Director, Governance and Advisory Services

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, and policy and program development.

About Our Opportunity

As the Director, Governance & Advisory Services, you will lead the development and delivery of municipal advisory services and provide innovative, responsive solutions aligned with legislation and provincial priorities. You will work with municipalities facing complex governance and service delivery decisions, helping to identify, develop, and implement effective solutions. 

This role plays an important part in supporting municipalities and citizens across Nova Scotia by enabling effective approaches to governance, financial management, administration, and service delivery.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Policy, Planning and Sector Relations, you will provide strategic leadership on municipal viability, governance, restructuring, and advisory services.

Primary Accountabilities

As Director, Governance & Advisory Services, you will:

• Lead the Province's relationship with municipalities by providing strategic advice, governance expertise, and practical solutions on issues that matter to communities across Nova Scotia.
• Advise senior government leaders on emerging municipal issues, opportunities, and risks, helping shape decisions that affect local governments and residents.
• Partner with municipalities, sector organizations, and government colleagues to advance effective local governance and address complex challenges facing communities.
• Oversee legislative, regulatory, and statutory municipal processes, ensuring sound recommendations and effective administration of key governance authorities.
• Inspire and develop a high-performing team dedicated to strengthening municipal capacity, supporting sustainable communities, and delivering excellent service.
• Foster a diverse, respectful, and healthy workplace while supporting employee development and organizational effectiveness.
  
  

Qualifications and Experience

To be considered for this opportunity, you have a university degree in a related field and substantial experience in the development and delivery of municipal advisory services. You also have:

• Significant experience in program development, project management and leading multidisciplinary teams.
• Extensive knowledge of legislation affecting municipalities, including the Municipal Government Act, Halifax Regional Municipality Charter, Municipal Finance Corporation Act, Municipal Elections Act, and the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and associated regulations.
• Strong understanding of municipal governance, administration, restructuring, and regional services commissions.
• Ability to interpret financial statements and understand municipal finance.
• Strong risk analysis, stakeholder management, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional written, verbal, presentation, and facilitation skills.
• Proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships with a broad range of stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and deliver results within tight timelines.

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

Most work is performed in a standard office environment with frequent opportunities to move about and change positions. Occasional site visits may be required. The role involves periods of reading, analysis, and review of complex information, with occasional competing priorities, deadlines, and stakeholder issues requiring sound judgment and effective communication. Occasional exposure to moderate workplace pressures and schedule demands may occur.

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