: Director of Communications, Community Engagement & Constituency Casework

Office: Office of the Member of Parliament for South Shore–St. Margarets

Location: Constituency office, Nova Scotia

Employment Type: Full-time

Work Allocation: 70% Communications and Engagement | 30% Constituency Casework

Reports to: Chief of Staff

Position Purpose The Director of Communications & Constituency Casework is responsible for planning, drafting, producing, coordinating, and distributing communications on behalf of the Member of Parliament for South Shore–St. Margarets, while also managing a designated caseload of constituent inquiries involving federal programs and services.

The position is constituency-based and focuses on communicating the MP’s work to residents, ensuring the public receives timely and accessible information, supporting the MP’s engagement with community organizations and stakeholders, and helping constituents navigate federal departments.

The Director reports directly to the Chief of Staff, who sets priorities, approves work plans, and oversees performance.

Key Responsibilities

A. Communications — 70% of Workload

1. Social Media Management and Digital Content

Specific tasks:

- Develop and maintain a rolling four-week social media content calendar.
- Draft, edit, schedule, publish, and monitor posts for the MP’s official social media accounts.
- Prepare content for Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and other platforms used by the office.
- Create posts highlighting constituency visits, community events, federal funding announcements, local business achievements, community organizations, parliamentary work, and constituent priorities.
- Draft captions, headlines, hashtags, calls to action, and short-form video scripts.
- Take or coordinate photographs and video recordings during constituency events and visits.
- Edit short videos and reels, add captions, and prepare content for publication.
- Create graphics using approved office templates and design tools.
- Monitor comments, messages, and public engagement; respond to routine administrative questions and refer casework, media inquiries, threats, and sensitive issues to the appropriate staff member.
- Monitor engagement metrics and prepare a monthly summary of reach, engagement, and high-performing content.
- Maintain an organized digital library of photographs, videos, graphics, and published materials.

Expected deliverables:

- A maintained four-week content calendar.
- Regular, timely social media content reflecting the MP’s schedule and priorities.
- Draft video scripts and event content prepared in advance where possible.
- Monthly social media performance summary.

1. Newsletters, Constituency Mailers and Public Information

Specific tasks:

- Draft and edit constituency newsletters, household mailers, seasonal messages, and public information updates.
- Develop content explaining federal programs, funding opportunities, government announcements, and services available to residents.
- Prepare stories highlighting local businesses, community groups, volunteers, non-profits, and community achievements.
- Gather facts, statistics, photographs, quotes, and background information required for each publication.
- Coordinate graphic design, layout, proofreading, accessibility, printing, mailing, and distribution.
- Obtain required approvals before materials are finalized or distributed.
- Maintain a publication schedule and track production deadlines, printing costs, and distribution dates.
- Ensure public materials use plain language and are accessible to a broad audience.

Expected deliverables:

- Newsletter and mailer drafts completed according to the approved publication schedule.
- Proofread, fact-checked, and approved materials ready for production.
- A publication calendar and record of completed distributions.

1. Speeches, Statements and Public Remarks

Specific tasks:

- Draft speeches for community events, announcements, roundtables, school visits, ceremonies, and public meetings.
- Prepare speaking notes, briefing cards, introductions, thank-you remarks, and event-specific key messages.
- Draft Members’ Statements, short parliamentary remarks, video scripts, and other public-facing remarks when assigned.
- Prepare remarks for community celebrations, commemorations, awareness days, and local milestones.
- Research the background and significance of events, organizations, individuals, and announcements.
- Incorporate the MP’s personal perspective, constituency context, and relevant local examples.
- Edit drafts to match the MP’s voice, intended audience, length, and speaking style.
- Prepare materials in advance of scheduled events and maintain a searchable archive of completed speeches and scripts.

Expected deliverables:

- Complete speech or speaking-note drafts by the deadline established by the Chief of Staff or MP.
- Event-specific key messages and briefing notes.
- An organized archive of approved speeches, statements, and scripts.

