Director Classification and Compensation

About Us

The Public Service Commission (PSC) is government’s human resources organization supporting departments, agencies, and employees to deliver programs and services to Nova Scotians. We are committed to building a collaborative and inclusive public service grounded in respect, integrity, diversity, accountability, and the public good.

The PSC establishes human resource policies, programs, standards, and procedures, and provides direction, advice, and support to departments to ensure consistent, effective application across government.

We are focused on the current and future needs of the provincial workforce to ensure the public service is equipped to meet the demands of a growing and changing province.

About Our Opportunity

Reporting to the Managing Director of Compensation, and leading a team of Compensation specialists, this role provides leadership and oversight of job evaluation and compensation programs across the Government of Nova Scotia.

You will help ensure classification and compensation frameworks are equitable, consistent, and responsive, while advancing a modern, consultative service delivery approach that strengthens client partnerships, organizational capability, and outcomes.

Working closely with leaders and system partners, you will support organizational design, workforce planning, and enterprise decision-making.

Primary Accountabilities

• Lead the delivery of enterprise-wide compensation and classification programs, including job evaluation frameworks, compensation structures, and processes supporting internal equity, market competitiveness, fiscal responsibility, and compliance.
• Provide strategic and expert advice to leaders on organizational design, job evaluation, and compensation management to support sound, evidence-based decision-making, fiscal responsibility, and client service.
• Lead strategic and operational initiatives to strengthen compensation programs and service delivery, including modernization and service delivery enhancements, analytics, and reporting.
• Provide leadership and expert guidance on compensation matters, including classification appeals, grievances, and negotiations, ensuring alignment with government priorities and policy direction.
• Build and sustain collaborative relationships across government to promote consistent practices and effective service delivery.
• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement by advancing modern approaches, streamlining processes, enabling data-informed decisions, and building enterprise capability through knowledge transfer in compensation and classification.
• Lead, develop, and support a high-performing team, fostering engagement, accountability, and professional growth.

About you:

You are a strategic and collaborative leader with strong judgment, a client-focused mindset, and the ability to influence at senior levels. The specific qualifications include:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline. A graduate degree is considered an asset.
• Professional certification in compensation is an asset (e.g., CCP/WorldatWork).

Experience Required:

• Extensive experience in compensation and classification, including job evaluation and pay structure administration, preferably within a large, unionized organization.
• Experience leading teams or complex projects in dynamic organizational settings.
• Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders and drive organization-wide outcomes.
• Experience interpreting and applying compensation-related policies, collective agreements, or legislation.

Assets:

• Experience leading modernization, process improvement, or change initiatives.
• Experience developing or implementing corporate programs or strategies.

Behavioral Competencies:

• Strategic thinking and sound judgment
• Strong communication, consultation, and relationship-building skills
• Client-focused with the ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships
• Ability to influence and build credibility with leaders

Technical Skills:

• Strong analytical capability, including interpreting and analyzing compensation and workforce data
• Proficiency using Excel, HRIS platforms, and reporting tools
• Knowledge of compensation practices, job evaluation methodologies, and applicable legislation

Alignment with the LEADS Leadership Framework and inclusive leadership practices is expected.

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

35 hours per week; Additional hours may be required. 

What We Offer

• Meaningful leadership work with system-wide impact.
• Opportunity to shape and modernize classification and compensation practices.
• Collaborative, values-based work environment.
• Professional growth and leadership development opportunities.
• Comprehensive total rewards including pension, health, and wellness supports.