Executive Lead, Early Years Modernization Program

About Us

At CSDS, we prioritize people - Both within our team and in the communities we serve. Our mission is to redefine how Nova Scotians engage with government by creating accessible, reliable digital solutions centered around user needs.

In today’s tech-driven world, CSDS empowers government departments with essential digital solutions to meet Nova Scotians’ expectations. As a trusted partner across government, we enable departments to fulfill their mandates with secure, user-friendly services. From healthcare and education to public safety, we collaborate to transform how services are designed and delivered.

We don’t just implement technology; we modernize outdated systems and reimagine processes. Our agile, data-driven approach ensures that digital services are both efficient and adaptable to Nova Scotia’s evolving needs.

Joining CSDS means contributing to work that makes a real difference. From providing vital tech support to healthcare professionals to strengthening cybersecurity and developing scalable digital platforms, you’ll play a key role in building a more inclusive, responsive government for Nova Scotians.

Together, we’re setting new standards for digital public service, delivering resilient solutions that meet today’s needs,
and anticipate tomorrow’s challenges.

The Mission: Modernize Early Years Services Across Nova Scotia

In collaboration with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (EECD), CSDS is leading a once-in-a-generation transformation of Nova Scotia’s early years system.

This ambitious initiative will modernize how families access affordable, high-quality early learning and care. It will streamline how operators are supported, how public funding is distributed and monitored, and how government responds to community needs.

As Executive Lead, Early Years Modernization:

You will lead one of Nova Scotia’s most strategic digital transformations. Your leadership will shape the future of early years services across the province.

You will:

• Lead the vision, strategy, and implementation of the Early Years Digital Modernization initiative.
• Oversee the design and delivery of digital systems that improve access, streamline operations, and enable data-informed decisions.
• Champion the development of sustainable regulatory and legislative frameworks.
• Build and lead high-performing, cross-functional teams across digital, policy, and frontline service delivery.
• Collaborate with community-based organizations and historically underserved groups to ensure services reflect the lived experiences of families and providers.

How You Will Make a Difference:

• Deliver digital infrastructure that supports fair, efficient, and transparent early years service delivery.
• Build systems that serve all families—while intentionally addressing the unique needs of diverse communities, particularly those historically underserved or facing systemic barriers.
• Unite a fragmented sector through shared tools, standards, and agile practices.
• Create sustainable change that strengthens trust between government, service providers, and the communities they support.

Qualifications and Experience

We’re seeking a strategic, collaborative, and purpose-driven executive who can lead the modernization of Nova Scotia’s Early Years System with empathy, vision, and a deep understanding of digital-era government transformation.

You bring experience in:

• Excellent communication and change leadership skills, with experience coaching teams through complexity and transformation. You bring others along—not through pressure, but through trust, transparency, and clarity.
  
  
• A track record of delivering outcomes at pace—incrementally and measurably—while balancing urgency with inclusive, coordinated execution.
  
  
• Proven success leading complex, cross-functional initiatives across technology, policy, and service delivery—ideally in public or community-based sectors.
  
  
• Experience applying human-centered design to public service transformation, ensuring digital solutions reflect real-world user needs.
  
  
• Demonstrated ability to build and guide agile, multidisciplinary teams, balancing short-term delivery with long-term strategic impact.
  
  
• A track record of navigating and aligning stakeholders across organizations, enabling collaboration and coordinated execution.
  
  
• Hands-on leadership in modernizing legacy systems and service models, using data and digital tools to enhance operational efficiency and service equity.
  
  
• Deep commitment to inclusive design, accessibility, and anti-racism, grounded in respectful engagement with historically marginalized communities.

Not sure if you check every box?
We recognize that everyone brings unique skills and experiences to the table - we know that leadership comes in many forms.
If this role excites you and you believe you can make a meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply. Tell us why you're the right fit!

We will assess the above qualifications and experience using tools such as assessments, presentations, interviews, reference checks, etc.

Additional Information

This is a TERM employment opportunity with anticipated end date of April 28, 2028.  The appointment status (‘term’, ‘temporary’ or ‘casual’) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.

Working Conditions

This is a full-time, in-office role located in downtown Halifax. You’ll be working on-site with your team to support strong collaboration and delivery. The role follows a 35-hour work week (7 hours/day) and may include occasional travel within Nova Scotia.

Benefits

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.

What We Offer

• Strategic Leadership Opportunity – Play a defining role in shaping one of Nova Scotia’s most significant service modernization initiatives.
• Engaging Workplace – Join a culture where leaders are empowered, teams are supported, and innovation is encouraged across all levels of government.
• Impactful Work – Lead change that directly supports families, equity, and long-term systems transformation across the province.
• Countless Career Paths – Visibility and influence across departments create opportunities to grow and shape your leadership journey.