Municipal Advisor

About Us

The Department of Municipal Affairs is dedicated to working with municipalities to build healthy, vibrant, and safe communities throughout Nova Scotia. Municipal Affairs provides programs, grants, and funding opportunities for municipalities and community groups. The Department also provides services and guidance to municipalities in many areas including land use planning, budget planning and finance, infrastructure development, policy and program development.

About Our Opportunity

The Municipal Advisor is a senior advisory role focused on influence, trust, and judgment. You are a key connector between Nova Scotia’s municipalities and the Province, supporting effective local governance while helping provincial decision-makers stay grounded in municipal realities.

You will be relied upon as a trusted advisor by municipal leadership, senior provincial officials, and elected representatives. Your work will often happen in complex, high-visibility environments where strong relationships, political awareness, and clear communication matter as much as technical knowledge.

You will work independently across an assigned geographic area, providing front-facing guidance, resolving issues before they escalate, and helping municipalities navigate change, legislation, and emerging challenges. The impact of your work will be seen in stronger partnerships, better decision-making, and more resilient communities across the province.

Primary Accountabilities

In this role, you can expect to:

• Serve as a trusted liaison between municipalities and the Province, building credibility and long-term relationships
• Provide strategic, practical advice to municipal councils and senior staff on governance, finance, administration, and legislative authority
• Support municipalities in navigating provincial programs, policies, and legislative requirements
• Evaluate the impact of provincial and federal policy changes on municipalities and support local implementation
• Identify emerging or sensitive municipal issues and proactively brief senior leadership and the Minister
• Advise on governance structures, administrative practices, and legislative gaps, recommending changes where needed
• Facilitate collaboration, shared services, and inter-municipal partnerships to improve efficiency and outcomes
• Act as a mediator and problem-solver in complex or politically sensitive situations involving elected officials, staff, and community stakeholders
• Participate in or lead interdepartmental committees and cross-government initiatives related to municipal affairs
• Deliver presentations, workshops, and guidance sessions to municipal leaders and public audiences
• Contribute to the development of municipal-related policy, programs, and legislation

Qualifications and Experience

You have progressively responsible experience working with or within municipal government, intergovernmental relations, public administration, or a related advisory environment. You have a deep understanding of municipal functions and the provincial legislative and policy framework that guides municipalities. Other qualifications of yours include:

• Extensive experience working with elected officials and navigating politically sensitive environments with discretion and sound judgment
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to influence, explain, and advise in complex or high-stakes situations
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, including knowing when and how to escalate issues appropriately
• Demonstrated ability to build trust quickly and sustain effective relationships across diverse stakeholders
• Comfort working independently while managing multiple municipalities, priorities, and competing demands

The following would be considered assets:

• Experience in adult learning, facilitation, or training delivery
• Advanced communication, public speaking, or media-facing experience
• Change management experience in a public-sector or municipal context
• Policy development or legislative review experience
• 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, interviews, 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 with 7-hour days. You will have frequent travel throughout your assigned region. You will often encounter strict and competing deadlines, public-facing work, and politically sensitive issues. Occasional evening or weekend meetings can be expected.

Additional Information

This position may be based in CBRM, Victoria, Inverness, Richmond, Port Hawkesbury, Guysborough, Mulgrave, Antigonish, St. Mary’s, or Pictou.

The assigned worksite will be determined during the offer and negotiation stage, based on operational needs and candidate location. Candidates must live in one of the listed communities or surrounding areas, as regular regional travel and in-person engagement with municipalities are core requirements of the role.

A valid driver’s licence, access to a reliable vehicle, and the ability to travel throughout the region are required. 

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