Executive Director Policy and Information Management

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), Homelessness and Supportive Housing, Disability Support Program(DSP), and the Office of the Status of Women. 

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

The Executive Director, Policy and Information Management is a senior leadership role reporting to the Associate Deputy Minister. This position provides strategic direction and operational leadership across corporate policy, information management, technology services, legislative processes, intergovernmental relations, and client service initiatives.

This role sits at the intersection of people, policy, systems, and evidence. It enables the Department to respond thoughtfully and proactively to complex social policy challenges, while ensuring information, technology, and governance structures support effective service delivery for Nova Scotians.

You will lead a diverse portfolio and a multidisciplinary leadership team, shaping how policy is developed, how information is managed as a corporate asset, and how strategic priorities translate into meaningful outcomes.

Primary Accountabilities

In this role, you can expect to:

• Lead the development and coordination of the Department’s strategic policy agenda, business planning, and operational planning processes
• Ensure policy and planning decisions are informed by research, environmental scanning, and evidence
• Provide executive oversight of information management, records governance, FOIPOP, and information technology services
• Ensure departmental information is managed as a corporate asset that supports accessibility, privacy, accountability, and sound decision making
• Lead the modernization of information-dependent systems and processes in alignment with departmental priorities
• Oversee legislative and regulatory processes, including the administration and continuous improvement of the appeals system
• Ensure frameworks and practices are fair, responsive, and consistent with legislation and principles of natural justice
• Provide expert advice to senior leadership on legislative and regulatory impacts
• Lead federal, provincial, and territorial relations and negotiations related to departmental policy objectives
• Act as a strategic advisor to senior leaders, partners, and stakeholders across the social services system
• Ensure client service considerations, including French-language services, are embedded in policy and program design
• Lead and support a multidisciplinary management team, fostering an inclusive, respectful, and high-performing workplace
• Promote collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement across the division

Qualifications and Experience

Possesses a degree-level qualification in public administration, law, social sciences, or information management, complemented by several years of senior leadership experience within complex environments, or a related field; alternatively, holds an equivalent combination of education and experience.

You also have:

• experience leading strategic policy development, planning, and decision-making at an executive level
• experience managing large, multidisciplinary teams and complex operational portfolios
• experience working with intergovernmental partners and navigating multi-jurisdictional policy environments
• strong knowledge of governance, legislative processes, and public accountability frameworks
• ability to lead through complexity, ambiguity, and competing priorities

Assets include:

• experience overseeing information management, records governance, FOIPOP, or digital transformation initiatives
• familiarity with social services systems or social policy environments
• experience leading large-scale change or modernization initiatives
• multi-lingual and or French language proficiency
• experience with enterprise project management frameworks

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interviews, 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. Work is primarily office-based in a comfortable professional environment. The role requires sustained concentration and analysis as well as the ability to manage competing priorities, tight timelines, and high-impact decision-making. Occasional evening or on-call work may be required to support operational or government needs

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