Director, Communications

Director, Comminications

Located at 3099 Barrington Street in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, B3K 5M7, and 35 Micmac Boulevard, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada, B3A 4Y8, Irving Shipbuilding has a proud history as Canada's shipbuilder. A proud member of the J.D. Irving, Limited group of companies, we have been building quality vessels and fabricated modules for more than 50 years, and our Halifax Shipyard has been at the forefront of Canadian shipbuilding for 130 years.

Since 2012, we have invested more than $400 million in facilities, people, processes, and technology, making Halifax Shipyard one of the most modern and capable shipyards in North America. Over the next 30 years our shipbuilders will construct 20+ modern patrol ships and surface combatants for the Royal Canadian Navy as part of Canada's National Shipbuilding Strategy, the largest defence procurement in Canadian history. This year we delivered the second lead Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship, the largest Navy ship built in Canada in 50 years and we're just getting started. The third ship will be delivered in 2022.

We are growing our team with career-defining opportunities that will revitalize Canada's shipbuilding industry and provide Canada's sailors with the ships they need to protect Canada's interests at home and abroad. Our workforce of over 2,000 will grow to more than 2,800 at peak construction of the Canadian Surface Combatants. We have built more than 80% of Canada's current combatant fleet and continue to perform maintenance and modernization work on the ships, including the Halifax-class frigates.

Irving Shipbuilding Inc. is seeking a Director, Communications

This is a permanent full-time role based in Halifax Regional Municipality, Nova Scotia. The primary language of work is English. We encourage applications from qualified African Nova Scotians, racially visible persons, women (applying for non-traditional positions), persons with disabilities, Aboriginal persons and persons of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. ISI encourages applicants to self-identify in the cover letter/resume portion of your application. Irving Shipbuilding Inc. is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in its employment practices and to providing an environment where all employees feel supported and valued. ISI is committed to working towards a barrier-free workplace and to expanding the accessibility of the workplace to persons with disabilities.

Qualifications:

• Education: University Degree in Communications, Marketing or related.
• Experience: 10+ years in Communications.
• Experience leading the communications portfolio at a large manufacturing or public relations company and/or major public relations campaigns.
• Previous involvement in the management of comprehensive strategic communication programs for the purpose of advancing business goals.
• Exceptional written, verbal skills and presentation skills.
• Strong leadership qualities, excellent project management skills and ability to address stressful and uncertain situations with calmness and composure.
• Skilled at building relationships and working in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience in stakeholder and community engagement.
• Must have a high level of analytical and technological skills; must be familiar with digital channel programs and strategies inclusive of new and emerging technologies.

All successful applicants must meet requirements for Canadian Controlled Goods Program (CGP), Canadian Government Security clearance, and U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership:

• Play a leading role in creating and developing annual strategic communication plans for the business and executes key elements of the plan.
• Establish and follow up on the department’s strategic direction, as well as defining priorities and coordinating cross-functional initiatives.
• Oversee all internal employee communications, external stakeholder communications and manages our social media messaging and presence. 
• Maintain constant contact with all the various functional disciplines to ensure a broader understanding of the communication needs of the company and refine the various communication channels and messaging to ensure effective delivery. 

Strategy and Analytics:

• Responsible for the strategic and analytical formation of a company-wide communication strategy for the entire company involving all functional areas.
• The incumbent must maintain continuing and constant contact with all of the executive leadership group to ensure a full understanding of all company-wide events and activities and take the lead in developing the appropriate.
• Develop and lead a strategy to maintain and enhance the Irving Brand and specifically that of Irving Shipbuilding Inc.
• Opportunities & Innovation:
• Seek out new creative and innovative ways and opportunities for elevating our company’s brand and our internal and external communications.
• Oversee the planning and coordination of various business and community outreach events and promotions.
• Set an annual Calendar of commitments, manage the department budget and assist with the coordination and submission of various materials.

What We Offer: 

Irving Shipbuilding is proud to offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including but not limited to:

• A flexible medical, dental, and vision plan;
• Employee & Family Assistance Programs;
• RRSP matching program;
• Health & Wellness reimbursements;
• Opportunities to take part in job related training and development;
• Growth and progression opportunities within Irving Shipbuilding and the larger network of the JD Irving group of companies;
• Relocation costs (if applicable).

Please be advised that some positions within our business have been designated as ‘Safety Sensitive’ where the employee holding the position has a heightened responsibility for his/her own safety or the safety of others due to the nature of the job. If this is the case, you will be informed in the interview process.

To Apply for this Career Opportunity:

Please complete the online application form.  An up-to-date resume of past experience and education is required.

All applications will be reviewed by one of our recruiters.  If the recruiter sees a potential opportunity (current or future) that matches your skills and experience, you will be contacted to discuss your qualifications for a position with Irving Shipbuilding.

We thank all candidates for their interest, however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

Irving Shipbuilding Inc. is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in its employment practices and to providing an environment free from discrimination and harassment for all employees.

We do not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or employment agencies, and we are not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.