About Us

At the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (EECD), we lead the transformation of the early years and public education system in Nova Scotia. We do this by designing an innovative curriculum, facilitating excellence in teaching and learning, ensuring an inclusive education experience, and working closely with our partners in education. 

EECD is a fit for those that want to be part of the future of early learning and childcare and public education in the province by supporting children, students and families with a strong foundation for success in a progressive and responsive policy environment. 

Joining EECD means being a part of a dynamic team driving impactful change that brings innovative minds together from across the department, and the broader system. 

About Our Opportunity

We’re looking for a dynamic and strategic leader for the position of Project Manager to join our Early Learning and Child Care team. 

In this exciting role, you will play a pivotal part in transforming the provincial early learning and child care system. Reporting to the Project Executive, Early Learning and Child Care Transformation, you will provide expert advice and oversee the implementation of initiatives tied to provincial priorities and bi-lateral agreements. Your leadership will support the achievement of departmental and government priorities, ensuring that the work of your team aligns with and contributes to the broader goals of the division, the department, and the province.

Primary Accountabilities

As a Project Manager you will:

• Lead and assist with implementing priority projects, identifying risks, monitoring milestones, supporting change management efforts, and offering data-driven solutions to enhance initiative effectiveness.
• Support strategic planning, governance initiatives, and committee structures that advance program development and project progress.
• Support branch-wide project integration ensuring projects are interconnected, aligned with branch and government priorities, and driving the transformation of early learning and childcare.
• Provide informed recommendations to senior leadership on high-priority projects or initiatives. Ensuring clear and timely communication within the department and with external partners.
• Foster regular, cross-team collaboration to support priorities. Act as a hub for communication to ensure all teams remain informed and aligned on strategic initiatives.
• Monitor and assess emerging national and international trends, issues, needs, and barriers. When potentially impactful, analyze information and propose practical, data-driven solutions that align with government goals and those of our partners.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to internal and external partners, fostering collaboration, and driving continuous improvements.
• Manage external consulting resources to ensure accountability, efficiency, and project success by creating detailed statements of work, overseeing milestones, and monitoring budgets.
• Adapt to evolving priorities in a dynamic, high-impact environment, providing effective team support, initiative execution and support to drive optimal outcomes.

Qualifications and Experience

We’re looking for someone who brings not just technical expertise, but also strategic thinking and collaborative leadership. 

Required qualifications

· A bachelor’s degree in public administration, business, communications, strategic planning, education, or a related field. An equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.
· At least 5 years of progressive experience in project or program management, policy development, or strategic planning, with a proven ability to lead and deliver complex initiatives.

· Demonstrated experience leading projects related to the design and delivery of complex grant and funding programs, including development of related policies, operational frameworks, digital tools, and performance reporting processes is required.

· Proven experience collaborating with external consulting firms, vendors, and advisory groups to support the delivery of project outcomes.
· Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with expertise in gathering, analyzing, and presenting data and situational insights to support decision-making and produce clear, concise reports.
· Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with the capacity to assess complex situations, identify key issues, and develop practical, proactive solutions.
 
Assets
· Project Management Certification or course work related to project management showing a strong working knowledge of project management concepts, or willingness to pursue additional education.
· Previous experience in a highly regulated or compliance-based environment, with a solid understanding of interpreting regulations, policies and procedures and providing timely advice on their application.
· Working knowledge of programs and services offered by the Early Learning and Child Care Branch, Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, as well as familiarity and current legislation, regulations, and policies.

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.

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 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.
 
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.

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.