1. Ministerial and Federal Department Correspondence

Specific tasks:

- Draft letters, emails, briefing notes, meeting requests, and follow-up correspondence to federal ministers, parliamentary secretaries, deputy ministers, departmental officials, and relevant agencies.




- Prepare correspondence advocating for constituency priorities, local infrastructure, rural development, fisheries, transportation, economic development, community funding, and other assigned files.
- Research relevant federal programs, policies, announcements, and departmental responsibilities before preparing correspondence.
- Summarize constituent concerns and local evidence in a clear, professional format.
- Prepare background notes and suggested questions for meetings with ministers, parliamentary secretaries, and federal officials.
- Maintain a correspondence tracker recording the recipient, subject, date drafted, approval status, date sent, response deadline, and follow-up action.
- Track outstanding replies and prepare follow-up correspondence when responses are overdue.
- Coordinate with the Chief of Staff and other office staff to ensure consistent messaging and avoid duplication.
- Maintain confidentiality when correspondence includes personal, commercial, or sensitive information.

Expected deliverables:

- Draft ministerial and departmental correspondence ready for review and approval.
- Meeting briefing notes and supporting research.
- An up-to-date tracker of outstanding correspondence and follow-up actions.

1. Media Relations and Issues Monitoring

Specific tasks:

- Monitor local and regional media for stories relevant to the riding and the MP’s assigned priorities.
- Prepare daily or as-needed media summaries for the Chief of Staff.
- Draft media releases, statements, interview preparation notes, and responses to media inquiries.
- Maintain a current list of local media contacts and relevant outlets.
- Coordinate media logistics for constituency announcements, interviews, press conferences, and visits.
- Identify emerging issues, misinformation, reputational risks, and opportunities for public clarification.
- Immediately flag sensitive, controversial, urgent, or high-profile issues to the Chief of Staff.
- Ensure media responses are reviewed and approved by the appropriate authority before release.

Expected deliverables:

- Media summaries as required.
- Draft media releases and statements when needed.
- Interview notes, media contact records, and event logistics.

1. Constituency Events and Community Engagement Communications

Specific tasks:

- Prepare promotional materials and communications plans for town halls, community meetings, roundtables, stakeholder visits, funding announcements, and public events.
- Draft invitations, event descriptions, speaking notes, follow-up messages, and thank-you correspondence.
- Coordinate with constituency staff to obtain event details, confirm participants, and collect approved photographs and information.
- Prepare social media content before and after events.
- Draft post-event summaries highlighting key discussions, announcements, and next steps.
- Maintain a calendar of relevant community events and public engagement opportunities.
- Build working relationships with municipalities, non-profits, businesses, community organizations, and other local stakeholders to identify stories and information needs.

Expected deliverables:

- Communications materials prepared before each assigned event.
- Timely post-event content and follow-up correspondence.
- An organized record of event materials and approved photographs.

1. Communications Planning and Administration

Specific tasks:

- Meet regularly with the Chief of Staff to review priorities, deadlines, upcoming announcements, and emerging issues.
- Prepare a weekly communications work plan outlining deliverables, deadlines, and outstanding approvals.
- Maintain a master communications calendar covering newsletters, mailers, social media, events, speeches, and major announcements.
- Maintain templates, approved biographies, key messages, logos, photographs, and standard correspondence.
- Fact-check dates, names, locations, statistics, funding amounts, program details, and quotations before publication.
- Obtain approval from the Chief of Staff or MP before publishing sensitive or substantive materials.
- Ensure records are stored securely and handled in accordance with applicable office policies.
- Provide advance notice when deadlines cannot be met or when competing priorities require direction.

B. Constituency Casework — 30% of Workload
1. Constituent Intake and Initial Assessment

Specific tasks:

- Respond to assigned telephone calls, emails, walk-ins, and written requests for assistance.
- Identify the constituent’s concern, the federal department or agency involved, relevant deadlines, and the outcome being requested.
- Explain the MP’s role and the appropriate process for seeking assistance.
- Obtain signed consent and supporting documents required before making inquiries on a constituent’s behalf.
- Confirm the constituent’s contact information and create a case record.
- Assess urgency and refer emergencies,



safety concerns, complex cases, or politically sensitive matters to the Chief of Staff or designated senior staff member.

