Director of Policy and Accountability

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Director of Policy and Accountability to join our team at the Status of Women Office. As a key member of our leadership team, you will play a critical role in advancing gender equity in Nova Scotia.

The successful candidate will lead strategic research and policy efforts to address the needs of women and girls, with a focus on those from historically underserved communities. You will oversee the creation, implementation, and evaluation of strategies and policies that align with our priorities and drive meaningful progress throughout the province.

This is an exciting opportunity for a leader with a deep commitment to advancing gender equity and supporting the diverse needs of women and girls in Nova Scotia. If you are passionate about fostering an environment where all voices are heard and valued, we encourage you to apply for this impactful role.

• Lead the office's strategic policy research and development, ensuring all policies are evidence-based and align with our strategic goals.
• Direct the research, analysis, and evaluation of complex policy issues, providing expert advice and actionable recommendations to senior leaders and government decision-makers.
• Cultivate and sustain community partnerships and linkages to strengthen policy frameworks and deepen the understanding of issues impacting women.
• Engage with a network of internal and external collaborators, representing our priorities at national forums and advocating for the advancement of women and girls, with a focus on equity-deserving communities.
• Advocate and champion our priorities in community sectors and across government departments to determine progress and influence policy and action.
• Co-lead the evaluation of strategic plans, tracking progress towards key milestones and making necessary adjustments.
• Oversee the creation and accuracy of our public-facing resources and contribute to the effective management of our human and financial resources.

You have completed your Bachelor's or Master's degree in social or gender studies, law, public administration, or a related field, combined with several years of leadership experience in senior roles where you have led policy and program design, development, research, and analysis.

In addition to these qualifications, you must also demonstrate:

• Strong policy expertise, with experience collaborating with government and community, analyzing complex issues, identifying opportunities, and providing sound, evidence-based recommendations.
• Exceptional communication and advocacy skills, with a proven ability to engage and influence senior leaders, government decision-makers, and community partners through written, oral, and presentation abilities.
• A creative and strategic problem-solving approach to address sensitive issues and recommend impactful actions.
• The ability to purposefully build partnerships and networks, creating trust and shared meaning with diverse individuals and groups.
• Proven leadership skills, including the ability to lead and motivate teams, and coordinate efforts with a broad network of government and community-based individuals and organizations.
• A deep understanding of gender equity and intersectionality, including the ability to integrate these principles into policy research and development.
• Experience successfully advancing policies, programs, and initiatives that advance the interests of equity-deserving communities, in particular Mi'kmaq and African Nova Scotian people.
• In-depth knowledge of the unique experiences of Mi'kmaq and African Nova Scotian people.

Assets for this role include:

• Experience in the gender-based violence sector, as this role involves informing recommendations and advice on the intersection between safety and economic security.
• An understanding of our current legislation, programs, and policies.

Please ensure your application clearly demonstrates how you meet the required qualifications and experiences outlined for this position.

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.

We recognize and value the perspectives and experiences that individuals from unique backgrounds and equity-deserving communities bring to our team. We will consider an equivalent combination of training, education, and experience when reviewing your application, including community and volunteer experiences, as well as lived experiences that have shaped your professional journey and worldview.

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

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.

Most of your time is spent in a comfortable office setting with some site visits as required. Your normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day. This role does entail a high volume of work which may require longer than normal working hours and significant overtime. Due to the multiple spheres of action and scope of responsibilities that this position requires, there is significant mental pressure.

By joining us, you will contribute to meaningful change and help advance the rights and well-being of women and girls in Nova Scotia. In addition to this, we offer:

• Career Development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career.
• An engaging workplace where you will feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in. We have forward-thinking policies and strategies.
• Countless Career Paths.
• Option for Earned Day Off (EDO)

Based on the employment status and union agreement, 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.

Pay Grade:EC 13

Salary Range:$4, $5,069.81 Bi-Weekly

Employment Equity Statement: Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on your electronic application.

Current government employees may access this posting through the link below:

PLEASE NOTE: Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information.

Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials, the results of which must be satisfactory to the employer. We thank all applicants for the interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All questions and concerns may be directed to