and external communications and has responsibility for the planning and execution of communications strategies, including issues and crisis management, with the purpose of assisting the police service in sharing information and building positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

The Communications Advisor implements and evaluates communications strategies that increase employee and public awareness and understanding of policing initiatives; provides advice on complex issues affecting both internal and external stakeholders and plays a role in communicating the organization’s mandate, priorities, business plan and strategic plan.

The Communications Advisor works with a team of professionals in the Public Relations and Communications Unit and with the executive management team and senior leaders, officers and staff across the police service as well as Halifax Regional Municipality Corporate Communications and other business units in the municipality. The Communications Advisor helps to coordinate the dissemination of employee and public information and works closely with other team members to ensure consistent messaging, branding and outreach. In addition, the Communications Advisor acts as a relationship manager with public, media, government, community and employee stakeholders to formulate and implement strategic communications. The Communications Advisor represents HRP to internal and external audiences as required and provides the public and stakeholders with clear information on emerging issues and matters of interest.

The incumbent is an expert in the fields of public relations and communications, with extensive knowledge and expertise in public relations and communications strategy, theory and practices, particularly as they relate to public service, policing, law enforcement and/or government. Policing involves exceptionally demanding communications deadlines, requiring excellent decision making and a high level of customer service.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Professional Expertise

  • Manages the end-to-end delivery of innovative and effective internal and external communications strategies, plans, products and services;

  • Acts as the primary back up for HRP’s Public Information Officer and closely collaborates with this role on communicating day to day police work;

  • Implements internal and external communications for high risk and crisis situations. This includes communications support in the midst of ongoing police operations, investigations and/or public safety matters which often involve the utmost confidentiality, as well as human resources matters which may involve criminal investigations and allegations under the Police Act of Nova Scotia and/or other disciplinary matters;

Strategic Plan Support

  • Actively contributes to and implements portions of the unit’s annual communication strategy, which is aligned with the organization’s vision, mission, priorities, business plan and 10-year strategic plan;

  • Researches and carries out communications planning for corporate initiatives, HRP Executive Management Team and Senior Management Team priorities, 2015-2025 Strategic Plan priorities and annual business plan goals.

Stakeholder Relations

  • Builds relationships and collaborates with a variety of internal nd external HRP stakeholders

  • Ensures accurate and timely communications on policing and public safety matters with a variety of audiences

Client Relations

  • In consultation with clients, produces effective internal and external communications proposals;

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

  • University degree or Diploma in Public Relations, Communications or a related field and a minimum of 5-7 years’ experience, preferably in a government environment or large organization. Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

Technical / Job Specific Knowledge and Abilities:

  • Demonstrated ability in enhancing internal/external communication, communications project management and building stakeholder relationships.

  • Demonstrated experience and ability to work with senior leaders, public, media, community organizations, in fast paced, multi layered environments etc.

  • Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively communicate in both oral and written form.

  • Ability to coordinate multiple projects, prioritize workflow and meet tight deadlines in a rapidly changing environment.

  • Demonstrated experience in organizing media announcements or events.

  • Demonstrated social media expertise.

  • Proficient at creating presentations in PowerPoint.

  • Knowledge and experience in multimedia production, visual storytelling, website and graphic design would be an asset.

SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS: Candidates being considered for the position Communications Advisor must successfully meet the security clearance requirements administered by Halifax Regional Police, which include, but are not limited to, a pre-employment polygraph.

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: Communication, Customer Service Orientation, Decision Making, Networking/ Relationship Building, Organization and Planning, Organizational Awareness, Teamwork and Cooperation and Valuing Diversity.

WORK STATUS: Permanent full-time. This is a Halifax Regional Police Association (HRPA) bargaining unit position.

HOURS OF WORK: Hours of work are Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (40 hours per week). The terms of employment as per the HRPA Collective Agreement apply. The Public Relations Unit for Halifax Regional Police provides immediate, around the clock service to Halifax Regional Police. The organization and the unit operate in a highly public arena where confidentiality and public trust is key to effective performance.

SALARY: $84,789.67 (Step 1); $89,719.30 (Step 2) annually as per the Halifax Regional Police Association Collective Agreement

WORK LOCATION: 1975 Gottingen Street, Halifax

CLOSING DATE: Applications will be received up to midnight on September 26, 2018.

During the recruitment process, applicants have the right to request accommodation. Applicants invited to participate in an assessment process (such as an interview or testing) and who require accommodation, should discuss their needs with the Recruiter when invited to the assessment process.

Qualified HRM retirees may also be considered for competitions. In these circumstances, a form of employment may be offered, including term and/or contract employment.

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