Title: Communications Specialist Department: Health  Community: Iqaluit    Requisition Number: 818 Type of Employment: Indeterminate Salary range: $100,462 to $114,031 per year, 37.5 hours/week Northern Allowance: $16,328 per year Housing: Subsidized Staff Housing is not Available Union Status: Nunavut Employees Union Closing date: July 17, 2026 @ 11:59 p.m. eastern time

This employment opportunity is restricted to residents of Iqaluit only.

Reporting to the Manager of Communications, the Communications Specialist is responsible for providing communications and public affairs products and services to the Government of Nunavut (GN) Department of Health. Specifically, the incumbent will provide senior level strategic advice and develop and deliver communication programming, products, and activities.  This includes writing news releases, reports, backgrounders, facts sheets and speeches, as well as editing various materials. The Specialist will also be involved in media relations, marketing, advertising, research, and evaluation. 

The primary responsibilities of this position include but are not limited to the following:

• Assisting the Manager in the development and coordinated implementation of communications strategies;

• Developing and coordinating all media relations that include responding to media requests, building relationships, organizing news conferences, public service announcements, health advisories, writing and editing news releases;

• Provide support to, and work with, divisions, programs and services to ensure departmental communications and public affairs needs are met and are consistent with the department’s overall communications plan;

• Write, edit and research Minister’s Statements, speeches and speaking notes;

• Maintains the security/privacy of sensitive information when using it as a source for content of some communications products and dealing with clients. 

The knowledge, skills, and abilities required for this job are usually obtained through a recognized college diploma in related fields such as journalism, marketing, or communications, along with two (2) years of experience in a communications environment preferably in news media, advertising, marketing, public relations. 

The Official Languages of Nunavut are Inuktut, English and French. Applicants may submit their resume in any of the official languages of Nunavut. Fluency in more than one of Nunavut’s official languages would be considered an asset. Knowledge of Inuit communities, culture, land, Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, Inuktut and experience working in a northern cross-cultural environment are also considered assets.    

Acceptable combinations of education and experience may be considered for this position. We encourage you to apply if you have equivalent years of education and/or experience equal to the education and experience requirements listed above.

An eligibility list may be created to fill future vacancies. 

• The Government of Nunavut is committed to creating a representative workforce; therefore, priority will be given to Nunavut Inuit who self-identify as being enrolled under the Nunavut Agreement in accordance with the Priority Hiring Policy.
• Government of Nunavut employees serving a probationary period must obtain and provide written authorization from the deputy head of their employing department. The authorization from the deputy head must accompany your application for your application to be considered. 
• Possession of a criminal record may not disqualify candidates from being considered. An assessment of the criminal record will be measured against the scope and duties of the position. This is only a requirement for positions that require a satisfactory criminal record or vulnerable sector check. 
• Applicants may submit their resume in any of the Official Languages of Nunavut.
• Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
• The onus is on candidates in receipt of foreign post-secondary education credentials to have their foreign credentials assessed through a recognized Canadian education institution.  Failure to do so may result in the rejection of their application. 

The Government of Nunavut was selected as one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers, Top Employers for Young People and recent graduates. With one of the fastest growing and youngest populations in Canada, Nunavut is a dynamic, vibrant territory, committed to becoming an even better place for future generations.  As a government, we are strengthening our unique model of governance - one that integrates Inuit societal values, promotes use of the Inuktut language, achieves a representative public service, and collaborates with partners to achieve the promise of Nunavut. Successful applicants will enjoy a competitive salary, medical and dental benefits, a defined benefit pension plan, relocation privileges and opportunities for training and career advancement.

Department of Health The Department of Health (HEA) is responsible for health services and social programming in Nunavut. Staff at HEA work to improve the health and well-being of Nunavummiut by addressing the differing needs of each community through culturally appropriate programs and services.