Manager, Communications, Indigenous, Government & Stakeholder Engagement

Manager, Communications, Indigenous, Government & Stakeholder Engagement
Halifax, NS 
Reference #JL-IESO-8666

IESO Nova Scotia is a new, independent not-for-profit organization created by the Nova Scotia Government to change the way Nova Scotia’s electricity system is managed.  IESO Nova Scotia is delivering change by assuming responsibility for managing the province’s power system in real-time, supporting Nova Scotia’s clean energy goals under the province’s Clean Power Plan and planning for the province's future energy needs. We are looking to bring an experienced and motivated Manager, Communications, Indigenous, Government & Stakeholder Engagement to their senior leadership team here in Halifax, Nova Scotia.  The Manager, Communications, Indigenous, Government & Stakeholder Engagement will be instrumental in advancing awareness and understanding about IESO Nova Scotia’s mandate and role in Nova Scotia’s evolving electricity system.

IESO Nova Scotia is guided by operating principles and values that include credibility, transparency, collaboration, independence, innovation, respect, public service, safety and security and reliability for electricity customers. 

IESO Nova Scotia is committed to building respectful and mutually beneficial relationships with Mi’kmaq communities and other Indigenous Peoples. We actively support reconciliation by seeking guidance from Indigenous communities, leaders, and organizations, incorporating Indigenous ways of knowing where appropriate, and creating opportunities for Indigenous leadership and participation in shaping Nova Scotia’s clean energy future.

The Manager, Communications, Indigenous, Government & Stakeholder Engagement plays a critical leadership role as part of the organization’s leadership team, applying strategic insight and expertise to guide and implement the organization’s external and internal communications, stakeholder engagement, media relations, branding and messaging. 

The Manager, Communications, Indigenous, Government & Stakeholder Engagement will be responsible for:

• As an enterprise leader working with the CEO and senior team to set the priorities for the organization, lead by example and help shape the culture of the organization.
• Develop and execute compelling communications strategies that align with organizational priorities.
• Develop and maintain strategic messaging frameworks to support campaigns, key initiatives, and executive platforms.
• Serve as the organization's spokesperson, managing media inquiries, interviews, and public appearances.
• Lead the organization’s government affairs strategy, building and maintaining relationships with elected officials, and policy makers. 
• Lead the drafting and distribution of media releases, speeches, and executive communication.
• Own and maintain the organization’s website and other digital channels, ensuring content is current, engaging, and aligned with brand messaging.
• Plan and implement the social media presence and strategy.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with key external stakeholders, including community leaders, government, media, industry partners, and Indigenous communities, leaders, and organizations.
• Lead strategic engagement initiatives to support collaboration and transparency with partners and the public.
• Build and strengthen engagement and consultation with Mi’kmaq communities and other Indigenous leaders and organization in ways that honour their rights, language, knowledge systems, and cultural protocols ensuring their perspectives, priorities, and voices meaningfully shape IESO Nova Scotia’s decisions and direction Own the organization’s brand identity and ensure consistency across all channels and materials.
• Lead internal communication efforts to ensure alignment of messaging and announcements.
• Lead and actively participate in fostering a high-performing, inclusive organizational culture grounded in collaboration, accountability, safety, and excellence. 
• Recruit, build, and develop a small dynamic and diverse team over time, and coach and support them to reach their individual potential and drive organizational success. 
• Champion and model commitment to workplace policies and environments that strengthen equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility and commitment to Truth and Reconciliation.

The ideal candidate will have:

• 7–10 years of progressive experience in communications, public relations, stakeholder engagement, or related fields.
• Proven experience in a leadership communications role with external-facing responsibilities.
• Outstanding writing, editing, and storytelling skills with a strong portfolio of press releases, media content, or thought leadership.
• Experience building trusted, long-term relationships with Indigenous communities, demonstrating cultural awareness, humility, and respect for Indigenous culture, governance structures and protocols.
• Lived experience as a member of an Indigenous community and/or strong ties to Indigenous communities would be considered a valuable asset.
• Experience in media interviews and training others for media interviews, possessing confidence and professionalism as a spokesperson.
• Strategic thinking, with the ability to translate complex ideas into clear, compelling messages.
• Experience managing websites, social media, and digital platforms.
• Knowledge of branding principles and experience leading brand development and implementation.
• Excellent relationship-building and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, hands-on environment, balancing strategic planning with tactical execution.

To express interest in this opportunity please apply online by clicking “Apply Now” below:


For more information about this exciting opportunity please contact Brittany Neaves, Consultant, at bneaves@kbrs.ca or Jeff Lanthier, Partner, at jlanthier@kbrs.ca. If you require accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please let Brittany or Jeff know.


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We strongly encourage applications from Mi’kmaq and other Indigenous candidates, and we welcome the opportunity to learn from and work alongside leaders who bring diverse perspectives to advancing Nova Scotia’s clean energy future.