Senior Strategist

The Government of Nova Scotia • Halifax, NS

3d • CA$101,739 - CA$127,634 • Hybrid

About The Position

As a Senior Strategist with the Office of Addictions and Mental Health (OAMH), you will play a meaningful role in shaping programs and policies that impact the health and well-being of Nova Scotians. Working at the intersection of policy, service delivery, and system improvement, you will influence how mental health and addictions services are designed, delivered, and experienced across the province. This position brings a focused leadership mandate for the Insured Services Program (ISP), a key component of Nova Scotia’s mental health and addictions system. In this capacity, you will guide the strategic direction, implementation, and continuous improvement of publicly insured mental health services – ensuring they are accessible, equitable, sustainable, and responsive to the diverse needs of Nova Scotians. You will collaborate with a broad network of partners, including colleagues across government, Nova Scotia Health, IWK Health, and community organizations, to advance a more connected, person-centred system of care. Through these partnerships, you will support improved care pathways, system navigation, and the integration of insured services within the broader continuum of care. In this leadership role, you will oversee and support a team of policy professionals while contributing to complex, high impact initiatives. You will provide strategic oversight of the ISP, including contracted service delivery, program performance, and quality improvement. Your work will ensure alignment with government priorities, strengthen accountability, and support evidence-informed decision-making to improve outcomes for individuals and communities. This is a unique opportunity to lead meaningful system-level change in a complex and evolving environment. If you are motivated by advancing equity, strengthening access to care, and shaping high-quality mental health and addictions services, this role offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in a related field, along with several years of experience in policy, program development, or a related area (or an equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Experience leading or supporting teams, with a demonstrated ability to build inclusive, collaborative, and high performing work environments.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to understand complex issues and translate them into clear, actionable recommendations.
• Excellent communication and relationship building skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a variety of partners and stakeholders.
• Experience managing competing priorities in a dynamic environment, using sound judgment and adaptability to navigate change.
• A demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and cultural competence, and an understanding of how these principles shape policy and service delivery.
• Experience working within complex systems—such as healthcare, mental health and addictions, or other public sector environments—including leading or supporting program implementation, overseeing service providers or contracts, and using data to inform performance and continuous improvement.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working within government or a complex public sector environment.
• Knowledge of mental health and addictions systems, programs, or policy.
• A mindset focused on continuous improvement and data informed decision making.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support a team of policy professionals to deliver high quality, evidence informed analysis, briefing materials, and strategic advice that informs decision making.
• Provide strategic leadership on complex initiatives, including policy development, program planning, and system improvement efforts across the mental health and addictions continuum.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with partners across government, health authorities, and the community sector to support integrated, person centred approaches to care.
• Monitor and assess the effectiveness of programs and services, ensuring alignment with legislation, policy frameworks, contracts, and desired outcomes.
• Provide advice to senior leadership on the implications of policy, operational, and funding decisions, helping to identify risks, opportunities, and innovative solutions.
• Foster a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative team environment by supporting employee development, encouraging diverse perspectives, and promoting wellbeing in the workplace.
• Lead or contribute to cross departmental and intergovernmental working groups, helping to advance shared priorities and system alignment.
• Provide strategic leadership for the Insured Services Program, setting direction and ensuring alignment with government priorities, population needs, and the broader mental health and addictions system.
• Lead policy, program planning, and system improvement initiatives related to insured services, including identifying service gaps, advising on expansion opportunities, and supporting implementation of new service streams.
• Oversee contracted service delivery, providing strategic direction to ISP operational and clinical leads, and ensuring services are delivered in accordance with contracts, legislation, policy, and expected outcomes.
• Monitor and evaluate program performance, using data and evidence to assess access, quality, equity, and efficiency, and to drive continuous improvement and sustainability.
• Identify and manage strategic and operational risks, including those related to demand, workforce capacity, fiscal pressures, and system integration, and provide advice to senior leadership on mitigation strategies and opportunities.
• Lead and support a team of policy professionals, fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and high-performing environment while guiding the development of briefings, submissions, and strategic advice.
• Advance evidence-informed policy and decision-making, integrating research, clinical best practices, and equity considerations into policy development, standards, and recommendations.
• Build and sustain strong partnerships with health system partners, government departments, and community organizations to strengthen integration, shared accountability, and coordinated care pathways.
• Contribute to a respectful and inclusive workplace culture, valuing diverse perspectives, supporting employee wellbeing, and demonstrating a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.

Benefits

• Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• Health
• Dental
• Life Insurance
• General illness
• Short and Long Term Disability
• Vacation
• Employee and Family Assistance Programs
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior