Manager, Community Development and Programs (Designated)

About Our Opportunity

The Manager, Community Development and Programs provides leadership and oversight for the planning, delivery, and continuous improvement of programs and services that support African Nova Scotian and African descent communities. The position manages a professional team, ensures program compliance and fiscal responsibility, and contributes to strategic planning, policy development, and cross-government collaboration. Working closely with community stakeholders and government partners, the role advances organizational priorities, strengthens trust, and promotes sustainable community development and empowerment.

Primary Accountabilities

• Lead the planning, delivery, and oversight of regional and/or provincial programs and services, ensuring compliance, quality, and budget adherence
• Manage a team of dedicated professionals regionally
• Assess, and mitigate emerging risks, issues, and barriers affecting African Nova Scotian communities, and recommend effective solutions to senior leadership
• Contribute to departmental strategic planning and policy development by designing and implementing programs aligned with government priorities
• Collaborate with Directors and Public/Program Affairs Officers (PAOs) to ensure coordinated, effective program delivery and achievement of strategic objectives
• Provide guidance and operational direction on program management, resource allocation, and performance monitoring
• Build and maintain strong partnerships internally and across government through consultation, engagement, and committee participation
• Act on behalf of the Director, Government and Community Relations, as requiredIdentify organizational gaps and drive continuous improvement of policies, processes, and practices
• Support internal and external communications efforts to strengthen trust, engagement, and empowerment within African Nova Scotian and African descent communities

Qualifications and Experience

The successful candidate will have several years of progressive leadership and management experience in program and service delivery, policy development, and community-based development with a proven ability to lead and support a professional team. A university degree in Public Administration, Social Sciences, Community Development, Business Administration, or a related field would be considered an asset.

Additionally, the Successful Candidate Will Have

• Demonstrated understanding of, and experience working with, African Nova Scotian and African descent communities, including awareness of historical and systemic issues
• Demonstrated experience leading, coaching, and developing professional teams in a complex organizational environment
• Strong knowledge of program planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and budget management
• Proven ability to conduct risk analysis, identify emerging issues, and provide strategic advice and recommendations to senior leadership
• Experience working collaboratively with diverse partners, including government partners, community organizations, and advisory bodies
• Strong communication, relationship‑building, and facilitation skills, with the ability to represent the organization on committees and initiatives
• Experience contributing to organizational change, continuous improvement, and policy or process enhancement
• Knowledge of government policies, accountability frameworks, and procurement and financial management practices is an asset

Benefits

• Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• Health, Dental, Life Insurance
• General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs
• Career development opportunities, ongoing training, engaging workplace, and countless career paths

Working Conditions

• Requires travel throughout the province; possession of a valid driver’s licence is required
• Normal work week is 35 hours per week (7 hours per day)
• May be required to work overtime, evenings, and weekends on occasion

Pay

Pay grade: EC 11

Salary range: $3,418.96 – $4,273.75 bi‑weekly

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 re