Manager, Program Research and Innovation

About Us

The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development is leading the transformation of the early years and public education system in Nova Scotia. We are doing this by designing an innovative curriculum, facilitating excellence in teaching and learning, ensuring an inclusive education experience, and working closely with our partners in education. This department is a perfect fit for those that want to be part of the future of early learning, childcare, and public education in the province by supporting children, students and families with a strong foundation for success in a progressive and responsive policy environment.

About Our Opportunity

We are seeking a dynamic leader for the position of Manager, Program Research and Innovation. 

Reporting to the Director, Quality, Innovation and Professional Learning, the Manager leads a team of professionals responsible for the research, development, evaluation and monitoring of programs and policies within the Early Learning and Child Care branch.  Your leadership will support the achievement of departmental and government priorities, ensuring that the work of your team aligns with and contributes to the broader goals of the branch.

Primary Accountabilities

• Undertakes research, develops and analyses programs and policies, and makes recommendations on issues, policies or programs to inform decision making by senior management. 
• Works with the department’s Corporate Policy team to support the development of submissions to Executive Council and Finance and Treasury Board, and early years input for house preparations, standing committees, and business plans.
• Consults with key partners and facilitates/participates in working groups to ensure sound program and policy development in alignment with departmental priorities, government objectives, and needs of the sector.
• Provides advice on the development, implementation and administration of various programs, policies and services, including developing briefing materials for senior executives.
• Collects, interprets and analyzes information and data to identify trends trends and needs to evaluate, improve and report on program effectiveness.
• Regularly reviews and modernizes policies and procedures for existing programs, staying current on best practice and national/international changes that can be adopted in NS.
• Developing input for national and international reports and jurisdictional scans, ensuring the branch’s perspectives are represented accurately.
• Managing information requests from Federal-Provincial-Territorial entities, ensuring timely and accurate responses.

Qualifications and Experience

To be considered for this opportunity, you are required to possess the following qualifications and experience: 

• A bachelor’s degree and five years of related experience.  An equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in research methods, coordination of multi-disciplinary teams to assist in the identification and analysis of program options, conducting jurisdictional scans, policy analysis, evaluation methodologies, and consultation with internal and external partners to inform decision making.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, diplomacy, and conflict resolution skills are required.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills and the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external partners.
• Demonstrated ability to work productively independently and as part of a team, and apply the concepts of equity, diversity, and inclusion to all areas of your work and will support your colleagues to do the same.
• Proficiency in standard office software applications (Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
• Strong data analysis and reporting skills.
   

Working knowledge of programs and services offered by the Early Learning and Child Care Branch, Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, and current legislation, regulations, and policies will be considered assets for this position 
 

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

LEADS

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 behaviors and capabilities required to effectively lead in a caring and inclusive environment. LEADS Domains includes Leads Self, Engage Others, Achieve Results, Develop Coalitions and Systems Transformation. Please follow LEADS for more information.

We will assess the above qualifications and capabilities using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

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

• This position is based in Halifax.
• Work is primarily completed in a comfortable office setting.
• Your normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day.

Additional Information

This is a term, full-time vacancy with a projected end date of May 8, 2026. Note that the status of the vacancy (term or temporary) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate and the overall duration of the position in accordance with the timelines set out in the collective agreement. 

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. 
• Department Specific Flexible working schedules.