Senior Strategic Advisor, Research and Analytics

Senior Strategic Advisor, Research and Analytics

Competition # : 45655

Location: HALIFAX

Type of Employment: Permanent

Union Status: Exclusion - Non Union - NSPG

Closing Date: 15-Apr-25 ( Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us

The Executive Council Office (ECO) leads the execution of key central government functions by providing operational, policy, legal, communications and labour relations strategic advice and support to the Premier/President of the Executive Council, the Executive Council and its Committees to advance the priorities of government.

ECO provides leadership across government to accelerate system-level change through collaboration with departments in the areas of strategy, decision-making, policy design and operations. ECO coordinates the government's response to inquiry recommendations, specifically the Mass Casualty Commission (MCC) and the DFI, and provides secretariat support with the federal government for the MCC’s Progress Monitoring Committee.

About Our Opportunity

Our current opportunity is specifically in the field of research and analytics. ECO manages public opinion and awareness research, creative/concept testing and collection of marketing insights on various topics across all departments. This research supplements information collected through other methods to inform decision-making. It also helps ECO evaluate communications efforts.

The Senior Strategic Advisor (Strategist) manages government's public opinion research practice/program at ECO. The Strategist works collaboratively with research suppliers, communications and marketing strategists, department contacts, Deputy Ministers and the Premier's Office to plan and manage research initiatives from start to finish. The Strategist provides government leaders with strategic insights and opportunities developed through the collection and analysis of data/research results, helping to advance the top priorities of government.

A creative thinker and collaborator, the Strategist has extensive experience planning and managing public opinion research, working collaboratively with research vendors, communications and marketing representatives, and senior leaders within an organization.

Primary Accountabilities

• Plans, manages the collection of and analyzes public opinion data and insights on behalf of government and provides expertise, information, insight and advice to various teams and decision-makers.
• Through data analysis, informs evidence-based decision making and complex government priorities and objectives in a timely manner.
• Researches, analyzes and reports on trends emerging from public opinion polling data.
• Develops and delivers reports, presentations, briefings, strategies, initiatives, etc. and conducts analysis oriented toward achievement of strategy.
• Working with partner departments, collaboratively plans, develops, implements, and maintains reporting tools (digital and other) and uses new and innovative approaches.
• Manipulates data using data analysis tools to discover insights.
• Contributes to the effective planning, management, and communication of research insights.
• Works collaboratively with partners across the system that have related data, collectively drawing insights that can be used to create actionable strategies.
• Identifies and uses advanced analytics technologies to support the identification of trends and implements cutting-edge techniques and tools to make data analysis more efficient.
• Leads cross-functional teams and ensures projects are effectively managed within an appropriate framework, timelines, and in alignment with corporate strategy, direction, and priorities.
• Works collaboratively across government to ensure alignment and help advance a culture that embraces change, innovation, and horizontal collaboration.

Qualifications and Experience

• Post-secondary degree (or higher) in Political Science, Statistics, Sociology or Marketing or an acceptable equivalent (see equivalency below).
• Digital proficiency: Demonstrated fluency in digital platforms for analysis and broader sharing of results.
• Seven (7) years of recent experience in designing, conducting, and analyzing and interpreting surveys on various topics, such as politics, public opinion, consumer behavior, or market trends; or an acceptable equivalent (see equivalency below).
• A strong understanding of accessibility and inclusivity principles in survey design and sampling.
• Experience managing people, priorities and competing interests.
• Experience briefing a Minister, Deputy Minister and/or Senior Executives/Officials.
• Knowledgeable in the latest survey methodologies and their application.

Equivalency

Relevant post-secondary experience plus 7 years of recent professional experience in the field of data collection and analytics. This may include background in the areas of human-centered approaches and/or behavioural science.

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Assets:

• Solid understanding of the public-sector environment
• An understanding of Nova Scotia’s unique political, social, historical and demographic make-up
• Specific professional credentials/certifications/designations: for example MRIA/CRIC, IAP2, additional university/college programs.
• Experience in/knowledge of human-centred approaches and artificial intelligence

The interview process will require candidates to do a presentation on a pre-determined topic which will be shared in advance of the interview date.

LEADS:

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 behaviours and capabilities required to effectively lead in a caring and inclusive environment. LEADS Domains includes Leads Self, Engage Others, Achieve Results, Develop Coalitions and Systems Transformation.

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

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.

Working Conditions

• Normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day.
• Will be required to work outside business hours from time to time.
• High concentration of demands and priorities.
• Pressures to meet deadlines.

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

Pay Grade: EC 13

Salary Range: $4,055.86- $5,069.81 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.

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.