Director of Economic Policy

About Us

The Department of Growth and Development drives economic growth and productivity by creating conditions for communities, businesses and households to thrive. The Department works with key partners to foster a dynamic environment that supports innovation and sector development, providing the necessary solutions to grow our population and economy.

The Department of Growth and Development is committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We value equity, diversity, and inclusion and recognize that a respectful and inclusive environment strengthens our ability to deliver effective public services. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates, including African Nova Scotians, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, women, and persons of all gender identities and expressions.

About Our Opportunity

The Director of Economic Policy leads a team of professionals that plays a key role in advancing the Department’s economic priorities. Working collaboratively across government, with Crown corporations, and with external partners, this role helps ensure alignment with the Province’s economic agenda. You will lead complex files, analyze economic trends, and support policy and program development that strengthens Nova Scotia’s economy. The successful candidate will bring strong analytical skills, sound judgment, and the ability to navigate complex files while fostering productive relationships across a broad network of partners.

Primary Accountabilities

As Director, Economic Policy, you will lead Nova Scotia’s approach to economic development by:

• Driving Policy Leadership: Develop and implement legislation, regulations, and policies that align with Nova Scotia’s economic priorities.
• Strategic Initiatives: Oversee high-impact projects and mandate items, ensuring timely and integrated delivery.
• Modernizing Policy Analysis: Use AI-enabled tools to provide actionable insights and strengthen evidence-based decision-making.
• Building Partnerships: Collaborate with senior leaders, other ministries, and federal/provincial/territorial partners to advance shared goals.
• Leading Teams: Provide strategic direction and mentorship to policy professionals, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.

Qualifications and Experience

This may be the right opportunity for you if you have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline with several years of progressive management and leadership experience (or acceptable equivalent). A master’s degree in a related discipline will be considered an asset.

You possess exceptional time management skills to manage multiple priorities with competing deadlines. You also have:

• Strong communication (written/verbal) and relationship-building skills to engage with others, get buy-in to deliver results and skillfully influence to build support.
• Experience leading teams with research, policy and program design and development, monitoring, evaluation and reporting. You have experience developing legislative and policy frameworks with a focus on those resulting in economic growth.
• Demonstrated experience working collaboratively across an organization and with external partners to identify, develop, implement, evaluate and provide ongoing management of corporate strategies, policies and programs for economic and business growth and strategic sector development.
• Demonstrated experience with developing networks with government, industry, and academia to gather intelligence and implement action plans for key sectors.

Leadership competencies required at this level of work are: Decisiveness, Strategic Orientation, Change Leadership, Team Leadership, Effective Interactive Communication, Self-Awareness and Personal Impact, Partnering and Relationship Building, and Intercultural and Diversity Proficiency.

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

• Hours of Work: 35 hours/week, Monday – Friday in office
• Location: CIBC Building, Barrington Street, Halifax, NS
• Work outside of regular business hours as required.

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.