Manager, Risk Management and Corporate Strategy

About Us

The Department of Emergency Management is responsible for leading disaster and emergency planning, preparedness, response and recovery activities on behalf of the Province of Nova Scotia.  The objective of the Department is to ensure that Nova Scotians are safe, prepared and resilient in the face of disasters and emergencies. The Department leads the coordination and co-operation of partners and resources during provincial level critical incidents, supports municipal and other partners in regional level and local events, administers the province’s 911 service, maintains critical communications infrastructure and supports operations of our regional emergency management centres.  The Department also works to ensure critical government services continue to function during and after critical events. 

The Planning and Preparedness Branch enhances preparedness, reduces vulnerabilities, and ensures a coordinated response to critical incidents and emergencies by:

• Standing up and deploying the Nova Scotia Guard
• Reviewing comprehensive emergency management programs by the province and municipalities and ensuring they are robust
• Conducting thorough risk assessments and advising on mitigation strategies 
• Administering the Disaster Financial Assistance program to ensure recovery takes place as quickly as possible
• Leading strategic policy, including the management of federal and regional agreements and management of legislation, regulations, policies, establishing standards and preparedness initiatives
• Supporting effective risk management and business continuity for the Province, municipalities, and critical infrastructure partners
• Managing the resiliency office

About Our Opportunity

The Manager of the Risk Management and Corporate Strategy division leads provincial, municipal and critical infrastructure programs dedicated to enhancing preparedness, response, and recovery capabilities through integrated risk management, business continuity, and community-focused resiliency.  The role emphasizes proactive risk management, support to provincial departments, municipalities and critical infrastructure partner emergency management and business continuity leads, and capacity building through planning, training, and exercises.  The Manager also supports the delivery of corporate functions for the department, as directed.  Reporting to the Managing Director, this position offers a unique opportunity to support communities across the province to withstand, adapt to, and recover from emergencies and to directly influence the province’s ability to maintain essential services and critical operations during and after emergencies.

Primary Accountabilities

As the Manager you will lead the risk management and business continuity management (BCM) programs, ensuring alignment with government policies and departmental priorities. Your responsibilities include: 

• Leading and mentoring your team to achieve the objectives set out for the division and fostering collaboration with stakeholders and partners.
• Developing and implementing standardized risk management methodologies for use by municipalities, and critical infrastructure partners.
• Providing templates, tools, and guidance to Regional Emergency Management Organizations (REMOs) and Regional Emergency Operations Centres (REOCs).
• Supporting the development of business impact analysis and resilience strategies, including mitigating the impacts of evolving risks such as climate change and cybersecurity.
• Updating and modernizing the provincial business continuity management policy and program.   Ensuring effective development, testing, and continuous improvement of departmental BCM plans and developing and leading a network of business continuity partners.
• Developing training standards and curriculum in collaboration with the Director of Planning, Training and Exercising. 
• Designing and implementing evaluation frameworks to assess risk management and business continuity programs.
• Supporting departmental corporate initiatives including reporting, special projects, and facilities oversight, as assigned.
• Preparing strategic briefings and evaluation reports for senior leadership.
• Recommending modernization strategies and program efficiencies.

Qualifications and Experience

You have several years of related experience in risk management, business continuity or a related field, along with demonstrated years of leadership experience.    A university degree in Public Administration, Emergency Management, Business Administration, or Public Policy would be considered an asset.  An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Significant leadership experience in:

• Risk management or business continuity management
• Emergency management or public safety
• Strategic planning and program evaluation
• Experience leading multi-stakeholder networks across government or complex organizations
• Experience delivering training courses and facilitating workshops
• Experience developing policy, standards, and governance frameworks
• Experience preparing briefings for senior executives
• Experience leading teams and managing human and financial resources

Skills and knowledge in:

• Emergency management legislation and standards
• Organizational resilience and adaptation principles
• Strong data analysis and presentation skills for effective decision-making
• Strategic and critical thinker with a systems-level perspective
• Exceptional collaboration and stakeholder engagement skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

While not required, the following would be considered an asset:

• Professional certification in Risk Management or Business Continuity (CBCP, MBCP, ISO 22301) or related field
• Certification in Emergency Management (CEM) or equivalent
• Project management professional (PMP) certification
• Experience working with municipalities or critical infrastructure sectors
• Experience in leading a change management project
• Experience in climate change adaptation  
• Experience in cybersecurity management  
• Experience implementing digital tools for risk or continuity planning
• French language proficiency

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

We recognize equivalent combinations of training, education, and experience, providing opportunities for individuals with diverse backgrounds to contribute their skills and expertise. 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

Your typical work week is 35 hours a week with 7-hour days, however, you will be immersed in a high volume of work that may demand longer-than-usual hours and occasional overtime. The breadth and depth of responsibilities associated with this role means you will be navigating multiple spheres of action, each with its own set of challenges, and your ability to stay focused, adaptable, and resilient in the face of pressure will be crucial to your success.

Additional Information

• You may be required to report for extended hours at the Provincial Coordination Center (PCC) in Dartmouth in the event of provincial emergencies.
• You must have a valid driver’s license and immediate access to a reliable motor vehicle.

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