Manager, Policy (Designated)

About Us

At the Department of Community Services (DCS), we are a large and diverse department providing a broad portfolio of programs and services including Child and Family Wellbeing (CFW), Employment Support Services(ESS), Income Assistance (IA), Homelessness and Supportive Housing, and Disability Support Program(DSP).

Through our services, we advocate and help vulnerable Nova Scotians be independent, self-reliant, and secure. We work collaboratively across the province with a strong dedicated network of support and staff, to achieve desired and shared outcomes for all.

About Our Opportunity

Reporting to the Director of Policy within the Strategic Policy & Decision Support division (SPDS), the Policy Manager is responsible for the supervision of policy professionals.

The Policy team works closely with DCS’ programs and operational divisions, playing an integral role in providing expert and strategic policy advice that addresses complex and multi-faceted social services issues and supports the Department’s mandate.

Primary responsibilities of the Policy Manager include :

• Leading the Policy team through the development of effective and comprehensive Cabinet Submissions, policies, and policy projects and ensuring that relevant impacts and implications are considered;
• Mentoring, coaching, and monitoring the team to ensure alignment with and the achievement of departmental short- and long-term priorities;
• Leading the Policy team to meet corporate planning and reporting requirements, including the annual business plan and accountability report, mandate reporting, appointments to agencies, boards and commissions, preparation for committee appearances and the Legislature sitting, and responding to ad hoc information and analysis requests;
• Supporting the development of strong working relationships that drive strategy and innovation within the policy development process;
• Demonstrating cultural competence and a sound understanding of issues of equity and anti-racism as it relate to the policy development process; and
• Providing expert advice to senior leaders and various working committees.

Qualifications and Experience

You have completed a related bachelor’s or master’s degree and have several years related experience with policy analysis, and law, combined with leadership experience.

Experience in a social services setting is an asset.

Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills are critical to your success, with the ability to understand differing needs and perspectives and navigate and negotiate within challenging conversations.

You are curious and analytical in nature and can proactively identify opportunities, determine requirements, evaluate alternatives, and provide sound recommendations.

You have excellent critical thinking, written and oral communication skills, facilitation, and presentation skills.

As the leader of a team working in a fast-paced environment, strong organizational and project management skills are essential to prioritize and delegate work under tight deadlines.

You exercise sound judgement with diplomacy when under pressure.

This role requires an understanding of principles of diversity, equity and inclusion and the ability to apply an anti-racist, equity lens to the policy development process.

You will be required to provide guidance to the team in this area and work with the Director of Policy to ensure continuing professional development in equitable policy development.

You promote a positive team and collaborative atmosphere and ensure an inclusion and diversity lens is applied in the development and management of strategies, policies, standards, program design, and initiatives.

You must be proficient with Microsoft Office suite including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook (or equivalent).

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 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.

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

Most of your work is spent in a comfortable office environment. There is a need for you to balance competing priorities and meet strict deadlines.

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.

Pay Grade : EC 12 Salary Range : $3,;- $4,;Bi-Weekly