Director, Strategic Initiatives

Department: Infrastructure and Housing

Location: HALIFAX

Type of Employment: Term

Union Status: Exclusion – Non Union – NSPG

Closing Date: 8/4/2021 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us

The Department of Infrastructure and Housing designs and constructs public buildings and delivers housing programs. The Department is responsible to deliver vertical infrastructure projects valued in excess of one million dollars or otherwise characterized as having heightened complexity and risks. The Department also promotes safe and secure communities by working with partners across the province to build strong, affordable, and suitable homes for Nova Scotians with low and moderate incomes. The Department also manages federal infrastructure programs to facilitate the delivery of eligible cost shared projects throughout Nova Scotia.

About Our Opportunity

Reporting to the Executive Director, Public Housing and Infrastructure, the Director, Strategic Initiatives is a critical member of the Housing NS management team. The Director works towards the short-term and long-term goals of the organization and will help implement and lead the recommendations of the Nova Scotia Affordable Housing Commission to ensure that the short, medium- and long-term recommendations are met. The Director will also play an integral role in the development and implementation of the second three-year National Housing Strategy Action Plan in coordination with the housing leadership team.

Primary Accountabilities

As the Director, your role will be critical in shaping the future direction of Housing Nova Scotia. You will work with Housing leadership and their teams to identify new opportunities in policy development, implement new programs, change existing ones to be consistent with the overall strategy of the organization, and identify and implement operational changes that best service our clients. You will ensure that initiatives moved forward are aligned with the Province of Nova Scotia’s strategic goals, the National Housing Strategy (NHS), and the recommendations of the Nova Scotia Affordable Housing Commission (NSAHC).

The initiatives developed and lead by you will require complex planning, economic analysis, negotiation and multiyear strategies. This may also require the introduction of new operating models, policies, programs, partnerships, among other things to ensure Housing achieves its priorities and the targets outlined in the NHS and NSAHC.

Qualifications and Experience

You have several years of experience in housing, negotiation in real estate, construction and development along with a working understanding of the related legal requirements. You are known to be a strategic thinker and are property management “savvy” and up to date on current industry social, political and environmental trends and can draw upon a well-established network of industry colleagues when needed.

You also have a completed bachelor’s degree in finance, business administration, or planning. You bring experience in:

Real estate development and property management;

Planning and project management;

Program development;

Strategic proposal development;

Change management strategies;

Interpreting and applying knowledge of laws, regulations and acts which guide the industry;

Acquisition and disposition of assets, real property legal matters, property appraisal, tax assessments, leasing and issues related to land titles;

Creating complex financial modeling;

Contract negotiation;

Analysis related to improving sustainability and transformation of operating structures; and

Creating and building partnerships with the private and not-for-profit sector.

Leadership competencies required at this level of work are: Decisiveness, Strategic Orientation, Developing Others, Team Leadership, Self-Awareness and Personal Impact, Effective Interactive Communication, Partnering and Relationship Building, and Intercultural and Diversity Proficiency.

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

An equivalent combination of training, education and experience will be considered. Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Benefits

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as Health, Dental, Life Insurance, Pension, General Illness (Short and Long Term), Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. Click here to learn more about our various benefits offerings and eligibility criteria.

Working Conditions

This role is based in a comfortable office environment and you may be working at your computer for extended periods of time. You will be required to travel frequently, and to worksite locations.

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 overtime. Due to the multiple spheres of action and scope of responsibilities that this position requires, there is significant mental pressure, requiring your resilience.

Additional Information

Travel is required in this position, therefore a valid driver’s license and access to a reliable motor vehicle is required.

This is a Term opportunity with an anticipated end date of December 30, 2022. The appointment status (‘term’, ‘temporary’ or ‘casual’) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.

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 13

Salary Range: $3,705.20 – $4,642.15 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:

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 [email protected].