Director, Governance and Advisory Services

Government of Nova Scotia; Halifax; On-site; CAD 124,000 - 154,000; Full time

Job summary

The Government of Nova Scotia is seeking a Director, Governance & Advisory Services to lead the development and delivery of municipal advisory services, align solutions with legislation and provincial priorities, and guide municipalities through governance and service delivery decisions.

You will report to the Executive Director of Policy, Planning and Sector Relations and provide strategic leadership on municipal viability and restructuring.

Qualifications

• University degree in a related field and substantial experience in municipal advisory services.
• Experience in program development, project management and leading multidisciplinary teams.
• Knowledge of legislation affecting municipalities (Municipal Government Act, Halifax Regional Municipality Charter, Municipal Finance Corporation Act, Municipal Elections Act, FOIPOP Act).

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic advisory services to municipalities and provide governance expertise with practical solutions.
• Advise senior government leaders on municipal issues, opportunities and risks affecting local governments.
• Partner with municipalities and government colleagues to advance local governance and address complex challenges.
• Oversee municipal processes, ensuring sound recommendations and effective administration of governance authorities.
• Inspire and develop a high-performing team focused on strengthening municipal capacity and service delivery.
• Foster a diverse, respectful, and healthy workplace while supporting employee development.

Skills

Program development

Project management

Leadership

Governance

Stakeholder management

Financial management

Communication skills

Decision making

Interpersonal skills

Education

University degree

Job description

Competition #: 49959

Department: Municipal Affairs

Location: HALIFAX

Type of Employment: Permanent

Union Status: Exclusion - Non Union - NSPG

Closing Date: 25-Sep-26 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us

The Department of Municipal Affairs is dedicated to working with municipalities to build healthy, vibrant, and safe communities throughout Nova Scotia. Municipal Affairs provides programs, grants, and funding opportunities for municipalities and community groups. The Department also provides services and guidance to municipalities in many areas including land use planning, budget planning and finance, infrastructure development, and policy and program development.

About Our Opportunity

As the Director, Governance & Advisory Services, you will lead the development and delivery of municipal advisory services and provide innovative, responsive solutions aligned with legislation and provincial priorities. You will work with municipalities facing complex governance and service delivery decisions, helping to identify, develop, and implement effective solutions.

This role plays an important part in supporting municipalities and citizens across Nova Scotia by enabling effective approaches to governance, financial management, administration, and service delivery.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Policy, Planning and Sector Relations, you will provide strategic leadership on municipal viability, governance, restructuring, and advisory services.

Primary Accountabilities

• Lead the Province's relationship with municipalities by providing strategic advice, governance expertise, and practical solutions on issues that matter to communities across Nova Scotia.
• Advise senior government leaders on emerging municipal issues, opportunities, and risks, helping shape decisions that affect local governments and residents.
• Partner with municipalities, sector organizations, and government colleagues to advance effective local governance and address complex challenges facing communities.
• Oversee legislative, regulatory, and statutory municipal processes, ensuring sound recommendations and effective administration of key governance authorities.
• Inspire and develop a high-performing team dedicated to strengthening municipal capacity, supporting sustainable communities, and delivering excellent service.
• Foster a diverse, respectful, and healthy workplace while supporting employee development and organizational effectiveness.

Qualifications And Experience

To be considered for this opportunity, you have a university degree in a related field and substantial experience in the development and delivery of municipal advisory services. You also have:

• Significant experience in program development, project management and leading multidisciplinary teams.
• Extensive knowledge of legislation affecting municipalities, including the Municipal Government Act, Halifax Regional Municipality Charter, Municipal Finance Corporation Act, Municipal Elections Act, and the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and associated regulations.
• Strong understanding of municipal governance, administration, restructuring, and regional services commissions.
• Ability to interpret financial statements and understand municipal finance.
• Strong risk analysis, stakeholder management, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional written, verbal, presentation, and facilitation skills.
• Proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships with a broad range of stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and deliver results within tight timelines.

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 work is performed in a standard office environment with frequent opportunities to move about and change positions. Occasional site visits may be required. The role involves periods of reading, analysis, and review of complex information, with occasional competing priorities, deadlines, and stakeholder issues requiring sound judgment and effective communication. Occasional exposure to moderate workplace pressures and schedule demands may occur.

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

Pay Grade: EC 14

Salary Range: $4,754.34 - $5,942.94 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, Persons of African Descent, Racialized Persons, Persons with Disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ Persons 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.

Accommodation Statement

We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Candidates may request accommodations based on any grounds protected by the Human Rights Act. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please contact us at [e-mail].

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.

If you are receiving a pension from the Nova Scotia Public Service Superannuation Plan (PSSP) or any related plans, you cannot receive pension payments while contributing to the same plan. If you accept a position that requires PSSP contributions, your pension payments must be stopped. Please contact the Nova Scotia Pension Services Corporation for more 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 [e-mail].