Director, Housing Services

About Us

The Department of Growth & Development drives economic growth and productivity by creating the conditions for communities, businesses and households to thrive. The Department works with key partners to foster a dynamic environment that supports housing innovation and sector development, providing the necessary solutions to grow our population and economy.

The Department is also responsible for ensuring the availability of safe, suitable, and affordable housing for all Nova Scotians. Our work involves making strategic investments, leveraging new funding, and building on critical partnerships to help further position ourselves to meet current and future housing challenges.

About Our Opportunity

Housing plays a critical role in individual well-being, community stability, and economic growth. As the Director of Housing Programs, you will lead the strategic integration and province-wide delivery of housing services that make a real difference in the lives of Nova Scotians.

Reporting to the Executive Director, this role provides senior leadership across a diverse portfolio of housing programs. You will be responsible for four (4) regional offices. From home repair supports for low-income homeowners to initiatives that help first-time buyers access safe and affordable housing, you will ensure programs are designed, delivered, and continuously improved with integrity, accountability, and a strong client focus.

In this impactful role, you will help shape systems, modernize service delivery, and work across sectors to solve complex housing challenges. You will guide operational transformation, champion accessibility, and build consistency across regions while responding to the evolving needs of communities across the province.

Primary Accountabilities

As Director of Housing Programs, you will:

• Lead the strategic planning, design, and oversight of province-wide housing programs, operational policies, service standards, and delivery frameworks.
• Ensure housing programs are accessible, measurable, client-centred, and aligned with departmental and government priorities.
• Establish management, quality assurance, and accountability frameworks that support consistent service delivery across regions.
• Provide expert advice and analysis to senior leadership on housing policy, program performance, and emerging trends and demonstrate sound judgement and professionalism to navigate sensitive and complex issues
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with federal and municipal governments, non-profit housing organizations, service providers, and community stakeholders.
• Lead and support major change initiatives that modernize service delivery as well as promote a client-first culture focused on accessibility.
• Provide strategic leadership in the management of human, financial, and technical resources, including budget planning and oversight.
• Guide the development of innovative housing solutions, funding models, and delivery approaches that enhance program sustainability and impact.

Qualifications and Experience

This may be the right opportunity for you if you have completed education in public administration, policy, planning, or social sciences, combined with several years of experience leading complex programs or services. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. In addition, you have:

• Proven people leadership experience and leading through change.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, program design, and large-scale service delivery.
• Familiarity with housing, social policy, and community development.
• Strong experience with financial management, including budget planning, forecasting, and accountability.
• Excellent communication skills as well as demonstrated ability to build trust and credibility with diverse stakeholders across sectors.
• Sound judgment and the ability to manage sensitive, complex, and sometimes competing priorities.

The following would be considered an asset:

• Experience working directly with housing programs, lending programs, or affordability initiatives.
• Experience leading operational modernization or service transformation initiatives.
• Experience working with non-profit, community-based, or Indigenous housing partners.
• Multi-lingual 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, based on 7-hour workdays. Work is primarily performed in a professional office environment with regular meetings and occasional site visits as required. The role requires frequent concentration on complex information, multiple inputs, and detailed analysis. Interruptions may occur and require re-focusing to continue work effectively.

Additional Information

This position’s worksite location is flexible between Head Office in Halifax or within the regional offices located in Sydney, New Glasgow, or Middleton. Your primary work location will be determined at the offer negotiation stage. This position requires occasional travel within the province to support regional operations and site visits.

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