Organizational Development Consultant, People & Culture

About Us

At the Department of Community Services (DCS), 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, and Disability Support Program (DSP).

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

As the Organizational Development Consultant, you will coach and advise leaders on organizational development programs across every stage of the employee lifecycle, including employee onboarding, development, engagement, and recognition. Your work will directly strengthen the department’s people-management strategies and contribute to shaping a trauma-informed, restorative, and client-centered culture.

Reporting to the Director of People & Culture, you will collaborate with senior leaders, clients, and key partners to design and implement strategies and processes that support organizational success. You will ensure that both leaders and staff are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in their roles.

This role is ideal for someone who values collaboration, innovation, and providing culturally attentive services. If you are passionate about creating meaningful organizational change, we encourage you to apply and make a lasting impact within our department!

Primary Accountabilities

As the Organizational Development Consultant, you will leverage your expertise to:

• Strategically consult with leaders to identify areas where innovative organizational development solutions are needed.
• Design, develop, and implement organizational development programs that align with DCS’s vision for cultural and systemic change.
• Support change management by leading new initiatives, including facilitating both in-person and online new-hire orientation sessions.
• Evaluate and analyze existing programs and policies to identify challenges and barriers and propose innovative solutions.
• Build and maintain trusting relationships with leaders, clients, and key partners to foster collaborations that enhance service delivery.
• Research emerging trends in organizational development and recommend improvements that support and advance equitable and inclusive practices.
• Facilitate working groups and committees to advance People and Culture priorities, while ensuring alignment with departmental goals.

Qualifications and Experience

You have completed a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, along with several years of experience in organizational development, human resources, or talent management. A combination of education and experience may also be considered.

In addition to these qualifications, you must demonstrate:

• Experience in leadership coaching and supporting the design, delivery, and analysis of organizational development initiatives.
• Knowledge of change management principles, organizational development strategies, and systems thinking approaches.
• Excellent presentation skills, with the ability to create engaging visual materials and information resources.
• Strong problem-solving abilities, with the capacity to analyze complex issues and develop sustainable solutions that align with organizational goals.
• Exceptional communication skills, with a proven ability to engage and influence leaders.
• Skill in building positive relationships that foster trust, collaboration, and mutual understanding with team members, clients, and key partners.
• A commitment to continuous improvement, including researching best practices and emerging trends in organizational development.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite and working knowledge of innovative learning technologies (including e-learning platforms and interactive tools) that support technology-driven learning solutions.
• A deep understanding of equity and intersectionality, with the ability to integrate these principles into program development and delivery.

Assets for this role include:

• Experience in public service or social service environments.
• Knowledge of the current programs and services offered by DCS.
• Experience actively engaging with historically underserved communities and advancing policies and programs that support their initiatives.
• Proficiency with Learning Management Systems (LMS), Articulate, Adobe Suite, Canva, and video editing.

Please ensure your application clearly demonstrates how you meet the required qualifications and experiences outlined for this position.

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 and value the perspectives and experiences that individuals from unique backgrounds and equity-deserving communities bring to our team. We will consider an equivalent combination of training, education, and experience when reviewing your application, including community and volunteer experiences, as well as lived experiences that have shaped your professional journey and worldview. Equivalencies include, but are not limited to:

• Significant experience in organizational development, human resources, or talent management.  

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

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 include Leads Self, Engage Others, Achieve Results, Develop Coalitions, and Systems Transformation.

Please follow LEADS for more information.

Working Conditions

You will primarily work in a comfortable office setting, however, periodic travel to other locations within the province to consult with staff and/or key partners may be required. Therefore, a valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle are needed.

Your normal work week is 35 hours a week, 7 hours a day. This role involves a high volume of work, which may necessitate longer working hours and overtime. Due to the diverse responsibilities and scope of this position, there will be significant mental pressure, requiring resilience. 

Additional Information

This is a Term opportunity with an anticipated end date of November 1, 2025. 

What We Offer

• Career Development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career.
• An engaging workplace where you will feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in. We have forward-thinking policies and strategies.
• Countless Career Paths.
• Option for Earned Days Off (EDO)

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.