Release and Enhancement Coordinator (Program Admin Officer 4)

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

Join our Service Excellence team as we expand the digital landscape at DCS!

As our Release and Enhancement Coordinator, you'll be at the forefront of driving innovation and delivering modern technology solutions to make a real impact on Nova Scotians. In this role, you will lead IT system releases, manage the prioritization of enhancement requests, and support Tier 1 staff in managing and escalating user requests. Reporting directly to the Director of Operations Planning, you will play a key role in our mission to provide innovative digital solutions to DCS participants, including our dedicated staff at DCS.

Primary Accountabilities

• Lead the planning, coordination, quality assurance and implementation of system releases.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather release requirements.
• Provide strategic guidance on enhancing system capabilities.
• Continuously improve release management processes and workflows.
• Manage day-to-day relationships with staff at DCS, contract service providers, and team members.
• Track, analyze and prioritize enhancement requests, collaborating with partners to align with business goals.
• Develop and deliver internal and external communication plans.
• Maintain release, requirements, and system documentation.
• Support Tier 1 staff in managing and escalating user requests.
• Provide support to Product Management team when required.

Qualifications and Experience

You have completed a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Computer Science, or other related field with at least six (6) years experience in business analysis, release management, project management, enhancement prioritization, and relationship management.

You have a proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, aligning IT groups for effective task completion. You will also demonstrate:

• Strong analytical, time management, and leadership skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, adapting to diverse technical and non-technical audiences.
• In-depth knowledge of software development lifecycle, quality assurance, and software procurement.
• Meticulous attention to detail with a track record of meeting deadlines.
• Expert problem-solving skills for addressing business and Product Team issues.
• Proficient in organizing workloads, multitasking, and adapting to changing priorities.
• Skilled in producing business requirements, specifications, and options analysis.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills, thriving independently and within cross-functional teams.
• Quick learner with a high degree of adaptability to new technologies.
• Expertise in assessing and managing risks in software releases, including contingency planning.

While not required, desirable assets include knowledge of and experience with automation tools for release processes to ensure efficiency and consistency.

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 equivalent combinations of training, education, and experience, providing opportunities for individuals with diverse backgrounds to contribute their skills and expertise. Equivalencies include but are not limited to:

• A completed related master's degree and four (4) years related experience
• A completed related diploma and eight (8) years of related experience
• At least 10 years related experience.

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate 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 office setting. Travel may be required at times. You must have the ability to balance conflicting priorities, handle stressful situations, and work both independently and collaboratively as a team.

Additional Information

This is a term employment opportunity with an anticipated end date of December 18, 2025.  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