Project Manager (2 opportunities)

About Us

At the Department of Opportunities and Social Development (OSD), we are a large and diverse department providing a broad portfolio of programs and services including the Disability Support Program (DSP), Child and Family Wellbeing (CFW), Employment Support Services (ESS), Income Assistance (IA), and Homelessness and Supportive Housing.

Through our services, we advocate for and help vulnerable Nova Scotians to be independent, self-reliant, and secure. We work collaboratively across the province with a strong, dedicated network of staff and partners to achieve desired outcomes for all.

About Our Opportunity

Opportunities and Social Development is looking for two (2) Project Managers to work as part of our dynamic Innovation Team within the Strategic Operations & Innovation division. Under the direction of a Project Director, the Project Manager identifies, defines, and manages projects that improve service delivery, create positive impacts for Nova Scotians, and support the department’s vision, mission, and mandate.

As a Project Manager, you will oversee complex transformation initiatives—spanning both program and digital portfolios—such as advancing Child and Family Wellbeing, Employment Support Services, or Income Assistance programs, or implementing a client data management suite to improve how we serve clients and coordinate across teams. This includes overseeing all phases of project execution, fostering collaboration across diverse teams, adapting to evolving needs, and ensuring alignment with departmental priorities.

In this role, you will lead the development and execution of project plans, oversee deliverables, manage risks, and allocate resources effectively while maintaining a motivated and collaborative team. Responsibilities include scope development, business requirements analysis, change management, communications, and coordination of direct and indirect project resources.

You have the ability to deliver projects according to their scope, timeline, and budget, and strive to continually improve by measuring success through ongoing monitoring and reporting of projects. You will work collaboratively with other Innovation Team members, across the department, government, and with external service providers, communities, and clients on key initiatives to deliver meaningful change and improved outcomes.

Primary Accountabilities

As Project Manager, your primary accountabilities will include (but are not limited to):

• Providing project management and team leadership in identifying, designing, planning, implementing, integrating, and evaluating multi-functional, cross-departmental projects.
• Leading day-to-day project management using Innovation Team best practices—defining deliverables, setting timelines, managing tasks, overseeing teams, and ensuring alignment with contracts and budgets.
• Managing multidisciplinary project teams comprised of internal and external resources and subject matter experts to deliver on key initiatives.
• Building strong, collaborative relationships across the department and with other teams and interest holders.
• Developing and delivering change management plans that achieve outcomes aligned with departmental and government strategies.
• Coordinating project and business activities (often carried out by others) that establish how and when the department delivers services to Nova Scotians.

Qualifications and Experience

You have completed a Bachelor’s degree along with several years of related project management experience. An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may also be considered.

The successful candidate will have:

• Proven leadership abilities in managing projects that achieve results in a complex and changing organization, influenced by a wide range of internal and external demands.
• Proven leadership experience in a matrix organization, effectively managing multidisciplinary teams whose members do not directly report to the Project Manager.
• Proven experience in leading projects aimed at social change or delivering large-scale digital solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to engage and collaborate with diverse partners and clients and incorporate community feedback into project planning to deliver successful, lasting solutions.
• An understanding of and experience with change management at the individual, project, and organizational levels.
• The ability to proactively identify project risks (e.g., timeline delays, unmet objectives), implement mitigation strategies, and manage issues to keep projects on track.
• Previous experience managing multiple concurrent projects and deadlines and the ability to work under pressure, tight deadlines, and changing priorities.
• Effective, articulate, and persuasive communication abilities (written and verbal), along with attention to detail in terms of reading and disseminating information.
• Familiar with accessibility and inclusive design principles to ensure services are accessible.
• Sensitivity to cultural differences and a commitment to respectful and inclusive project execution.
• Advanced analytical and time management skills, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office 365, Teams, Planner, and SharePoint.
• Familiarity with project management methodologies like PMI’s (Project Management Institute).

The following will be considered assets:

• Experience managing large-scale digital initiatives or complex technology projects.
• Experience in the public sector and social policy.
• Experience leading engagements.
• Experience working with diverse communities.
• Certification and training in project management and/or change management.

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, 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

This role is based in a comfortable office environment, and you may be working at your computer for extended periods of time. Occasional travel may be required, so a valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation are necessary.

Your worksite will be in-office, full-time. The Department of Opportunities and Social Development has offices across all regions, which you can view here and the team is located throughout the province. Our Head office is in Halifax, and it is expected that you will have a presence in Halifax on an as-needed basis. We can discuss your worksite location at the offer negotiation stage.

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.

Additional Information

Two (2) opportunities are currently available. This competition could be used to fill multiple permanent and term vacancies over the next several months.

What We Offer

• Career development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career.
• An engaging workplace. Our employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in. We have forward-thinking policies and strategies.
• Countless career paths.