Strategic and Transformation Lead

About Us

The Department of Justice is responsible for the administration of justice and for promoting access to justice and the safety and security of Nova Scotians through justice-related programs, services, and initiatives. We are guided by the principles of preventative and restorative justice in fulfilling our mandate. Our efforts to promote safety, security, and access to justice for Nova Scotians span all areas of the Department and include programs and services that assist all communities, including Indigenous Nova Scotians, African-Nova Scotians, and Nova Scotians with disabilities.

To accomplish its mandate, the Department provides services through seven core business areas: Public Safety and Security; Court Services and Sheriff Services; Correctional Services; Maintenance Enforcement and Victim Services; Accessibility Directorate; Restorative Initiatives Unit; and Legal Services to Government.

About Our Opportunity

The Project Manager will play a key role as a member of the GBV Division. In this role, you will take the lead in overseeing the design, development, and execution of major projects. You will cultivate new and strengthen existing connections with both internal and external partners to ensure seamless, efficient, and effective project implementation. A key aspect of this role is meeting the needs of Nova Scotians by maintaining a culturally responsive approach, ensuring inclusivity and sensitivity throughout all phases of assigned projects. Additionally, you will be expected to foster a diverse and innovative environment, convene and lead group deliberations, drive action plans, and ensure that goals are met in a timely way, in support of the Department achieving its vision, mission, and mandate.

You will be responsible for delivering projects within the defined scope, timeline, and budget, ensuring ongoing monitoring and progress reporting. Additionally, you will manage significant changes and communications, with support and guidance from senior colleagues.

Primary Accountabilities

• Manages and delivers outcomes for multiple projects, ensuring alignment with budget, timeline, and performance requirements.
• Designs and supports project plans within an established project management model, ensuring adherence to best practices.
• Facilitates and supports public consultations or engagement sessions on timely and important topics, communicating with vulnerable Nova Scotians while adhering to departmental guidelines.
• Proactively identifies opportunities for process improvements and proposes innovative enhancements to optimize existing systems and procedures, driving greater efficiency and effectiveness for better results for Nova Scotians.
• Develops and implements comprehensive internal and external communication strategies, collaborating with senior colleagues to ensure strategic alignment, refine messaging, and ensure successful implementation.
• Coordinates and prepares documentation, meeting minutes, communications, agendas, and reports for approval, while proactively following up on outstanding issues.
• Actively participates in meetings and contributes to managing positive and effective relationships with key partners and collaborators.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
  

Qualifications and Experience

As the successful candidate, you will have an undergraduate degree in a relevant field, such as criminal justice, social sciences, or community development, along with substantial experience in managing projects. Experience in working on the issue of intimate partner violence and/or gender-based violence is an asset. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.

You will apply your skills in building strong and effective collaboration to work in productive and action-oriented ways with justice partners, project managers, and staff across all levels of Government, including management, supervisory, and technical teams. You will incorporate the principles of a restorative approach to build trusting partnerships within the department, across Government and with the GBV sector aimed at finding fast and effective solutions. Results-driven and adept at prioritizing work, you will manage high volumes of tasks under tight deadlines. Additionally, you consistently demonstrate sound judgment and adaptability in a dynamic and ever-changing work environment.

Your expertise will also include a strong understanding of relevant legislation, regulations, and policies. You will possess exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with a sharp attention to detail when reviewing and disseminating information. The role demands the ability to make well-reasoned decisions, prioritize competing tasks, and thrive in a fast-paced environment that requires initiative and a focus on results.

Experience in designing and delivering public consultations or public engagement sessions, working with equity-seeking groups, and applying a trauma-informed and human-centered approach is preferred.

You have a demonstrated ability to offer expert guidance, training, and support to individuals and teams in planning, organizing, and prioritizing tasks to achieve objectives efficiently and effectively. Your exceptional problem-solving and analytical skills, coupled with the ability to maintain a broad, province-wide perspective, empower you to make informed, strategic decisions that align with organizational goals.

The Government of Nova Scotia has adopted the LEADS Leadership Framework. During the interview, candidates will be expected to express how they have demonstrated the key behaviours and capabilities required to effectively lead in a caring and inclusive environment. LEADS Domains includes Leads Self, Engage Others, Achieve Results, Develop Coalitions and Systems Transformation.

Please follow LEADS (novascotia.ca) for more information.

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

Equivalency

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Benefits

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: Benefits for government employees.

Working Conditions

Normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day.
May be required to work overtime on occasion.

Additional Information

This competition is seeking to fill two (2) Permanent employment opportunities. One (1) position will be based in Halifax, and the other position is flexible in work location, and can be based out of any Department of Justice office location across Nova Scotia.

What We Offer

• Career Development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career
• Engaging workplace. Our Employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in. We have forward-thinking policies and strategies
• Countless Career Paths
• A dynamic, client-focused office environment where service excellence and teamwork are our focus