Careers

Senior Director, Legislative Services & Deputy Registrar

Permanent Full-time

35 Hours/Week

Hybrid (minimum two-days per week onsite)

About NSCN

The Nova Scotia College of Nursing (NSCN) is the safeguard that ensures the public that all nurses in Nova Scotia have the education and skills they need to care for people safely, competently, ethically, and compassionately. The public trusts us to regulate the nursing profession in the public’s interest and our staff are empowered to ensure public protection is our top priority. As an organization built on trust, we offer a supportive, professional and collaborative workplace for you to learn and lead. 

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures we inspire excellence both publicly and within our organization. We are looking for an individual who will settle for nothing less than excellence in their role. 

Job Summary

The Senior Director Legislative Services & Deputy Registrar provides strategic leadership in advancing NSCN’s mandate to protect the public interest and support safe, competent nursing practice. Reporting to the CEO & Registrar, this role oversees project delivery, leads and develops high-performing teams, and contributes to organizational strategy and operational excellence. The Senior Director & Deputy Registrar ensures effective implementation of legislation, policies, standards, and programs, while monitoring regulatory, system, and legislative developments that impact nursing regulation in Nova Scotia.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership

• Oversees the work and performance of team members in the delivery of projects for which the Senior Director & Deputy Registrar is the overarching project lead, ensuring project goals and objectives are met.
• Leads, participates in, and contributes to regular NSCN team meetings and strategic planning activities.
• Keeps the CEO & Registrar apprised of regulatory or other internal or external developments that are likely to affect other functional areas or the organization’s overall operations or direction.

Team Development

• Builds and supports an atmosphere of collaboration and cooperation to encourage individual and team motivation and performance.
• Fosters a culture of respect that values diversity and inclusiveness.
• Actively supports engagement in professional development and quality improvement.
• Attends and participates in external meetings and forums, as required.

Upholding Standards

• Responds accurately and effectively to inquiries from the public and NSCN registrants on matters related to legislation, registration services, education approval, professional conduct, or standards and guidance.
• Identifies and operationalizes strategic opportunities to develop standards, guidelines, or position statements.
• Facilitates the research, planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of initiatives aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of public interest protection.

Program & Policy Development

• Maintains current and comprehensive knowledge of the Nursing Act and other relevant legislation and regulations (such as the Regulated Health Professions Act), as well as all College policies and standards.
• Collaborates in the development and revision of NSCN policies and standards.
• Assists the CEO & Registrar with conducting analysis and providing feedback on policies relevant to the practice of nursing in Nova Scotia.
• Monitors federal and provincial legislative processes in collaboration with the legal services team and advises the CEO & Registrar of possible applicability to NSCN.
• Assists the CEO & Registrar in developing and implementing programs to ensure compliance with NSCN requirements.
• Assists the CEO & Registrar in developing documents to support the interpretation, implementation, and compliance with legislation, policies, or standards.

Communications & System Partner Relations

• Participates in and/or provides support to committees, networks, working groups, and other system partners.
• Assists with drafting communications documents, as needed.
• Monitors the system and its activities and advocacy positions and advises the CEO & Registrar on relevant developments.
• Provides feedback concerning the College’s application of, and compliance with, legislation, bylaws, and policies.

Operations Management

• In conjunction with the CEO & Registrar and other members of the NSCN team, contributes to the development of the annual budget, strategic plan, and people management plans.
• Monitors the budget for assigned projects and takes corrective action, as required.
• Prepares and/or oversees the preparation of information and data for external groups or committees, as needed and where appropriate.

About You

As the ideal candidate, you are an advocate for safe, competent, and ethical nursing practice in the public interest. With a working knowledge of the Nursing Act, Regulated Health Professions Act, and other relevant legislation and regulations, you understand the application of regulation and the standards of practice for nursing and keep abreast of emerging changes in the broader policy and legislative environment as it impacts nursing regulation.

Education & Experience

• Post Secondary degree relevant to the position, preferably nursing.
• Must be registered (or eligible for registration) in good standing with NSCN or applicable Nova Scotia governing body.
• Ten to fifteen (10-15) years’ progressive nursing or other leadership experience in senior nursing or other leadership position in practice, education or management.
• Demonstrated experience in effective system partner relationships, broad knowledge of the health system and the role of regulation of health professions and in-depth knowledge of self-regulation in the nursing profession are essential.

Compensation and Benefits

• We offer competitive salary and a comprehensive benefit package, including excellent vacation, paid sick leave, flex time, hybrid work options; cost shared pension, medical, dental, life and disability insurance.
• NSCN prides itself on being a positive, collaborative work environment.

Visit us at www.nscn.ca to learn more about the Nova Scotia College of Nursing. If you are interested in exploring this opportunity, we invite you to apply with your cover letter and resume via email to: hr@nscn.ca. 

Applications will be received until 4:00 pm (ADT) on Friday, February 13, 2026. We thank all applicants however, only those applicants chosen for an interview will be contacted.

NSCN is proud to be an inclusive employer that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We are committed to equitable hiring practices and to fostering a workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging. Qualified individuals from underrepresented groups who would contribute to the diversity and shared vision of our organization are encouraged to apply. If you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact People and Culture at hr@nscn.ca.