Manager, ECD & Pre-Primary Operations

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…