Job Description

Competition # : 47864

Department: Education & Early Childhood Development

Location: HALIFAX

Type of Employment: Permanent

Union Status: Exclusion - Non Union - NSPG

Closing Date: 23-Feb-26 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us

The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (EECD) is leading the transformation of Nova Scotia's early years and public education systems. We are doing 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. This will provide children, students, and families with a strong foundation for success. This department is a perfect fit for those who want to be part of the future of public education in the province by supporting student learning in a progressive and responsive policy environment.

About Our Opportunity

The Program Manager supports the education system in delivering high-quality, evidence-informed programs and services. They lead a province-wide team that supports the universal pre-primary program and, in alignment with DEECD’s ongoing priorities, advises, coordinates, and collaborates across departments to ensure cohesive and effective support for children, families, and educators.
The Program Manager works with the regional centers of education, the CSAP, and department team members and key collaborative groups such as various departments and agencies, professional associations and organizations, and advocacy groups to ensure success for all learners. This position reports to the Executive Director of the Learning Opportunities Branch.

Primary Accountabilities

• Leadership of a province-wide team supporting the implementation of key government priorities. Specifically overseeing the universal Pre-primary Program
• Supervision of Pre-primary Program consultants, providing strategic direction to a broader team of regional Pre-primary leads and ECEs.
• Collaboration across government departments to provide evidence-based, strategic advice and recommendations.
• Engaging in issue resolution and problem-solving in support of continuous quality improvement and emerging public needs within a dynamic environment.
• Managing and monitoring program budget, including tracking, documenting, and forecasting
• Performing administrative duties and required procedures e.g. research and literature reviews, monitoring and maintaining data, correspondence, reports
• Facilitating various aspects of curriculum-related programming
• Participate in project teams that are created to problem-solve and support ongoing initiatives as required.
• Other duties as required.

Qualifications and Experience

We are looking for someone who is a proven educational leader, who wants to be part of an innovative team, and who will make a difference! To be successful in this role, you have a degree in Early Childhood Education or Education, along with 8 years of related experience in early childhood educational settings. An equivalent combination of 8 years of related experience will also be considered.
You have experience in an education leadership role, and the ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with groups and individuals with diverse or competing interests or perspectives.
You have outstanding communication skills (verbal and written), and are proficient in using Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and presentation skills. You are well organized, detail-oriented, and can multitask while balancing multiple priorities.
You have strong decision-making and leadership skills, along with experience in problem-solving and negotiation, which value a variety of viewpoints and perspectives. You also have:

• Extensive knowledge of Nova Scotia Pre-primary and Public School Programming
• Skill and ability in the use of technology to support learning, including Moodle and GSuite

Assets considered for this position:

• Bilingualism

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using on or more of the following tools: oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

Equivalency

Applicants relying on education and experience for 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

Normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day.

May be required to work overtime on occasion.

Additional Information

This is a permanent, full-time position based in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

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 service environment focused on team work

Pay Grade:EC 11

Salary Range:$3,418.96 - $4,273.75 Bi-Weekly

The salary rates include an economic adjustment that has been approved. These rates are effective April 1, 2025. Implementation in our HR system will occur on March 5, 2026. Until then, the current rates will apply. Employees hired during this period will receive retroactive pay adjustments in accordance with the applicable policies.

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 and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities 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 competitions@novascotia.ca.

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.

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 Competitions@novascotia.ca.