Project Manager, Access & Expansion

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 and child care 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’re looking for an exceptional leader who shares our vision of transforming the early learning and child care system in the province – one that focuses on creating quality programs that are inclusive, affordable, and accessible. You share our values of Respect, Integrity, Diversity, Accountability, and The Public Good, have a deep appreciation of diversity and inclusion, and actively promote and encourage the importance of teams, people, diversity and culture.

Primary Accountabilities

The Project Manager, Access & Expansion, is responsible for leading strategic space creation initiatives focused on increasing access to early learning and child care across the province. In this role you will be responsible for: 

• Developing and implementing strategic space creation programs and initiatives, including development of tracking and reporting mechanisms, progress monitoring tools, risk management and mitigation processes.
• Overseeing the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of space creation initiatives, including associated policies, processes, and standards, to achieve departmental targets.
• Extensive collaboration with internal and external partners to develop space creation initiatives and opportunities, to inform recommendations, and to coordinate required approvals on projects and their associated budgets.
• Communicating (verbally and in writing) to ensure appropriate partners are informed and engaged, ensuring projects and initiatives contribute to Departmental policy, program and strategic priorities, and ensuring the provision of timely updates and advice. 
• Ensuring data to manage space creation initiatives is generated, well managed, understandable, accessible and disseminated in a timely way and in appropriate formats. 
• Ensuring effective management of human and financial resources by setting and evaluating staff performance targets, promoting diversity and a healthy workplace, exemplifying leadership competencies, respecting corporate human resources practices, promoting teamwork and individual development, maintaining internal communication, monitoring expenditures, adhering to procurement guidelines, and acquiring goods and services in the most cost-effective manner.

Qualifications and Experience

To be successful in this role, you will have:  

•    A bachelor’s degree and five years of related experience.  
•    Experience in project management, program development, management, and administration.
•    Experience developing programs, policies, and procedures, budgets, establishing risk management and mitigation strategies. 
•    Familiarity with project and workload management processes and tools.
•    Excellent communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills 
•    Experience building and managing relationships with strategic internal and external partners.
•    Excellent organizational and time management skills, and attention to detail and accuracy. 
•    Manage contentious issues ensuring accurate documentation, corrective action, and implementation of preventative strategies.
•    Experience leading and motivating teams, and applying coaching and mentorship practices, to produce exceptional results.

Assets considered for this position:

•    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.
•    Knowledge of legislation, regulation pertaining to Early Learning and Child Care facilities.
•    Knowledge of construction industry, building science, facility management.

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

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

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 Health, Dental, Life Insurance, Pension, General Illness (Short and Long Term), Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. Click here to learn more about our various benefits offering and eligibility criteria.

Working Conditions

•    Have a valid Nova Scotia driver’s license.
•    Work in a comfortable office setting.
•    Periodic travel to other locations within the province may be required.
•    Your normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day.

Additional Information

This is a 3-year Term employment opportunity with an anticipated end date of January 1, 2027. The appointment status (‘term’, ‘temporary’ or ‘casual’) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.

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.