Executive Director, Status of Women

Valuing Diversity

We value a workplace where diversity, in all its forms, is encouraged and recognized for its contribution to a more creative, rewarding, and productive public service to our broader community. Valuing diversity challenges us not only to be a public service that reflects the community we serve but also to create a more respectful and productive public service and to be a model for other employers in Nova Scotia.

We encourage applications from those that equally value diversity.

About Us

The Status of Women Office works collaboratively with government departments, agencies, academia, community groups, and women-serving organizations. It is responsible for operational and administrative support to transition houses, women’s centers, the Nova Scotia Native Women’s Association, and Alice House. The Nova Scotia Advisory Council on the Status of Women (NSACSW) and the Status of Women Office work together on intersectional issues and priorities that affect the lives of women and girls, they are separate entities. The NSACSW is appointed by the Governor in Council on the recommendation of the Minister responsible for the Act, following procedures laid out by the Executive Council and the Human Resources Committee of the Legislature. The Council is composed of up to 12 members that reflect the diversity of women across Nova Scotia, and who have demonstrated interest and involvement in women’s issues in their communities. Members are Order in Council appointments. The Council is responsible for advising the Minister on matters of interest and concern for women, and individuals who identify as women across Nova Scotia. The Status of Women office provides secretariat support to the NSACSW and helps to make connections on its behalf with other government departments and community.

Vision of the Status of Women Office 

• Gender equality

Priorities of the Status of Women Office are: 

• Ensuring that women and their children are safe from gender-based violence.
• Strengthening women’s economic security.
• Encouraging women’s participation in leadership.

About Our Opportunity

As the Executive Director, you will provide senior strategic leadership to advance gender equity across Nova Scotia. Leading a multidisciplinary team, you will develop and implement evidence-informed policies, programs, and partnerships that address systemic barriers and promote the participation, safety, and well-being of women and gender-diverse individuals—especially those from historically underserved communities such as Mi’kmaq and African Nova Scotians.

Reporting to the Associate Deputy Minister for Status of Women and Opportunities and Social Development, you will set and execute a strategic vision aligned with departmental and government priorities. Your role includes fostering organizational and cultural change by embedding intersectional gender perspectives into government decision-making and collaborating broadly with departments, jurisdictions, and community partners.

As part of the executive team, you will work closely with Executive Directors to drive cross-functional initiatives, anticipate emerging issues, champion innovation, and ensure accountability for the office’s commitments and measurable outcomes.

This position calls for a nonpartisan, ethical, and results-driven leader with a strong commitment to equity, expertise in gender-based analysis, and the ability to influence across sectors. If you are dedicated to advancing an inclusive and equitable Nova Scotia, we encourage you to apply.

Primary Accountabilities

As the Executive Director, Status of Women Office you will leverage your expertise to:

• Strategic Leadership Support: Collaborate closely with the Department’s senior leadership team to develop, advance, and implement the Status of Women Office’s vision, business plan, and accountability frameworks. Support department-wide goals by ensuring policies, programs, and initiatives promote the social and economic prosperity of women, girls, gender-diverse individuals, and their families across Nova Scotia.
• Government and Stakeholder Engagement: Support the Status of Women Office in senior government forums, interdepartmental committees, and with external partners. Support the integration of gender equity priorities into broader government strategies and contribute to resolving systemic barriers through effective collaboration.
• Partnership and Relationship Management: Build and sustain trusted partnerships with government agencies, community organizations, business, academia, and advisory bodies such as the Nova Scotia Status of Women Advisory Council. Facilitate coordination and collective action to advance economic equality, leadership, safety, and inclusion for women, girls, and gender-diverse populations.
• Federal, Provincial, and Territorial Coordination: Support the Department in representing Nova Scotia in federal-provincial-territorial and international forums, ensuring alignment, coordinated actions, and accurate reporting on commitments related to United Nations agreements and gender equity conventions.
• Organizational Culture Contribution: Contribute to fostering an equitable, inclusive, and respectful organizational culture within the Department, supporting initiatives that promote fair treatment of employees and clients.
• Public Advocacy and Communications: Provide input and act as spokesperson for the Status of Women Office when required, including delivering testimony before government commissions, standing committees, and inquiries on issues affecting women, girls, and gender-diverse communities.
• Innovation and Accountability: Assist senior leadership in anticipating emerging gender equity and safety challenges, champion innovative solutions, and uphold accountability by ensuring measurable outcomes and progress on key commitments

Qualifications and Experience

First and foremost, you are an ethical innovative leader who is ready to make a significant culture and attitude change, you have a deep understanding of gender equity and intersectionality, and you are experienced in successfully advancing policies, programs, and initiatives that advance the interests of underserved and under respresented communities, in particular Mi’kmaq and African Nova Scotians and peoples of African descent. You have In-depth knowledge of the unique experiences of Mi’kmaq and African Nova Scotians and people of African Descent in the province. 

You possess a relevant post-secondary degree in a related field such as (health, public administration, law, or relevant degree). Master’s in public administration would be an asset. You have a minimum of 5 years progressive senior management experience in a related field, or an equivalent combination of training and experience may be accepted.

The successful candidate will have proven leadership and management abilities and demonstrate a high level of integrity. You must bring outstanding leadership, demonstrated experience in directly supporting legislative, regulatory, and policy frameworks relevant to the portfolio. You have progressive experience in providing advice to ministers, Deputy Ministers and other senior government officials that effectively translate government priorities into actionable initiatives supporting senior government decision.

You bring solid communication, strong focus on equity, interpersonal, and diplomatic skills, along with strong problem solving and analytical skills, diversity, and inclusion, and demonstrated ability to effectively manage competing priorities and demands.  You bring experience in shaping a positive organizational climate and developing people and relationships to affect positive change is required. This position also requires experience in negotiations, financial management, and human resource management. Experience in implementing and supporting an effective consultative and engagement process.

For this role you also have:

• Experience in working with a diverse group of leaders at the provincial, municipal, and federal levels of government and other jurisdictions
• Demonstrated experience in research, planning, project management, critical thinking, innovative solutions, and analysis is required, as is an understanding of the value of true partnerships with stakeholders.

Assets for this role include:

• Experience in the development and negotiation of legislation, regulations, agreements, and policies

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

This is a full-time position based onsite in Halifax, with a standard 35-hour work week (7 hours per day). While the regular schedule follows typical business hours, occasional overtime may be required to meet deadlines or attend community events.

The role involves regular travel across the province, so a valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation are necessary. You can expect to be out of the office at least once a week, visiting partner organizations, attending meetings, and engaging with communities to support program delivery. Travel is a key component of this role as it requires building relationships and maintaining a presence in diverse locations throughout Nova Scotia.

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