About Us

The Department of Justice is responsible for the administration of justice and for promoting access to justice and the safety and security of Nova Scotians through justice-related programs, services, and initiatives. We are guided by the principles of preventative and restorative justice in fulfilling our mandate. Our efforts to promote safety, security, and access to justice for Nova Scotians span all areas of the Department and include programs and services that assist all communities, including Indigenous Nova Scotians, African-Nova Scotians, and Nova Scotians with disabilities. 

To accomplish its mandate, the Department provides services through several core business areas: Public Safety and Security; Court Services and Sheriff Services; Correctional Services; Maintenance Enforcement and Victim Services; Accessibility Directorate; Restorative Initiatives Unit; and Legal Services to Government. Improving access to justice and reducing barriers for vulnerable members of society are key goals of the department’s strategy.

About Our Opportunity

The Executive Director, Gender Based Violence (GBV), serves as the provincial lead on GBV, and is responsible for driving the Government of Nova Scotia’s role in leading and partnering in a coordinated response. The Executive Director leads a team of professional staff and provides strategic leadership and direction in the development, implementation, and evaluation of provincial GBV strategies, programs, services, and policies. This role ensures an integrated, intersectional, and trauma-informed approach across government and in collaboration with community partners.

The Executive Director is accountable for providing strategic advice to the Minister, Deputy Minister, and Associate Deputy Ministers; representing Nova Scotia in Federal-Provincial-Territorial (FPT) forums; and fostering partnerships across departments and sectors to enhance safety, equity, and well-being for all individuals affected by gender-based violence.

Key Responsibilities

Provincial GBV Leadership and Coordination
Serves as the Government of Nova Scotia’s lead on GBV, providing high-level leadership to ensure a coordinated, consistent, and whole-of-government response.
Facilitates cross-departmental collaboration with health, education, social services, justice, and other sectors to strengthen GBV prevention, intervention, and support services.
Leads and supports provincial GBV coordination tables, networks, and groups with government and community.

Strategic Direction and Policy Development
Develops and stewards the strategic vision and long-term goals of the GBV Division in collaboration with provincial, federal, and community partners.
Provides strategic policy advice and leadership on legislative and regulatory initiatives to advance equity and safety for people impacted by GBV.
Aligns GBV strategies with broader government priorities, including health equity, anti-racism, diversity and inclusion, and social determinants of health.

Community Collaboration and Engagement
Builds and maintains collaborative relationships with communities and organizations representing Indigenous, African Nova Scotian, Newcomers, LGBTQIA2S+, rural, and disability communities to ensure that GBV policies and services are inclusive and culturally responsive.
Co-designs services and initiatives in partnership with survivors and community organizations.

Federal-Provincial-Territorial Representation
Represents Nova Scotia as the senior official for GBV-related matters at FPT forums, including joint initiatives under the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence.
Ensures timely and accurate reporting on Nova Scotia’s contributions to international conventions (e.g., CEDAW, UN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women).

Key Responsibilities (Continued)

Program Development, Evaluation, and Accountability
Oversees the design, delivery, and evaluation of innovative, evidence-informed GBV programs and services.
Ensures the application of trauma- and violence-informed, survivor-centered, and intersectional frameworks to all initiatives.
Leads the development and implementation of performance metrics and accountability mechanisms for GBV strategies.

Capacity Building and System Transformation
Leads efforts to build GBV awareness and capacity across government, including the development of education, training, and prevention initiatives.
Drives system change by identifying and addressing barriers in existing government programs and services that perpetuate inequality or limit access to supports and services for those impacted by GBV.

Internal Management and Fiscal Oversight
Manages human and financial resources effectively, fostering a respectful and inclusive team environment.
Ensures alignment with corporate human resource practices, budgeting guidelines, and public sector accountability standards.
Provides strategic focus on cultivating and sustaining a cohesive, results-driven team.

Public Representation and Communications
Acts as a spokesperson and subject matter expert on GBV for the Department of Justice and broader government.
May be called upon to provide expert testimony at public inquiries, commissions, or legislative committees on matters related to GBV

Qualifications and Experience

As the successful candidate, you will have an undergraduate degree in a relevant field, such as criminal justice, social sciences, or community development, along with several years of experience in senior leadership roles, and with managing complex projects, within the Gender Based Violence (GBV) field. A Masters in a related field would be an asset. Experience in working on the issue of intimate partner violence and/or gender-based violence is an asset. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.

You will apply your skills in building strong and effective teams and collaboration, to work in productive and action-oriented ways with justice partners, project managers, and staff across all levels of Government, including management, supervisory, and technical teams. You will incorporate the principles of a restorative approach to build trusting partnerships within the department, across Government and with the GBV sector aimed at finding fast and effective solutions. Results-driven and adept at prioritizing work, you will lead a team that manages high volumes of tasks under tight deadlines. Additionally, you consistently demonstrate sound judgment and adaptability in a dynamic and ever-changing work environment, and lead by example to inspire others.

Your expertise will also include a strong understanding of relevant legislation, regulations, and policies. You will possess exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with a sharp attention to detail when reviewing and disseminating information. The role demands the ability to make well-reasoned decisions, prioritize competing tasks, and thrive in a fast-paced environment that requires initiative and a focus on results.

Experience in designing and delivering public consultations or public engagement sessions, working with equity-deserving groups, and applying a trauma-informed and human-centered approach is preferred. 
You have a demonstrated ability to lead and support individuals and teams in planning, organizing, and prioritizing tasks to achieve objectives efficiently and effectively. Your exceptional project management, problem-solving and analytical skills, coupled with the ability to maintain a broad, province-wide perspective, empower you to make informed, strategic decisions that align with organizational goals.

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 (novascotia.ca) 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.

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.