Co-op Student, Integrated Innovation & Strategy Operations

About Us

Service Nova Scotia (SNS) helps citizens, businesses and municipalities across Nova Scotia access a variety of government programs and services. We also support the public sector as it delivers the programs and services that Nova Scotians rely upon by providing corporate services to government; process financial transactions; audit government operations; collect and share geographic data; manage major purchases; and help public sector bodies administer freedom of information and privacy laws.

We continuously strive to make our programs and services more responsive to the needs and expectations of those we serve. SNS is leading the Government’s efforts to improve business operational and service performances.

About Our Opportunity

This position offers a unique opportunity for a highly motivated and detail-oriented graduate level student to gain meaningful experience in the public sector. The successful candidate will support the Government Services division within Service Nova Scotia, contributing to a wide range of strategic, operational, and policy initiatives. This role is well-suited for someone with a strong interest in public policy, service innovation, and continuous improvement.

Primary Accountabilities

Policy and Submission Support

• Assist in the drafting, review, and coordination of policy documents, briefing notes, and executive-level submissions.
• Conduct research and analysis to support evidence-based decision-making and policy development.

Strategic and Operational Planning

• Contribute to the planning and execution of key Government Services initiatives, including the coordination of the annual in-person Offsite Development Day.
• Support the development, implementation, and monitoring of operational plans and performance metrics.

Internal Communications and Knowledge Management

• Maintain and update the Government Services SharePoint site to ensure timely and accurate information sharing across the division.
• Assist in drafting and editing internal communications, including the Executive Director’s blog and other messaging.

Continuous Improvement

• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives led by the Integrated Innovation and Strategic Operations team.
• Support activities such as process mapping, stakeholder engagement, and the implementation of improvement strategies.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with internal teams and external stakeholders to support integrated service delivery and project coordination.
• Provide administrative and logistical support for meetings, workshops, and other collaborative efforts.

Other Duties as Assigned

• Take on additional responsibilities and contribute to special projects as needed to support the success of the division.

Qualifications and Experience

You are a graduate student (e.g. Master's) seeking a co-op term from January to August 2026. As the successful candidate, you have a curious mind, ask probing questions, challenge first responses and are always looking for new and better ways of approaching your work. You are comfortable with ambiguity and experimenting to learn what works and doesn’t. You are a relationship builder, invite the sharing of alternative solutions and viewpoints, and actively bring people together around a specific problem or opportunity. You can work both under guidance from senior colleagues and without supervision to deliver on key responsibilities. You also possess the following:

• Strong written, verbal, and visual communication skills, including nonverbal communication.
• Demonstrated analytical thinking and experience conducting qualitative and/or quantitative research.
• Proven abilities in planning, organizing, coordinating, and prioritizing tasks across competing needs.
• Skilled in building and sustaining interpersonal relationships and working independently in dynamic environments.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and SharePoint.

The following will be considered assets:

• Experience in administering, promoting, and interpreting programs or services.
• Interest in public policy, government operations, and service innovation.
• Experience in the application of innovation tools (ex. Behavioural Insights, Design Thinking, Strategic Foresight, etc.)
• Project Management experience.

What you will gain

• Hands-on experience in public sector policy development and strategic planning.
• Project management and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Deeper understanding of government service delivery and innovation methodologies.

Additional Information

This is a co-op student opportunity from January to August 2026 for students who are currently enrolled in graduate level university studies (e.g. Master's).

The duration of this co-op position is 8 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 engaged workplace where we foster respect and recognition.
• Forward-thinking policies and strategies.
• Countless Career Paths.