Director, Education Sector Labour Relations

About Us

At the Department of Finance and Treasury Board we strive to provide financial leadership, analysis and policies that strengthen Nova Scotia. As stewards of the province’s financial affairs, we deliver a wide range of corporate fiscal and management services – including the preparation of the provincial budget – as well as ensure government plans are coordinated and fiscally responsible.

We are constantly looking for new and better ways to plan, manage, budget and invest. If you are detail oriented, with a strong analytical skill, we have an exciting opportunity for you to explore as a Senior Policy Analyst.

About Our Opportunity

As the Director, Education Sector Labour Relations you will provide expert and strategic advice to senior government officials, the Deputy Minister, and Minister on all public education sector workforce labour relations and compensation issues as well as working with other senior government officials to develop and inform the provincial labour strategy.  The Director acts as a resource to education entities by providing expert consulting and contract administration and interpretation services to assist them in the areas of human resources management and labour relations strategy.

You provide strategic advice and present labour relations options, taking into account fiscal implications and operational interests, as well as the broader interests of government.  You monitor and assess the financial and policy implications of changes to provisions of all collective agreements in all education entities throughout the province. You serve as the principal liaison between the Department of Finance and Treasury Board and the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development on issues pertaining to labour relations.

You are responsible for keeping abreast of all negotiating and compensation trends within the education sector across the country informing the relevant parties of current, as well as potential, implications of education sector labour negotiations.

About You

 
You hold a Bachelor’s degree in a related field (Law or Business) and have a number of years of progressively more responsible related experience. An acceptable equivalency of training and experience may also be considered.
 

You must have demonstrated experience with articulating a position while listening, observing and sensing what others are saying or not saying in dispute resolutions as well as in collective bargaining.
 

You must have experience with research of relevant material relating to collective bargaining, collective agreement interpretation and grievance and arbitration processes.  Additionally, accuracy in data collection, evaluation and advice relating to labour relations issues is of critical importance.  You have demonstrated experience interpreting complex collective agreements and knowledge of relevant employment, labour and human rights legislation. You have strong relationship management skills with the ability to develop effective, collaborative relationships.  Your excellent verbal and writing skills enhance your ability to respond immediately to questions and issues regarding labour relations matters.  You are detail-oriented with excellent planning, organizational and time-management skills and the ability to prioritize to meet deadlines.

LEADS:

The Government of Nova Scotia has adopted the LEADS Leadership Framework.  During the interview, candidates will be expected to express how they have demonstrated the key behaviours and capabilities required to effectively lead in a caring and inclusive environment. LEADS Domains includes Leads Self, Engage Others, Achieve Results, Develop Coalitions and Systems Transformation.

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

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

Expected to be available outside regular working hours when required; particularly during negotiations and/or labour strife.

Additional Information

This is a TERM employment opportunity with an anticipated end date of June 5, 2026. The appointment status (‘term’, ‘temporary’ or ‘casual’) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.

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
• A dynamic, client-focused office environment where service excellence and teamwork are our focus