About Us

At Education and Early Childhood Development we ensure children in their early years have the support they need for a positive start to school; students from pre-primary to grade 12 receive a quality education, preparing them for what lies ahead; and we work with schools, teachers and others to increase overall student achievement and success.

The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development has a broad mandate that includes responsibility for early childhood development and the education of children and youth. The Executive Director is responsible for providing oversight of the early years and public education systems through program development impacting over 120,000 children in Nova Scotia.

About Our Opportunity

The Executive Director provides comprehensive and strategic advice to the Senior Executive Director of Pre-primary to Grade 12 and the senior leadership teams of EECD and the Regional Centers for Education (RCEs)/Conseil scolaire acadien provincial (CSAP) on key matters pertaining to all aspects of programs and services in public schools.

The Executive Director is dedicated to advancing equity, inclusion and well-being throughout these systems and by designing and supporting the development of innovative programs, services, and curricula, facilitating excellence in teaching and learning that provide children, youth, and families with a strong foundation for success.

If this sounds like you, and you are seeking a rewarding new opportunity, apply to join our team and embark on an exciting new opportunity.

Primary Accountabilities

• provide leadership and strategic direction on the effective development, coordination, delivery and evaluation of the programs and services to support children
• lead initiatives that strengthen the department's ability to respond equitably and effectively to the needs across the province.
• provide direction, leadership, and consultative/advisory services in the development of policies, programs, and funding.
• establish best practices and latest evidence-based research to support a highly trained and professional staff both in public education, ready to support and meet the needs of today’s students. 
• provide leadership in the expansion and enhancement of leadership training options for those in the public-school system. 
• lead initiatives related to student achievement and career readiness, as documented by a range of performance indicators.
• promote public knowledge of and support for Department of Education and Early Childhood Development's focus on learning excellence through articulation of vision and mission.
• design and deliver in-person and on-line presentations on key department initiatives.
  
  

Qualifications and Experience

To be successful in this role, you will have a bachelor's degree in a related field with significant experience in senior leadership roles. A master’s degree in a related field would be an asset. 

To be considered for this opportunity, you possess exceptional interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written) and are effective at establishing strong relationships with senior representatives of non-governmental and governmental organizations (both internally and externally). 

In addition, you value a diverse and inclusive environment and work well within a team and independently. You possess strong analytical, negotiating and facilitation skills, with the ability to develop and achieve goals and objectives. You create cross-boundary, inter-governmental collaboration, focusing on the long-term strategy of the department. 

You are a creative, innovative leader who collaborates effectively with various teams. Your analytical, critical thinking and strategic planning skills will allow you to provide senior strategic leadership and oversight of programs, policies and initiatives. 

The candidate also demonstrates and possesses the following:
 

• Proven track record in a senior leadership role with high accountabilities or responsibilities that clearly demonstrate leadership competencies and a strong history of producing results and of building a high performing team. 
• The ability to act decisively and to take action in time-sensitive situations.
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point), excellent research capabilities, strong organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy while balancing priorities. 

 
Bilingualism would be considered an asset.

LEADS

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 includes Leads Self, Engage Others, Achieve Results, Develop Coalitions and Systems Transformation. Please follow LEADS for more information.

We will assess the above qualifications and capabilities using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

Equivalency

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

Benefits

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.

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
• A Dynamic, client-focused office environment where service excellence and teamwork are our focus.