Senior Advisor, Communications and External Relations

About the Organization

Emergency Medical Care Inc. (EMC) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Medavie Health Services (MHS). EMC operates ground ambulance, air medical transport and medical communications across Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, responding to over 165,000 calls annually.

Role Summary

The Senior Advisor, Communications and External Relations will develop strategic external communications, building trust and awareness of EMC’s operations. The role supports media relations, reputation/issue management, and the delivery of key messaging alongside business partners.

Main Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of communications strategies and tactics supporting EMCI business objectives.
• Act as the primary point of contact for EMCI media, supporting timely responses to media requests.
• Generate and foster relationships with media and healthcare partners, identifying opportunities and challenges requiring proactive communication.
• Maintain a big-picture view of organizational issues and media cycle insights to inform strategic recommendations.
• Monitor key regional and national news media daily to identify potential impacts on operations or reputation.
• Develop and deliver communication strategies for business initiatives and operational announcements, creating materials and coordinating with internal and external partners.
• Deliver monthly reports on media relations activities.
• Oversee writing and editing communications content across external and internal channels (key messages, news releases, speaking remarks, Q&A, social media, employee communications).
• Collaborate with Medavie and EMCI communications colleagues to manage brand and reputation, ensuring consistent messaging.
• Provide counsel to business partners on strategic communication approaches.
• Support design and translation requirements for communications, working with brand and translation teams.
• Provide support for issue and crisis communications, including on‑call coverage.

Required Qualifications

• 6–10 years of progressive experience in strategic communications and a postsecondary education in Communications or Public Relations.
• Proven delivery of communications and media relations strategies in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Experience as a corporate spokesperson with extensive reputation and issue management expertise.
• Ability to advise senior leaders and create approaches that address business demands.
• Professional handling of highly confidential and sensitive issues.
• Team player focused on colleague support, innovation, and results.
• Exceptional written communication skills, including editing, proofreading, and detail orientation.
• Teller of complex information in digestible, engaging, and informative pieces for employees.
• Strong time‑management skills, balancing multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal, project‑management, and relationship‑building skills across multi‑stakeholder teams, locations, and operating companies.
• Self‑starter and problem‑solver, thriving independently and within a geographically dispersed, virtual team.
• Flexibility to work outside normal hours and willingness to travel occasionally.
• Bilingualism (French and English) is considered an asset but not required.

Benefits

• Permanent full‑time position with growth opportunities.
• Flexible work arrangements, including a hybrid work option.
• Comprehensive health, vision, and dental plan (100% employer‑paid, effective first day).
• 100% employer‑matched Defined Contribution Pension Plan.
• Annual Incentive Bonus.
• Paid vacation plus a gifted week of vacation in the first year and an optional Vacation Purchase Program.
• Opportunities for personal learning and career development.

EEO Statement

Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative of the citizens we serve. We are committed to building an inclusive team that represents a variety of backgrounds, cultures, races, perspectives, and skills. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates, including women, persons of any sexual orientation and gender identity or expression, Indigenous persons, African Canadians, other racialized groups, and persons with disabilities.

Salary Range

$73,465–$100,000