Senior Strategist, Housing Acceleration and Performance

About Us

Currently, the Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing is transitioning. This position will move to the Department of Growth and Development which drives economic growth and productivity by creating the conditions for communities, businesses and households to thrive. The Department works with key partners to foster a dynamic environment that supports housing innovation and sector development, providing the necessary solutions to grow our population and economy.

The Housing Acceleration and Performance team’s mission is to address the urgent need to increase the housing supply across the province while ensuring that new constructions meet high standards of affordability, safety, accessibility, and efficiency. They achieve this by leading strategic policy initiatives aimed at expediting housing development and by overseeing the implementation of building codes and standards.

About Our Opportunity

Are you passionate about addressing the housing challenges faced by Nova Scotians? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment? Desire to chart new paths that make a difference, AND bring people along with you on the journey? This may be the opportunity you have been waiting for.

We are seeking an experienced professional to join our team as a Senior Strategist. In this role, you will play a pivotal part in driving our ambitious mandate to advance housing supply across municipalities. You will be at the forefront of shaping housing policies, driving forward the work of the Executive Panel on Housing in Halifax Regional Municipality, leading complex projects, and collaborating with partners across governments and the private sector to develop innovative solutions.

Primary Accountabilities

As a Senior Strategist, you will:

• Conduct evidence-informed analysis on the impacts and implications of existing and proposed policies.
• Review external plans, offering input and recommendations for alignment with strategic objectives.
• Monitor housing initiatives to ensure alignment with approved plans and guidelines.
• Plan and develop critical initiatives, demonstrating strategic and analytical thinking.
• Lead issues management efforts by identifying emerging risks, assessing potential impacts, and developing proactive solutions.
• Provide leadership and advice to engage stakeholders effectively.

Qualifications and Experience

You have completed a post-secondary educational program in a related field and have at least three (3) years of experience working in a policy environment. You understand housing issues and solutions, applicable legislative frameworks, and strategic planning. It would be considered an asset if you were also a licensed professional (Planner/Engineer, etc.) with recent experience in the residential planning and development process. In addition to this you:

• Demonstrate the capacity to look at things from a systems perspective.
• Have a strategic mindset in guiding policy and managing projects.
• Have strong leadership capabilities in managing teams, providing direction, and fostering collaboration within and across departments.
• Possess exceptional analytical skills and the ability to successfully implement complex initiatives.
• Demonstrate excellent communication skills in crafting comprehensive documents, briefings, and presentations for diverse audiences.
• Demonstrate a commitment to equity and diversity in the public service and recognize the value of diverse voices when building strategic plans to meet the needs of Nova Scotians.

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.

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. 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

This position requires the successful candidate to work on-site. Most of your time is spent in an office setting. Your normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day.

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