Director - Public Health Western Zone

Req ID: 223032
Location: Western Zone, Chipman Facility
Department: PH Public Health WZ
Type of Employment: Permanent Hourly FT (100%) x 1
Union: Management Position
Posting Closing Date: 24-Jul-26

About the Opportunity

Reporting to the Senior Director for Population and Public Health, the PH Directors at the zone level are accountable for PH resources and actions, as defined in the: Health Protection Act (HPA) & Regulations under the HPA; other legislation (PHIA, FOI, OHS), the Nova Scotia Public Health Standards and Protocols and the Nova Scotia Health vision and values, policies, procedures, applicable agreements, Accreditation Canada Standards and other Quality processes.

The Director is accountable for the overall planning, development, implementation and evaluation of public health services and programs and stewardship of all resources allocated to public health at the zone level within the context of public health as a provincial program. The Director ensures public health expertise in surveillance, health promotion, population health assessment, health protection, and disease and injury prevention is provided to stakeholders and clients. As part of their strategic leadership, the Director engages in collaborative and partnership processes across the health system and across sectors and jurisdictions such as education and municipalities. The Director provides leadership in the community on public health issues, influencing decision making on issues that affect health status and the delivery of health services.

The Director co leads with the Medical Officer of Health, the Public Health leadership team at the zone and program level, providing strategic and operational direction to public health employees and working in collaboration with stakeholders across all levels of the health system. The Director provides direction and oversight to staff in the delivery of community based programs, monitoring processes and outcomes in relation to accountability frameworks. The Director fosters an environment of learning, respectful workplace and accountability, incorporating quality frameworks and processes. The Director ensures that the priorities of the zone public health team are aligned with the priorities at the health authority level. This includes working towards a common vision of public health by setting goals, communicating the goals, and monitoring and evaluating achievements.

The Public Health Director collaborates with the Medical Officer of Health (MOH) as leaders of Public within the zone and as a provincial public health program within the health authority. The Director also collaborates with members of the Department of Health and Wellness public health branch. Specific accountabilities include: the provision of data, contributing to public health policy development and implementation, sharing local issues and perspectives and engaging in conversations about the public health system. As part of the mandate of Public Health in the health authority, the Director ensures that public health staff in the zone contribute to the development of community health profiles. The Director provides advice and assistance to the zone Executive Directors and Vice Presidents of Integrated Health Services as required.

About You

We would love to hear from you if you have the following:

• Masters degree (Public Health, Public Administration, Health Services Administration or other related field
• Licensing as per professional association requirements if applicable
• A minimum of seven years experience in relevant leadership position; progressive experience in management and administration in a health care community setting, including financial and human resource management
• Experience in strategic leadership in the planning, development and evaluation of public health programs, services and initiatives based on community assessments, data and best practice models
• Ability to assess and anticipate future needs, potential problems, directions and development for all aspects of strategic, financial, operational and human resource management
• Ability to develop and sustain coalitions, alliances, and partnerships with the members of the health care sectors and external agencies
• Demonstrated proficiency in the Core Competencies for Public Health
• Knowledge of applicable legislation and regulations including the NS Health Protection Act, NS Health Authorities Act
• In depth knowledge of Public Health programs, practice including the mandate and functions in Nova Scotia
• Innovative systems thinking with an understanding of working with communities
• Demonstrated high standards of ethics, integrity, respect, accountability and upholding the public interest, and ability to use them effectively in decision-making
• Leadership skills consisting of building a vision, team building, conflict resolution, goal setting, coaching, mentoring, delegation, change-leadership
• Competencies in other languages an asset; French preferred

Hours

• Permanent, full-time position; 75 hours bi-weekly

Compensation and Benefits

Pay Scale Type: Management
Band: 8
Hourly Rate: $67.23 - $82.35
Annual Salary: $131,099 - $160,583

Successful candidates may be eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, which includes health, dental, and travel insurance; long-term disability and life insurance coverage; and a defined benefit pension plan. Additional wellness, development, and employee support programs may also be available.

What You'll Love About Nova Scotia Health

Nova Scotia Health is more than the province's largest provider of health services; we're a team driven by excellence in health, healing and learning. Across hospitals, health centres and community programs, our people deliver innovative, high-quality care that impacts lives across Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada.

From vibrant city life to scenic coastal communities, Nova Scotia offers a lifestyle as rewarding as the work itself. At Nova Scotia Health, you'll find meaningful career opportunities, supportive teams and the work-life balance to enjoy everything our beautiful province has to offer. Join us and discover why so many people are choosing to call Nova Scotia home.

Once You've Applied

Thank you for your interest in this position. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

This is a Management/Non Union bargaining unit position. Preference is given to bargaining unit employees for unionized positions.

Nova Scotia Health is committed to being a workforce that is free of discrimination, values diversity, and is representative, at all job levels, of the people we serve. We encourage all qualified applicants who self-identify as Indigenous, Black/African Nova Scotian, Persons of Colour, Foreign Nationals/Newcomers, Persons with Disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ to apply and self-identify.