Chief Executive Officer (Halifax)

Chief Executive Officer

Hearing and Speech Nova Scotia

Lead the Voice of Nova Scotia. Shape the Future of Communication.

For more than 60 years, Hearing and Speech Nova Scotia (HSNS) has been dedicated to improving communication and quality of life for children, adults, and families across the province. As the only organization in Nova Scotia providing integrated, standardized hearing and speech services province-wide, HSNS operates 37 clinical sites in 25 communities. The team of registered audiologists and speech-language pathologists delivers essential care, from assessments and therapy to education and specialized programs, ensuring Nova Scotians can communicate, connect, and thrive.

HSNS is now seeking its next Chief Executive Officer (CEO), a visionary and strategic leader who will guide this respected provincial organization into its next chapter of impact and innovation.

The Opportunity

Building on HSNS’s strong reputation for quality and compassion, the organization is poised to shape the next chapter as a trusted provincial leader in hearing and speech services. The Board of Directors is seeking an inspiring CEO to lead a mission-driven organization with a clear mandate and a deep commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, reconciliation, and accessibility.

As CEO, you will set organizational direction, steward the strategic plan, and ensure high-quality, equitable services across Nova Scotia. You will lead a dedicated team of professionals, foster a culture of psychological safety and engagement, and strengthen partnerships with government, health authorities, academic institutions, and community organizations. You will champion innovation to improve access and modernize service delivery, while ensuring operational excellence and long-term sustainability. As the public face of HSNS, you will advocate for culturally appropriate care and amplify awareness of HSNS’s vital role in the provincial health system.

Key Responsibilities

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO will:

• Strategic Leadership: Shape and implement HSNS’s strategic plan, aligning with provincial health transformation while preserving HSNS’s independent identity.
• Access and Service Delivery: Reduce wait times and improve access to care, with a focus on rural and Indigenous communities.
• Workforce Development: Build a cohesive workforce identity, invest in retention strategies, and foster psychological safety.
• Partnership and Collaboration: Strengthen relationships with health authorities, academic institutions, and community partners.
• Equity and Reconciliation: Make culturally appropriate care a visible priority and ensure underserved communities are engaged in planning.
• Organizational Capacity: Enhance internal capacity through leadership development, succession planning, and operational excellence.

Ideal Candidate Profile

You are an experienced senior leader with a proven track record in complex, multi-site organizations, ideally within healthcare or the public sector. You bring strategic vision and operational expertise, balancing bold thinking with practical action. Skilled in financial stewardship, workforce development, and partnership building, you inspire trust and unite stakeholders. Equity, diversity, inclusion, reconciliation, and accessibility are central to your leadership approach. Known for exceptional communication and emotional intelligence, you lead with heart and backbone, placing people first while driving innovation and operational excellence.

Hearing and Speech Nova Scotia is committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We encourage applications from Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minority groups. KBRS will provide support in its recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that considers an applicant’s accessibility needs. If you require accommodation to participate as a candidate in the recruitment process, please contact accommodate@kbrs.ca.