Director, Policy, Legislation and Regional Centres for Education (RCE) Liaison

About Us

The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (EECD) is dedicated to creating a progressive, responsive, and innovative policy environment that supports student success and well-being. Our work is guided by a commitment to inclusivity, collaboration, and the continuous improvement of the educational system for students, families, and educators across the province. As part of a dynamic team, we aim to develop forward-thinking policies that reflect our communities and drive meaningful change in education. Join us and contribute to shaping the future of education in Nova Scotia.

To learn more about our department, please click Here

About Our Opportunity

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director is accountable to provide leadership and direction to education system policy and legislation by planning and leading the analysis and development of the education policy, projects and the legislative and regulatory agenda. The Director leads a team to ensure policy, legislation and regulations are effectively implemented and regularly evaluated. This includes responsibility for leading the development of all departmental policy and regulatory submissions to Executive Council.

Primary Accountabilities

• Leads the policy consultation and development process, providing direction for the development, implementation, and review of departmental policies.
• Leads the team to provide high level strategic policy advice and support on a wide range of education system and departmental issues to the Minister and Executive Leadership Team.
• Creates a strategic and coordinated approach to policy and legislation to facilitate the development of overarching policy for the education system.
• Integrates strong research and analytical capability to effectively underpin and inform education system policy.
• Facilitates a strong, collaborative team approach at all levels in the policy and legislative development function.
• Provides leadership and managerial oversight for the creation and coordination of systems, agendas, consultation and planning and projects to ensure policies, programs and legislation/regulations are developed, integrated and updated; and comprehensive research, analyses and financial assessments/impacts for on-going policy (problem and opportunity) development.
• Accountable for all submissions to Executive Council Office. Builds capacity within the department to prepare submissions that conform to Executive Council Office standards and templates.
• Takes a leadership role in the development of tools and resources to support decision making and solve problems.
• Works co-operatively with other members of the executive leadership team to ensure seamless departmental functions and develop programs that meet the current and future challenges facing the department.

Qualifications and Experience

To be considered for this leadership opportunity, you hold a university degree in a related field with substantial senior leadership experience in policy. You are a recognized leader, a strong and effective communicator, and you possess experience in leading teams. You are committed to open communication, collaboration and consultation with staff, partners and stakeholders and are recognized for your personal and professional credibility, creative problem-solving ability, and in-depth experience leading cross-organizational programs and initiatives. An equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.

You must also demonstrate:

• Several years of successful leadership and relevant work experience at a managerial or leadership level.
• Experience in designing and implementing an effective consultative process.
• Proven ability to advise and brief senior leadership, including Associate Deputy Manager, Deputy Minister, and/or Minister.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, an ability to handle and organize large workloads, and a proven ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• An aptitude to deal with complex issues, strong analytical skills, tact and diplomacy, capacity for decisive action, and the ability to influence.
• The ability to see beyond the details and focus on the larger vision and broader goals.

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.

Please follow LEADS (novascotia.ca) for more information.

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

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.

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.