Manager, Federal, Provincial, Territorial Relations

About Us

The Department of Health and Wellness offers opportunities to grow and advance in a dynamic sector that touches the lives of all Nova Scotians. Along with our partners, including the Nova Scotia Health Authority and the IWK Health Centre, we are committed to continually improving our health care system. With a focus on collaborative primary health care, continuing care, improved supports for mental health and addictions, digital health, capital infrastructure, and more, the department is thinking differently about how to plan, fund, legislate and monitor to improve access and service delivery. To do this, we are recruiting leaders at all levels of the organization who embrace a challenge and believe in their ability to make a difference.

About Our Opportunity

As Manager, Federal, Provincial, Territorial (FPT) Relations, you help Nova Scotia show up with clarity, respect, and influence at intergovernmental tables. You will prepare Deputy Ministers and Ministers for key conversations, craft clear positions grounded in evidence and provincial needs, and support thoughtful, principled approaches to federal agreements and negotiations. Day to day, you will translate complex issues into plain language and practical advice, bring diverse perspectives together, and turn decisions into actionable next steps—so our health system can deliver better outcomes for peoplein Nova Scotia. You will join a small, supportive team that works across departments and Offices to build strong, impactful relationships across the health system.

Primary Accountabilities

• Lead and support a small team of policy professionals—setting clear priorities and processes, sharing knowledge, and creating an environment where everyone contributes.
• Coordinate intergovernmental intelligence and strategy so that departmental advice is timely, consistent, and easy to act on.
• Develop clear, plain‑language materials (briefings, options, speaking notes) that help senior leaders participate fully in FPT forums and understand decisions, next steps, and impacts.
• Manage the flow of high‑volume information and requests across government and with external partners, ensuring accuracy, accessibility, and discretion.
• Provide practical advice on health topics in partnership with Intergovernmental Affairs and colleagues across departments and Offices.
• Integrate evidence and analysis into strategy and planning—advancing continuous improvement in policy and research, issues management and tracking, and the coordination of intergovernmental meetings, working groups, and committees.
• Build and maintain constructive, diplomatic relationships with officials, agencies, and partners to advance health system policies and programs—seeking innovative, people‑centered solutions.

Qualifications and Experience

We recognize that great candidates come from many backgrounds. If you meet most of the criteria below and are excited about the role, we encourage you to apply.

• Education: Post‑secondary education in health, social, or political sciences (or a related field). An equivalent mix of education and relevant experience will be considered. A master’s degree in Health Services or Public Administration is an asset, not a requirement.
• Experience: Several (approx. three to five) years of progressive experience in policy, strategy, communications, and/or stakeholder relations. Experience may be across public, broader public, non‑profit, or private sectors.
• People leadership: Experience leading or coordinating work in collaborative, cross‑functional teams. You create a respectful, inclusive environment and help others do their best work.
• Relationship building: Proven ability to build trust and work effectively with senior leaders, partners, and diverse stakeholders, including across  sectors.
• Communication: Skilled at translating complex information into clear, plain‑language briefings and recommendations tailored to different audiences.
• Judgement & delivery: Strong organizational skills with the ability to set priorities andprocesses, meet deadlines, and respond to rapid requests with accuracy and discretion.
• Government & health system knowledge (asset): Understanding of health systems and of government decision‑making processes, with the ability to apply this knowledge to interconnected health policy issues.
• Intergovernmental/stakeholder engagement (asset): Track record of working across jurisdictions or with multiple partners to advance shared priorities.
• Continuous improvement: A service‑minded, solutions‑focused approach—identifying opportunities to improve processes, quality, and outcomes.
  
  

The Government of Nova Scotia has adopted the LEADS Leadership Framework. During the interview, candidates will be expected to express how they have demonstrated the key behaviours and capabilities required to effectively lead in a caring and inclusive environment. LEADS Domains include Leads Self, Engage Others, Achieve Results, Develop Coalitions and Systems Transformation.

Please follow LEADS (novascotia.ca) for more information.

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using tools such as written assessments, oral presentations, interviews and reference checks.

Equivalency

An equivalent combination of training, education and experience will be considered. 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

Most of your time is spent in a comfortable in-office setting with some off site meetings as required. 

Your normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day however you may be required to work evenings/weekends (and will require availability 24/7 during times of emergency and working overtime on occasion).

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
• A Dynamic, client‑focused office environment where service excellence and teamwork are our focus.