Director, Service Provider Support

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 Child and Family Wellbeing (CFW), Employment Support Services (ESS), Income Assistance (IA), Supportive Housing and Homelessness, and the Disability Support Program (DSP).

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

About Our Opportunity

Are you passionate about driving positive change and building strong, accountable partnerships?

The Director of Service Provider Support has a central role in shaping the landscape of community services. Reporting directly to the Senior Director, you will lead the charge in fostering robust relationships and overseeing outcome-driven funding agreements between OSD and its extensive network of service providers and agencies. With a focus on collaboration and consultation, you'll extend your influence beyond departmental boundaries, engaging with government departments, community groups, and advocates to ensure alignment and maximize impact.

Primary Accountabilities

As the Director, you'll be at the forefront of driving innovation and collaboration. Your main responsibilities will include:

• Unleashing opportunities for stronger partnerships with service providers and crafting a cutting-edge management model that continuously evolves.
• Championing resolutions to complex issues, forging Service Level Agreements, and guiding the performance of a diverse network of service providers.
• Acting as a bridge-builder between the department and community organizations, ensuring seamless communication and upholding service excellence.
• Identifying growth avenues for service providers, tackling service-related challenges head-on, and ensuring risk mitigation strategies are in place.
• Crafting policies and processes that foster sustainability, efficiency, and continual enhancement in service delivery.
• Nurturing a dynamic and inclusive workplace culture while steering staff towards excellence and collaboration.
• Communicating clear goals for funded organizations, enforcing governance standards, and clarifying roles for effective partnership.
• Setting the compass for Agreement Management, refining operational strategies, and fortifying relationships with delivery partners.
• Elevating program success through strategic reliance on service providers and implementing a robust reporting framework to drive accountability and results.

Qualifications and Experience

You’ve completed a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related discipline, combined with years of progressive experience in service provider management or corporate agreement management.

Key qualifications of yours include:

• Experience negotiating and establishing Service Level Agreements (SLAs), resolving high-level issues, and managing performance metrics within a government or similar environment.
• Knowledge of government policies, regulations, and procedures related to service delivery and contract management.
• Proven track record of fostering open communication and strong relationships with external partners, including service providers, community organizations, and government departments.
• Experience in developing and implementing policies and processes to streamline services and enhance operational efficiency.
• Strong understanding of financial and risk management practices.
• Ability to lead and motivate a diverse team, promote diversity and inclusion, and create a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a strategic mindset and the ability to make data-driven decisions.

Assets include:

• Certification in negotiations
• Completion of a related Master's degree

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 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

Your typical work week is 35 hours with 7-hour days.  You will primarily work in a comfortable office environment, attending meetings and engaging in partner involvement activities. Regional involvement necessitates regular travel for staff meetings, focus groups, and site visits.

The position operates under significant mental pressures, including meeting operational requirements and deadlines, managing competing priorities, and navigating potential public/media scrutiny. The Director will make critical decisions on long-term funding for strategic community-based organizations, consulting with various stakeholders, including finance, legal, internal audit, and program teams.

Additional Information

Your worksite location is Halifax. OSD has offices across all regions, and your team is located throughout the province. Regular travel across the province is expected

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