Director, Court Services

Competition # : 49836

Department: Justice

Location: HALIFAX

Type of Employment: Permanent

Union Status: Exclusion - Non Union - NSPG

Closing Date: 24-Sep-26 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

The Court Services Division of the Nova Scotia Department of Justice is dedicated to excellent service and the provision of fair and accessible system of justice, including court administration and security.
The Division provides administrative support to the courts listed:
Nova Scotia Court of Appeal, Supreme Court of Nova Scotia (including Family Division), Provincial Court, Family Court, Small Claims Court, Probate Court and Bankruptcy Court. The courts act independently from the government to address individual cases.
For more information on the Department of Justice Court Services please visit our website.

As Director, Court Services, you report to the Executive Director and are a member of the Division’s Senior Management Team, which is accountable to ensure the Division’s policies, procedures and activities support its strategic goals. In this position, you are responsible for the overall operation and management of courthouses and program delivery across the province.

• Ensure the cost-effective provision of court services to a varied client base and help shape the corporate vision of the Division;
• Motivate and provide strategic and operational direction to staff, and maintain close working relationships with staff, senior government officials, the judiciary and the legal community;
• Create and maintain a team approach to planning, service improvements and problem solving in the Division;
• Lead the delivery of programs, services and support to the courts, while ensuring judicial independence is respected;
• Take the lead in developing and sustaining strong relationships with clients, and stakeholders with widely divergent interests;
• Co-ordinate, develop, implement, and review new or amended legislation, policy, procedure, and program development in all areas of court services;
• Responsible for family and/or criminal law matters and has specific responsibilities to lead delivery of provincial and court-based family and/or criminal law programs and services throughout the province;
• Manage Externally Funded Programs delivered under Memoranda of Understanding and report on activities.
• Participate in the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Committees, Sub-committees, and Task Groups.

To be considered for this opportunity, you hold a hold a university degree in an appropriate discipline, i.e. law, public administration, business administration, in addition to several years of progressive management experience at a senior level, in the public service or justice system. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
You also have experience in several of the following areas: finance, human resources, facilities, project management, program and service development and delivery, legislative and regulatory development, policy development, program evaluation, planning, and intergovernmental involvement. Furthermore, you are also highly motivated and achievement-oriented, can analyze and problem-solve effectively, and work collaboratively with others to achieve common goals.
A law degree and previous experience as a lawyer would be considered an asset.
The Government of Nova Scotia has adopted the LEADS Leadership Framework. During the interview, candidates will be expected to express how they have demonstrated the key behaviors and capabilities required to effectively lead in a caring and inclusive environment. LEADS Domains include Leads Self, Engage Others, Achieve Results, Develop Coalitions, and…