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, policy and program development.

About Our Opportunity

We’re seeking a forward-thinking leader to serve as the Provincial Director of Planning to guide and oversee Nova Scotia’s land use planning system. As Director, you will shape how land is planned and developed across the province by leading key policy, legislative, and regulatory frameworks that influence municipal growth, housing, infrastructure, and sustainable development.

This position works closely with senior government leadership and municipal stakeholders to promote efficient planning, effective governance, and vibrant communities. You'll provide critical advice, navigate disputes, and lead initiatives that support the Province’s long-term goals, including economic growth, population renewal, and land stewardship. Your expertise will directly impact how municipalities plan, develop, and thrive.

Primary Accountabilities

As the Provincial Director of Planning, you will lead a complex portfolio that shapes how land is used, developed, and governed across Nova Scotia. Core responsibilities include:

• Administering and overseeing key planning legislation and regulations, including the Municipal Government Act and Provincial Subdivision Regulations.
• Leading statutory reviews of municipal planning documents to ensure alignment with provincial legislation, regulations, and Statements of Provincial Interest.
• Providing strategic policy and legislative advice to the Minister and senior leadership with a focus on sustainable land use, infrastructure, and economic development.
• Acting as the Province’s main point of contact for municipalities and communities on land use planning matters, including providing technical guidance to municipalities.
• Developing, maintaining, and periodically reviewing the regulatory framework guiding municipal planning, including sustainability plans and integrated policy alignment.
• Representing the Province in interdepartmental and intergovernmental forums, building partnerships and influencing national conversations on land use planning.
• Leading cross-government collaboration on key initiatives (e.g., Water Strategy, Coastal Strategy, energy development) that intersect with municipal land use.
• Promoting municipal planning capacity through best practices, education, workshops, and strategic partnerships that support effective local governance.
• Ensuring the quality and timeliness of planning decisions that directly affect housing and commercial development across the province.
• Managing staff, budgets, and operational planning to deliver an efficient, inclusive, and forward-thinking land use planning system for Nova Scotia.

Qualifications and Experience

A Master's degree in Urban and Regional Planning, Public Administration, or Business Administration is required, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. You have extensive experience in land use planning, municipal governance, and public policy development.  In addition, you have:

• Membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP)

• Demonstrated experience providing high-level advice to senior officials or executive leadership.
• Strong working knowledge of planning legislation, municipal planning processes, and the intersection of land use with economic development, sustainability, and community well-being.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to navigate politically sensitive situations, build consensus, and foster collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience overseeing complex reviews of planning documents.
• Proven ability to succeed in a deadline-driven environment with strong attention to detail and a focus on quality and consistency.
• Proven leadership in managing and mentoring a multidisciplinary team, with a focus on performance, professional development, and team cohesion.
• Demonstrated project management expertise, including the ability to effectively organize work, manage competing priorities, ensure timely delivery, and maintain high standards of quality and accountability.t
• Sound judgment and decision-making abilities under pressure.

Assets include:

• Familiarity with legislative and regulatory processes, including reviewing and developing statutes, regulations, and policy frameworks
• Experience working in or with municipal governments in Nova Scotia.
• Familiarity with intergovernmental policy initiatives and federal-provincial-municipal partnership models.
• Bilingualism (English/French).

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 and union agreement, 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

You will be working within a high-paced, busy office environment with strict deadlines, sensitive and confidential information, as well as frequent meetings and conferences that require travel. You must have the ability to travel when required.

Your normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day. You may be required to work overtime on occasion.

Additional Information

This is a TERM employment opportunity with an anticipated end date of March 31, 2027. 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