Director, Strategy and Operations

Position Information

Position Title

Director, Strategy and Operations

Department/Unit

Pediatrics

Research Project

Solutions for Kids in Pain (SKIP)

Location

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Posting Number

GP78-25

Employee Group

Grant-Paid (PSAC local 86001)

Position Type

Term

Duration of Contract (if applicable)

1 year

Employment Type

Full Time

Full-time Equivalency (FTE)

1.0

Salary

$68,105 - $91,237 per annum

About the Organization

Solutions for Kids in Pain (SKIP) is a national knowledge mobilization network and a Dalhousie University Research Centre whose mission is to improve children's pain management by mobilizing evidence-based solutions through coordination and collaboration.

Job Summary

Reporting to SKIP's Scientific Director and working in close collaboration with SKIP's Associate Scientific Director and SKIP's Managing Director, the Director of Strategy and Operations will be based in Halifax, Nova Scotia in SKIP's Administrative Centre on the Dalhousie campus. The newly created Director of Strategy and Operations position will play a critical leadership role in advancing SKIP's mission to improve children's pain management by supporting the organization's strategic growth and operational excellence. The Director will oversee key strategic initiatives, ensure strong governance and accountability, and strengthen internal capacity during a period of expansion.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive strategic growth and expansion by supporting SKIP's national and international engagement and partnerships, leading funding proposals, and engaging with philanthropic and other interest-holders.
• Lead evaluation and impact reporting to demonstrate SKIP's outcomes, communicate value to interest-holders, and inform ongoing strategy.
• Strengthen organizational capacity by developing and implementing a strategic approach to supporting people and human resources (HR) across SKIP's network (e.g., recruitment, onboarding, staff support, and development) to ensure HR priorities and practices align with SKIP's organizational strategic goals and activities, as well as relevant university and hospital policies and processes.
• Advance implementation of the Pediatric Pain Management national health standard by leading special projects that accelerate adoption, integration, and impact in healthcare systems.
• Support governance by overseeing SKIP's new governance structure, coordinating various SKIP committees, and supporting patient and family partnership processes to ensure effective, transparent, and aligned operations.
• Partner with SKIP's Managing Director on a variety of strategic, operational, and high-priority initiatives (e.g. fostering collaboration and communication across the network, supporting cultural and operational shifts, using evaluation data to inform decision-making, and working with SKIP's leadership to develop and manage budgets, allocate resources effectively, and implement systems and tools that enhance operational efficiency and optimize network performance).

Note

The successful applicant will be eligible for hybrid work (combination of in-person work on campus and remote work from within Nova Scotia) as agreed by all parties based on operational requirements and university guidelines.

Required Qualifications

• Graduate degree in a health sciences, business administration, public policy, or related discipline with 5+ years experience in strategic planning, operations, or program management (or an equivalent combination of training and experience).
• Experience working collaboratively with executive leadership to translate strategy into operational plans.
• Experience leading HR processes, including recruitment, staff development, and network-wide support along with a proven track record in evaluation, impact reporting, or performance measurement.
• Experience managing complex projects and special initiatives, ideally in health systems or standards implementation.
• Strong leadership, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and teams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build relationships across committees, networks, and patient/family partners.

Assets

• Experience in a research, healthcare, or non-profit environment.
• Familiarity with Dalhousie University systems and financial procedures, particularly in a grant-paid environment.
• Experience engaging with external interest-holders, including national and/or international partners, funders, policymakers, and philanthropic organizations.
• The ability to communicate effectively in French, both orally and in writing, as SKIP engages with diverse partners and knowledge users across Canada, including Francophone communities

Additional Information

Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a voluntary RRSP, health and dental plans, a wellness allowance, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program.

Application Consideration

Non-probationary bargaining unit employees (PSAC Local are given priority consideration. All other applications will be considered when there is no qualified candidate from the bargaining unit.

We sincerely appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted directly by the hiring department or People and Culture.

Diversity Statement

Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi'kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity-deserving groups listed above. For more information, including details related to our Employment Equity Policy and Plan and definitions of equity-deserving groups please visit

If you require any support for the purpose of accommodation, such as technical aids or alternative arrangements, please let us know of these needs and how we can be of assistance. Dalhousie University is committed to ensuring all candidates have full, fair, and equitable participation in the hiring process. Our complete Accommodation Policy can be viewed here.

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies

1

Open Date

10/20/2025

Close Date

11/04/2025

Open Until Filled

No

Special Instructions to Applicant

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