Director, Standards and Guidance and Education Program Approval

Help Shape the Future of Nursing and Midwifery Regulation in Nova Scotia

The Nova Scotia Nursing and Midwifery Regulator (NSNMR) protects the public by regulating licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, registered psychiatric nurses, nurse practitioners, and registered midwives across Nova Scotia.

As the largest health profession regulator in Atlantic Canada, NSNMR is entering a pivotal stage in its evolution building on the transition to the Regulated Health Professions Act and the integration of nursing and midwifery regulation, the organization is focused on strengthening its operational foundations, modernizing systems and processes, advancing data-informed decision making, and positioning itself as a leading regulator within the region.

NSNMR is seeking a Director, Standards and Guidance & Education Program Approval to play a critical role in shaping how standards of practice, guidance, and education program approval advance public protection and regulatory effectiveness.

The Role

Reporting to the Senior Director, Legislative Services and Deputy Registrar, the Director, Standards and Guidance & Education Program Approval provides leadership for the development, implementation, evaluation, and modernization of NSNMR's standards of practice, regulatory guidance, and education program approval activities.

This role combines strategic leadership, policy development, practice expertise, relationship management, and change leadership. Working in a dynamic and evolving regulatory environment, you will lead the development of modern regulatory standards and guidance frameworks, anticipate emerging practice and policy trends, and help the organization respond thoughtfully to changes across healthcare, education, legislation, and professional regulation. Through collaboration, innovation, and sound regulatory decision-making, you will help shape the future of nursing and midwifery regulation in Nova Scotia.

Key Responsibilities

Reporting to the Senior Director, Legislative Services and Deputy Registrar, the Director, Standards and Guidance & Education Program Approval will be responsible for:

• Leading the development, implementation, modernization, and evaluation of standards of practice, guidance documents, regulatory policies, tools, and resources that support safe, competent, and ethical nursing and midwifery practice.
• Identifying opportunities to strengthen and modernize NSNMR's approach to standards development, implementation, and evaluation, ensuring regulatory frameworks remain relevant, responsive, and evidence-informed.
• Providing leadership and oversight for nursing and midwifery education program approval activities to ensure graduates are prepared to meet entry-to-practice competencies and regulatory requirements.
• Monitoring emerging trends, legislative developments, regulatory innovations, and health system changes, assessing their implications and advising on strategic responses.
• Developing frameworks, performance measures, and evaluation strategies that strengthen NSNMR's ability to assess the effectiveness and impact of standards, guidance, and regulatory initiatives.
• Building and maintaining productive relationships with educators, employers, registrants, government representatives, regulators, and other health system partners.
• Leading, coaching, and developing a team of professional and administrative staff while fostering a culture of accountability, engagement, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Contributing as an active member of the leadership team by supporting organizational priorities, strategic planning, and cross-functional initiatives that advance regulatory excellence and public protection.

Ideal Candidate Profile

As the ideal candidate, you are a nurse or midwife with progressive leadership experience in professional practice, healthcare, education, quality, patient safety, regulation, or a related field. Eligible for licensure with Nova Scotia Nursing and Midwifery Regulator (NSNMR), you possess a strong understanding of professional standards, accountability, healthcare system dynamics, and the factors that influence safe and effective practice.

You are a strategic thinker who is comfortable asking difficult questions, challenging assumptions, and exploring new approaches to achieve better outcomes. Rather than simply maintaining existing practices, you are motivated by opportunities to build, improve, and modernize frameworks, processes, and systems. You understand how to balance innovation with sound judgment and evidence-based decision-making, and you are energized by helping organizations evolve and adapt to changing environments.

You bring strong policy and regulatory acumen, with experience interpreting legislation, standards, regulations, and organizational frameworks, strategic direction, decision making, and recommendations. Experience working with education programs, accreditation or approval processes, professional standards, scope of practice issues, or regulatory policy development would be considered a strong asset.

You are a highly effective relationship builder with the emotional intelligence to lead through complexity and change. Collaborative, approachable, and credible, you communicate complex concepts clearly and effectively, build trust quickly, and develop productive relationships across diverse partner groups. You are equally comfortable engaging with frontline professionals, academic leaders, government representatives, and regulatory partners. Above all, you are motivated by the opportunity to strengthen professional practice, advance public protection, and help shape the future of nursing and midwifery regulation in Nova Scotia.

How to Apply

Diversity and Accessibility Statement

The Nova Scotia Nursing and Midwifery Regulator is committed to being an organization where diversity and different perspectives are valued. They strive to be an organization that is inclusive, supportive, and reflective of the communities and organizations they serve and encourage applications from candidates who identify as part of a traditionally marginalized community.