Sr. Communications Advisor

Who we are:

Independent Energy System Operator (IESO) Nova Scotia is a new organization created by the Nova Scotia Government that began operations in 2025. IESO Nova Scotia will reform the way Nova Scotia’s energy system is managed by assuming responsibility for managing the power system in real-time, achieving clean energy goals and planning for the province's future energy needs.

IESO Nova Scotia employees are guided by exemplifying the behaviours of curiosity, collaboration, intent, and transparency with the purpose of energizing Nova Scotia and delivering a secure energy transition at the best possible cost for Nova Scotians.

Role Summary:

The Senior Communications Advisor will report to the Manager, Communications and Stakeholder Engagement, and will provide strategic communications support across external communications, media relations, issues management, and stakeholder engagement. The role develops communications plans and messaging for complex organizational matters, provides communications advice to leadership, and translates technical, regulatory and operational information into clear and effective communications for external audiences.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Post-secondary education in Communications, Public Relations, or related field
• Minimum 6+ years’ experience working in a communications role in a high-pressure environment
• Experience developing messaging for a range of external audiences

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement communications plans in alignment with enterprise communications strategy and that support organizational priorities, initiatives, programs, and projects
• Draft key messaging, narrative frameworks, and external-facing content for complex organizational issues
• Ensure consistency, accuracy, and alignment of messaging across all communication channels
• Serve as point of contact for media inquiries and coordinate timely, accurate responses
• Build and maintain productive relationships with media representatives
• Develop media materials including news releases, statements, media advisories, backgrounders, speaking notes, Q&As, and briefing materials
• Coordinate and support media interviews, press events, announcements, and public communications activities
• Monitor media coverage, emerging trends, and public sentiment, providing analysis and recommendations to leadership
• Draft and edit news releases, website content, reports, presentations, executive communications, stakeholder materials, and social media content
• Translate complex technical, regulatory, and operational information into plain-language content appropriate for diverse audiences
• Support organizational preparedness and response to emerging issues, risks, and reputational matters
• Assess communications implications of operational, regulatory, and stakeholder issues and provide strategic advice on response approaches
• Develop issues management materials including key messages, holding statements, briefing notes, Q&As, and communications plans.
• Develop communications materials to support stakeholder engagement activities
• Prepare briefing materials, speaking notes, presentations, and correspondence for executives and organizational representatives
• Collaborate with internal teams and subject matter experts to ensure communications are accurate, timely, and strategically aligned
• Support communication efforts related to regulatory proceedings, procurement activities, strategic initiatives, and major organizational announcements

Core Competencies:

• Comfortable with Microsoft Office tools and programs
• Strong organizational skills
• Strong communications skills
• Experience developing effective narratives and key messaging frameworks
• Experience building good working relationships with media
• Experience developing media responses
• Attention to detail
• Comfortable building relationships at all levels of the organization
• Understanding of social media content development and reporting
• Working knowledge of digital design tools such as Canva
• Working knowledge of day-to-day website content maintenance
• Ability to quickly learn and manage media monitoring tools and software
• Ability to manage feedback productively
• Ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities

What we offer:

• Competitive benefits and paid time off
• Energetic, driven, fun culture
• Smart, collaborative team members
• The ability to work remotely 1 day per week
• A competitive salary commensurate with your experience
• A chance to make a big impact on Nova Scotia’s energy future!