1. Federal Department and Agency Inquiries

Specific tasks:

- Prepare and submit inquiries to relevant federal departments and agencies, including, where appropriate:
- Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
- Service Canada.
- Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
- Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security (OAS) program administrators.
- Employment Insurance (EI) program administrators.
- Other federal departments and agencies within the office’s casework mandate.
- Follow established office procedures for departmental inquiries and use designated portals or contact channels where applicable.
- Provide the department with relevant case details and supporting documentation, with the constituent’s authorization.
- Record inquiry reference numbers, departmental contacts, expected response dates, and next steps.
- Follow up on outstanding cases and escalate delayed responses through approved channels.
- Communicate departmental updates to constituents in plain language without promising a particular outcome.

1. Case Management and Follow-up

Specific tasks:

- Maintain accurate, complete, and confidential electronic case files.
- Record every significant contact, action, document received, response, and follow-up deadline.
- Review active cases regularly to identify files requiring further action.
- Contact constituents when updates are received or additional information is required.
- Close cases only when the matter has been resolved, the available process has concluded, or the constituent has been informed of the remaining options.
- Identify recurring service issues and report trends to the Chief of Staff for possible departmental advocacy or broader communications.

Expected deliverables:

- Complete and current case records.
- Timely follow-up on active cases.
- Regular updates to constituents.
- Escalation of unresolved or systemic concerns.

1. Reporting and Accountability

The Director reports directly to the Chief of Staff and is expected to:
- Attend regular staff meetings and communications planning meetings.
- Submit a weekly work plan identifying priority tasks, upcoming deadlines, and outstanding approvals.
- Provide a weekly update on completed communications, upcoming publications, ministerial correspondence, media issues, and outstanding follow-ups.
- Maintain an active casework tracker and report on case volume, aging files, and urgent matters in accordance with office procedures.
- Seek direction when competing deadlines affect the 70% communications and 30% casework allocation.
- Obtain approval before publishing sensitive communications or sending substantive advocacy correspondence on behalf of the MP.
- Protect confidential information and follow office policies on records management, privacy, and constituent consent.

1. Required Qualifications

- Demonstrated experience in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, government, public administration, or a related field.
- Excellent writing, editing, research, and proofreading skills.
- Experience managing social media and developing digital content.
- Ability to prepare speeches, newsletters, correspondence, public statements, and briefing notes.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple deadlines.
- Experience communicating with the public and handling sensitive or confidential information.
- Robust interpersonal skills, sound judgment, and a professional approach to constituent service.
- Proficiency with standard office software, social media platforms, and digital content tools.

1. Preferred Qualifications

- Experience in a constituency office, elected representative’s office, government, or community organization.
- Familiarity with federal departments, government programs, and constituency casework.
- Experience with graphic design, photography, video editing, media relations, or event communications.
- Knowledge of rural Nova Scotia and the priorities of South Shore–St. Margarets.

1. Work Allocation and Performance Expectations

The position is expected to allocate approximately:
- 70% of working time to communications: social media, newsletters, mailers, speeches, ministerial correspondence, media preparation, events, and communications planning.
- 30% of working time to casework: constituent intake, federal departmental inquiries, case management, follow-up, and constituent updates.

These percentages are intended to guide workload planning. The Chief of Staff may adjust priorities temporarily in response to urgent constituency needs, major announcements, parliamentary developments, or time-sensitive issues. Performance will be assessed based on the quality and accuracy of communications, completion of deliverables by agreed deadlines, organization and follow-through, constituent service, confidentiality, teamwork, and responsiveness to the Chief of Staff’s direction.

Pay: $55,000.00-$75,000.00 per year

Benefits

- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Life insurance
- Mileage reimbursement
- On-site parking
- Vision care

Education:
- Secondary School (preferred)

Work Location: In person

📌 Communications Director (Bridgewater)
🏢 Jessica Fancy-Landry, MP, South Shore-St. Margarets
📍 Bridgewater