Executive Director, Communications - EXE001948

The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to building a better quality of life for Saskatchewan people, to build strong communities and strong families, and grow a stronger Saskatchewan. 

If you are looking for an opportunity to help shape the future of Saskatchewan communities to ensure they continue to grow and thrive, and ultimately enhance the quality of life for all Saskatchewan people, the role of Executive Director, Communications may be the ideal role for you.

Based in Regina, this position will allow you to leverage your leadership skills, passion, and technical expertise with a Ministry that holds deep rooted values of Respect and Integrity, Serving Citizens, Excellence, and Innovation, and Acting as One Team.

The Opportunity

The Government of Saskatchewan is seeking two (2) highly skilled and strategic leaders for the Ministry of Energy and Resources and the Public Service Commission. These leaders will set the direction and guide the strategy of the communication function, including allocating the operating budget of the Ministry and the Commission.

As the Executive Director, Communications and as a member of the Ministry and Commission’s executive team, the successful candidates will leverage on their participative leadership skills and collaborative approach to lead teams of professionals responsible for a range of core communications services.

About the Ministry and Commission:

Ministry of Energy and Resources 

The Ministry of Energy and Resources develops, co-ordinates and implements policies and programs to promote the growth and responsible development of the province’s natural resource industries. The ministry operates as the primary regulatory authority for the oil and gas industry and ensures competitive royalty systems, regulations, and policies for all natural resource sectors. The ministry also plays an important role in promoting Saskatchewan’s diverse resource potential to investors around the world. 

Public Service Commission

The Public Service Commission is the central human resource agency for the Government of Saskatchewan. The Commission supports and provides leadership and policy direction to all ministries to enable a high-performing and innovative professional public service.

Executive Director, Communications Responsibilities 

Reporting to the Deputy Minister and the Chair of the Public Service Commission respectively, the successful candidates will:

  • Develop and manage the ministry/commission's annual communications and marketing plans, ensuring activities are aligned with the ministry/commission's key strategic directions;
  • Provide senior leadership and expertise in the design and implementation of media, public relations, and communications and social marketing strategies;
  • Develop and manage communications links between the ministry/commission and stakeholders at the regional, provincial, and national level;
  • Design and manage communication and marketing activities intended to both influence and communicate ministry/commission's business priorities to internal and external stakeholders;
  • The ability to think critically and view issues and challenges from multiple perspectives; and
  • Be a team player, able to both lead and collaborate, with a reputation for integrity and a focus on service excellence and innovation.

What you will need:

  • Knowledge, understanding and application of strategic communications, marketing, and social media, together with a solid grasp of ministry and public policy issues;
  • Knowledge of strategic communication principles and planning methods, theories, and tools, including media relations strategies digital communication platforms and practices;
  • Experience with the principles and tools related to internal communications;
  • Knowledge of public sector budgeting, forecasting, accountability, and decision-making processes; and
  • Leadership, superior interpersonal skills, issues management and the capacity to excel in high pressure situations are essential.

Typically, the knowledge and competencies for this position would be acquired through the completion of an undergraduate degree in journalism, communications, or related field of study, supplemented with several years of management and leadership experience in strategic communications planning, marketing, and media relations.

The successful candidate will demonstrate the Saskatchewan Public Service core values of respect and integrity; serving citizens, practicing excellence and innovation; and acting as One Team, including participating in, and contributing to an inclusive workplace culture.