Program Director, NovaGEOSCIENCE

Position Information

Position Title Program Director, NovaGEOSCIENCE

Research Project

Department/Unit Government and Global Relations

Location Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Posting Number S167-26

Employee Group DPMG

Position Type Term

Duration of Contract Term position ending May 31, 2028

Employment Type Full Time

Full-time Equivalency (FTE) 1.0

Salary $91,752 - $123,736 per annum

Classification ADM-08

Provisional Statement This is a provisional classification. Formal regular review classification procedures may be initiated at any time by the incumbent or supervisor after the incumbent has worked a minimum of six months in the role.

About Dalhousie University Dalhousie University is Atlantic Canada’s leading research-intensive university and a driver of the region’s intellectual, social and economic development. Located in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, with an Agricultural Campus in Truro/Bible Hill, Dalhousie is a truly national and international university, with more than half of our almost 21,000 students coming from outside of the province. Our 6,000 faculty and staff foster a vibrant, purpose-driven community, that celebrated 200 years of academic excellence in 2018.

Job Summary

Dalhousie University is administering the NovaGEOSCIENCE Program (the “Program”) in partnership with the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources. The Program is a province-building initiative todigitize, modernize, and expand Nova Scotia’s geoscience assets through a coordinated, AI-ready data modernization program. The initiative will begin with the large-scale digitization of provincial drill core and associated geoscience datasets and will also include the acquisition and integration of new, modernized geophysical data through targeted airborne survey programs. Working closely with the Geoscience and Mines Branch, Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and administratively within Dalhousie University, the Program Director has full responsibility for program planning, execution, financial stewardship, procurement, reporting, and risk management.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end delivery of the NovaGEOSCIENCE program, including digitisation, digital platforms, geophysical surveys, AI/ML initiatives, and facility upgrades.
• Develop and manage integrated program plans, schedules, budgets, and performance metrics to ensure successful delivery.
• Oversee governance, reporting, and change management processes, including regular updates to senior stakeholders and the Steering Committee.
• Act as budget authority, ensuring financial oversight, compliance with funding requirements, and effective risk management.
• Lead procurement and contract management activities, including RFI/RFP processes and vendor performance oversight.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with internal teams, government, academia, and industry, while leading and supporting program staff.

Note

Due to operational requirements, the successful applicant is required to work in-person in the Halifax location (Hollis Street) with regular travel to Stellarton, Nova Scotia.

Required Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline such as science, engineering, public administration, business/commerce, plus a minimum of seven years’ related experience (or an equivalent combination of training and combination).
• Extensive experience managing large, complex, multi-year programs or initiatives.
• Demonstrated accountability for significant budgets and public or research funding.
• Strong leadership, governance and negotiation skills.
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal), and the ability to exercise tact and diplomacy when dealing with various stakeholders.
• Valid Class 5 Nova Scotia Driver’s License.

Assets

• Masters’ in a related field.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) or equivalent certification.

Job Competencies

The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate proficiency in Dalhousie’s core and leadership competencies, in particular:

• Respect & Inclusion
• Resource & Process Management
• Accountability for Performance & Results
• Development
• Change & Innovation

Additional Information

Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a defined benefit pension plan, health and dental plans, a health spending account, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program.

Application Consideration

Applications from current university employees and external candidates are assessed concurrently. Current university employees will be given special consideration.

We sincerely appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted directly by the hiring department or People and Culture.

Diversity Statement

Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi’kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity-deserving groups listed above. For more information, including details related to our Employment Equity Policy and Plan and definitions of equity-deserving groups please review our Employment Equity information.

If you require any support for the purpose of accommodation, such as technical aids or alternative arrangements, please let us know of these needs and how we can be of assistance. Dalhousie University is committed to ensuring all candidates have full, fair, and equitable participation in the hiring process. Our complete Accommodation Policy can be viewed here.