Senior Strategist, Digital Governance

About Us

The Department of Health and Wellness 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 and the IWK Health Centre, we’re committed to continually improving our health care system. With a focus on collaborative primary health care, improved supports for mental health and addictions, digital health, capital infrastructure and more, the department is thinking differently about how to plan, fund, legislate and monitor to improve access and service delivery. 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.  

About Our Opportunity

We are a high-functioning, forward-thinking team within government, focused on transforming healthcare delivery.  As a valued member of the System Performance & Integration, Digital Health team, you will report to the Project Executive & Director Digital Strategy & Governance.   This position is responsible for obtaining a deep understanding of the digital ecosystem within the Nova Scotia Health System and leading the advisory on digital health direction in Nova Scotia.

Primary Accountabilities

This managerial-level role oversees a supporting reporting team responsible for system-level governance of digital health in Nova Scotia. Key responsibilities include:

• Advising on program management and reporting for all digital health initiatives in Nova Scotia.
• Developing standards, policies, and accountability measures for digital health.
• Supporting value realization and return on investment (ROI) for digital health initiatives.
• Leading strategic initiatives to enhance digital health delivery across the province.

This role requires strategic leadership in executive-facing work, including:

• Providing advisory support to executive decision-makers.
• Delivering strategic insights on digital health to inform governance and policy.
• Leading a team of project management professionals and collaborating with the digital health strategy team to enhance patient and provider experiences.
• Partnering with performance and investment analysts to assess ROI and guide digital investment decisions.
• Supporting the governance of digital standards, policies, regulations, and legislation for digital health in Nova Scotia.

Qualifications and Experience

The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree and several years of progressive experience in a related field.  An equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.

To be successful in this role, you will be:

• Self-motivated with a positive and professional approach to leadership, able to drive initiatives to completion with autonomy.
• A relationship builder, problem solver, and continuous learner who thrives in complex environments.
• Proficient in process mapping, lean methodologies, and continuous improvement.
• A servant leader is passionate about driving change in the public sector.
• Highly organized, with strong communication and advisory skills at all levels.

You will bring:

• Significant experience managing internal and/or external stakeholder engagement.
• Extensive knowledge of government operations and familiarity the Nova Scotia health system, including health authorities, long-term care, and primary care.
• Strong digital experience, with expertise in digital transformation, governance, or health technology.
• Excellent strategic thinking, organizational, and planning skills to support high-level decision-making.
• Superior project management and time management skills to manage competing priorities effectively.

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft OneDrive, Teams, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, with a willingness to learn new tools.
• Experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 for correspondence management is an asset.
• Strong writing skills, with a strong preference for experience in policy and governance document writing.
• Strong Executive Level briefing skills through consulting style delivery.

Qualifications & Experience - Continued

Other Key Attributes:

• Exceptional interpersonal skills and strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Sound judgment and the ability to navigate sensitive, high-stakes, and political decision-making environments.
• Professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality in handling critical information.
• Ability to prioritize effectively and manage high workloads under pressure.
• Embraces a culture of continuous improvement and challenges the status quo.
• Has a strong eye for detail and is willing to roll up their sleeves to drive change.
• Excels in high-quality consulting and strategy execution.
• Values relationships and system-level collaboration to achieve lasting impact.

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.

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, 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

• Normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day
• May be required to work overtime on occasion
• Hybrid Working Arrangement Available

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.