New job Project Director in Nova Scotia

About Us

The Department of Community Services (DCS) works collaboratively with community, social enterprise, other departments of government, and not-for-profits to ensure vulnerable children, families and individuals receive the supports they need to live safe, healthy, and productive lives. We are committed to a social service system that helps people be as independent and healthy as possible, and to reach their full potential.

We offer various programs including Child, Youth & Family Support, Employment Support & Income Assistance, and Disability Support Programs.

For more information on our Department please click here: https://novascotia.ca/coms/.

About Our Opportunity

We are recruiting a key member of the leadership team whose mandate is to lead, prioritize and deliver on key departmental priorities that drive social system change. You will lead a portfolio of projects and be responsible for the design, management, and implementation of significant projects for the department and/or cross-government implications. The Project Director, Enterprise Project Delivery Unit (EPDU) will work as part of a team within the Enterprise Project Delivery unit of the Policy and Innovation Division.

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, standards and guidelines that are responsive to the changing needs of Nova Scotians and aligned with the overall strategic vision and priorities of the Department. The Project Director works collaboratively 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 will be providing leadership over a portfolio of priority projects and include (but not limited to):

• Providing leadership in the identification, design, planning, implementation, integration, and evaluation of multi-function, cross-departmental projects.
• Building strong collaborative relationships and teams within the unit, across the department and with other stakeholders.
• 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 the department’s and government’s overall strategy.

Qualifications and Experience

You have a Bachelor’s Degree in a related field and several years of progressive, senior-level management experience. Possession of a Master’s Degree in a related field will be considered an asset.

The successful candidate requires competencies in the management of people which must be demonstrated through formal experience in the management of staff. This position also requires an individual who is experienced in leading large-scale change in a complex stakeholder environment. Experience working with internal and external stakeholders will be required. As a dynamic leader, the successful candidate must possess the ability to lead change, move forward new initiatives and overcome ongoing challenges.

As our next Project Director, you will have:

• a proven track record in a management role with demonstrated leadership competencies and a strong history of producing results;
• experience in multiple project and portfolio management, budgetary processes, and risk management/mitigation principles and practices;
• an appreciation and understanding of social government and the breadth and depth of factors in leading teams in creating social system change;
• excellent collaboration, interpersonal, and communication skills;
• experience working within complex systems; and
• ability to lead complex projects to achieve objectives, work collaboratively, build rapport with senior leaders across all levels, and to inspire creativity and motivate people and teams.

Leadership competencies required at this level of work are: Decisiveness; Strategic Orientation; Developing Others; Team Leadership; Self-Awareness & Personal Impact; Effective Interactive Communication; Partnering & Relationship Building; Intercultural Diversity Proficiency.

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

Equivalency

An equivalent combination of training, education and experience will be considered. 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 Health, Dental, Life Insurance, Pension, General Illness (Short and Long Term), Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. Click here to learn more about our various benefits offerings and eligibility criteria.

Working Conditions

This role is based in a comfortable office environment and you may be working at your computer for extended periods of time. You may be required to travel to worksite locations.

Your normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day. This role does entail a high volume of work which may require longer than normal working hours and overtime. Due to the multiple spheres of action and scope of responsibilities that this position requires, there is significant mental pressure, requiring your resilience.

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 for Nova Scotians.
• Department Specific Flexible working schedules.