Department: Justice
Location: HALIFAX
Type of Employment: Permanent
Union Status: Exclusion - Non Union - NSPG
Closing Date: 04-Aug-25 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

ABOUT US

Within the Department of Justice, Public Safety and Security Division is committed to supporting the safety and security of Nova Scotians by collaborating with various stakeholders and communities across the country. We provide a range of programs, supports, and services, which are in accordance with provincial and federal legislation. We are committed to ensuring services are accessible and representative of the communities we serve.

The Public Safety and Security Division is comprised of the following Units:

• Policing Strategies and Governance
• Safety and Security Investigations
• Crime Prevention and Indigenous Policing
• Public Safety Audit Function
• Provincial Firearms Program
• Security Programs Office
• Service Dog Program

For more information on the Department of Justice Public Safety and Security Division please visit the following link: https://novascotia.ca/just/public_safety

ABOUT OUR OPPORTUNITY

We are seeking a skilled Project Director to join the Public Safety and Security Division. 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 may 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 Public Safety and Security Division’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 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 Public Safety and Security 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 Public Safety and Security’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.
• 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 services 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 in policing and public safety initiatives.
• 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 Justice
• 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.

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.

• A Master’s degree in a related field.
• Experience in policing and public safety initiatives.
• 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 Justice
• 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