Project Director

About Us

At the Department of Opportunities and Social Development (OSD), we are a large and diverse department providing a broad portfolio of programs and services including Child and Family Wellbeing (CFW), Employment Support Services (ESS), Income Assistance (IA), Homelessness and Supportive Housing, and Disability Support Program(DSP).

Through our services, we advocate and help vulnerable Nova Scotians be independent, self-reliant, and secure. We work collaboratively across the province with a strong dedicated network of supports and staff, to achieve desired and shared outcomes for all.

About Our Opportunity

We are seeking a skilled Project Director to join the Innovation Branch. In this impactful role, you will lead, prioritize, and deliver on key departmental priorities that drive social system change. You will lead a portfolio of projects and be responsible for their design, management, and implementation.

You will lead and direct project teams that provide evidence-based research, policy analysis, strategic planning, monitoring, and evaluation support for the development of legislation, provincial policy, as well as standards and guidelines that are responsive to the changing needs of Nova Scotians and aligned with the strategic vision and priorities of the Department. As a member of the Innovation Branch's Leadership Team, you will champion and support project excellence and a professional, dynamic and inclusive workplace culture. The Project Director will work collaboratively with other Innovation team members, across the Department, government, and with external service providers, communities, and clients on key initiatives that improve our client and system outcomes.

Primary Accountabilities

As Project Director, your primary accountabilities include providing leadership over a portfolio of priority projects as well as serving as a key member of the leadership team for the Innovation Branch of the Strategic Operations and Innovation division.

Key accountabilities include (but are not limited to):

• Providing leadership in the identification, design, planning, implementation, integration, and evaluation of multi-function, cross-departmental projects.
• Collaborating with Innovation's leadership team to align project initiatives with the strategic operations and priorities of the division.
• Building strong collaborative relationships and teams within the unit, across the department, and with other partners.
• Managing a team of professionals (internal direct reports, internal resources, external resources and cross-departmental subject matter experts) to deliver on key initiatives.
• Coordinating project/business activities (often carried out by others) that establish how and when the department will deliver products and services.
• Developing innovative solutions by integrating and analyzing complex and diverse information sources and building complex frameworks to assess the scope and context of short- and long-term business needs.
• Contributing to the preparation of advice and recommendations to government including Memoranda to Executive Council, Reports and Recommendations, and Requests for Legislation.
• Performing strategic advisory/principal level consulting to senior executives by leading, directing, and guiding the development and implementation of major, complex, multi-sector projects and initiatives.
• Engaging with senior leaders and cross-sector representation to understand long-term strategic challenges.
• Developing and delivering change management plans and achieving outcomes that support both the department's and government's overall strategy.

Qualifications and Experience

You have completed a Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Commerce, or a related field, along with several years of progressive, senior-level management experience. A combination of education and experience may also be considered.

In addition to these qualifications, you must demonstrate:

• Proven leadership experience in the identification, design, planning, implementation, integration, and evaluation of multi-functional, cross-departmental projects.
• Strong people management skills, demonstrated through formal leadership and management experience.
• Experience leading large-scale change initiatives and overcoming ongoing challenges in complex, collaborative environments.
• Proven ability to develop innovative solutions by integrating and analyzing complex, diverse information sources.
• Knowledge of budgetary processes and principles of risk management and mitigation.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external partners and build rapport with senior leaders.
• Proven experience in managing multiple projects and portfolios, with the ability to lead complex initiatives, inspire creativity, and motivate teams to achieve objectives.
• An understanding of social government and the breadth and depth of factors in leading teams in creating social system change.

Assets for this role include

• A Master's degree in a related field.
• Experience preparing advice and recommendations for government, including Memoranda to Executive Council, Reports and Recommendations, and Requests for Legislation.
• Experience leading large-scale transformation and change management projects in a public service or social service setting.
• Proven experience delivering or collaborating on programs and services provided by the Department of Opportunities and Social Development.
• Project Management or Change Management Professional Certifications.
• Please ensure your application clearly demonstrates how you meet the required qualifications and experiences outlined for this position.

LEADS

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: oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

Equivalency

We recognize and value the perspectives and experiences that individuals from unique backgrounds and equity-deserving communities bring to our team. We will consider an equivalent combination of training, education, and experience when reviewing your application, including community and volunteer experiences, as well as lived experiences that have shaped your professional journey and worldview.

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

Benefits

Based on the employment status 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

This is a full-time, onsite position based in the Barrington Tower office in Halifax, with a standard work week of 35 hours (7 hours per day). The role is based in a comfortable office environment. Occasional travel may be required, so a valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation are necessary.

The role involves managing a high volume of work, which may occasionally require extended hours or overtime to meet critical deadlines. You can expect to spend significant time working at a computer and balancing multiple priorities. Due to the multiple spheres of action and scope of responsibilities that this position requires, there is significant mental pressure, requiring your resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving skills.

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