Project Director

About Us

The Department of Seniors and Long-Term Care 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, the Departments of Health and Wellness and Opportunities and Social Development, training institutions, long-term care facilities, home care agencies  and other sector leaders, we’re committed to continually improving the support system for seniors and those requiring home care, home supports, and long-term care. The Department of Seniors and Long-Term Care is focused on innovation, and transformation.  We are thinking differently about how to plan and fund to improve access and service delivery for Nova Scotia’s senior population. To do this, we need leaders at all levels of the organization who embrace a challenge and believe in their ability to make a difference. 

The Project Management Division is nested under the Department of Seniors and Long-Term Care (DSLTC) , works collaboratively with the other branches within the department and consists of professional public servants with healthcare and public administration backgrounds working in a variety of roles from home care and long-term/continuing care to licensing and compliance.

About Our Opportunity

We are seeking a Project Director to design, manage, and implement significant projects with cross-departmental and sector implications. Reporting to the Executive Director and/or Associate Deputy Minister, the Project Director will lead project working committees and staff, providing authoritative technical content to government leaders. 

Primary Accountabilities

This position provides support to the Associate Deputy Minister, Executive Directors and Branch Directors in the following areas: 

Project Management: Manage major parts of the department's project management program and critical projects, aligning them with departmental vision and goals. 

Change Management: Act as a change management sponsor, leading project status updates, developing strategies, and engaging partners. 

Innovation: Develop innovative solutions by integrating complex information sources and creating frameworks for business needs. 

Partnerships: Maintain formal partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, capturing broader business interests. 

Policy Development: Provide input into compliance policies, develop procedures, and monitor their implementation. 

Expert Advice: Deliver expert research, analysis, and advice on project issues, improving business performance. 

Qualifications and Experience

To be successful in this role, you have a Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., project management, policy, healthcare).   In addition, you will have several years of progressive, senior-level management experience leading teams of professionals.  Equivalent combinations of training and experience may be considered.  Registered Nurse (RN) is considered an asset. 

Skills and Knowledge: 

• Demonstrated ability to lead large-scale change in complex stakeholder environments, especially heath care. 

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written). 

• Ability to establish productive relationships with senior representatives of non-governmental and governmental organizations. 

• Proven track record in senior leadership roles with high accountabilities and responsibilities. 

• Extensive experience in project and portfolio management, budgetary processes, and risk management/mitigation principles. 

• Knowledge and understanding of healthcare policy research and development, legislation, regulation, political acuity, and diplomacy. 

• Excellent research capabilities and strong organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy while balancing priorities.

Leadership Competencies required at this level of work are:   Decisiveness; Strategic Orientation; Developing Others; Team Leadership; Self-Awareness & Personal Impact; Effective Interactive; Communication; Partnering & Relationship Building; Intercultural Diversity Proficiency 

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. 

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 includes Leads Self, Engage Others, Achieve Results, Develop Coalitions and Systems Transformation.  Please see LEADS (novascotia.ca) for more information. 
 

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 an office setting. You will have daily contact with various internal and external stakeholders. The scope of this role requires strong abilities in multi-tasking, balancing multiple priorities, meeting frequent deadlines, and making time sensitive recommendations.

What We Offer

• Career Development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career.
• Countless career paths.
• A dynamic, client-focused office environment where service excellence and teamwork are our focus.