Director, Strategic Policy and Planning

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, policy and program development.

About Our Opportunity

As Director, Strategic Policy and Planning, you play a significant role in shaping the strategy, legislation, and policy for the Department of Municipal Affairs and 49 municipalities. Working collaboratively across the department and with internal/external partners and stakeholders, you lead a team of professionals in the development and implementation of an effective strategic policy, legislative and planning framework. In doing so, you support the achievement of effective municipal governance and financial accountability. This position reports to the Executive Director, Policy, Planning & Strategic Relations.

Primary Accountabilities

• Strategic Policy/Legislative Framework: Leads the effective design, delivery, and monitoring of strategic, legislative and policy framework. This enables the department to meet its accountability obligations to the Legislature, the municipalities, and the public.
• Strategic, Business and Operational Planning: Identifies and provides leadership in managing an integrated approach for the development and implementation of the department's strategic, business, and operational planning framework.
• Submission to Executive Council: Identifies and manages the department's submissions to Executive Council. Acts as the key liaison with the Executive Directors and Executive Council.
• Minister and Deputy Minister Briefing: Identifies and manages the implementation of the department's briefing process while being the liaison between the Executive Team and the Senior Management Team.
• Leads Department Records Management: Leads the effective design, delivery, and management of the department's record management.
• Corporate Lead for Municipal Partnership Agreement: Works cooperatively with municipal partners and other members of the Senior Management Team to manage the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities and Department of Municipal Affairs Partnership Agreement. This work includes identifying policies required to address the current and future municipal issues and challenges.
• Research: Expands the current body of knowledge relating to municipal, fire marshal and emergency management issues, best practices, and innovative solutions. This work involves leading and coordinating ongoing research and trend analysis, as well as promoting information sharing, by developing and maintaining relationships with counterparts in other jurisdictions, the broader research community and non-governmental organizations working in these sectors.
• Strategic Partnership and Alliances: Works collaboratively with other members of the DMA's Senior Management Team, municipal administrators, municipal elected officials, as well as various professional groups to achieve common goals and lead a culture of excellence.
• Leads the Policy Team: Ensures the effective management of human and financial resources by setting and evaluating staff performance targets, promoting diversity and a healthy, respectful workplace, demonstrating the leadership competencies, respecting corporate human resources practices, promoting teamwork and individual development, monitoring revenues and expenditures, adhering to procurement guidelines, acquiring goods and services in the most cost-effective manner, and accurately forecasting budget requirements for the fiscal year.

Qualifications and Experience

To be considered for this opportunity, you have a university degree in a related field, in addition to substantial experience in strategic policy and planning. An equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.

In addition, you have:

• Significant experience in the development of policy frameworks, policies, standards, and guidelines.
• Significant experience in project management and leading multi-disciplinary teams.
• The ability to advance strategic policy recommendations and options.
• In-depth knowledge, understanding and application of legislation and taxation policies affecting municipalities.
• Exceptional communication (both written and verbal) and presentation/facilitation skills.
• The ability to find creative and innovative solutions within an environment of competing public priorities and scarce public resources.
• Superior partnering and relationship-building skills, which will allow you to partner with a range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Sound decision-making skills, particularly on policy, legislative/regulatory initiatives, and input related to submissions to Executive Council.
• The ability to complete work autonomously, within tight timelines, while managing competing priorities.

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

You will be working within a high-paced, busy office environment with strict deadlines, sensitive and confidential information, as well as frequent meetings and conferences that require travel. You must have the ability to travel when required.

Your normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day. You may be required to work overtime on occasion.

Additional Information

This is a TERM employment opportunity with an anticipated end date of September 10, 2027. The appointment status (‘term’ 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.