ABOUT SOCCER NOVA SCOTIA:
Soccer Nova Scotia (SNS) is the provincial governing body for soccer in Nova Scotia, responsible for the development, governance, and growth of the game across the province. A critical part of this mandate is the delivery of a high-quality, sustainable referee program that supports safe, fair, and positive soccer experiences at all levels of play.

GENERAL PURPOSE:
Soccer Nova Scotia is seeking a Referee Development Officer (RDO) to provide senior leadership for its provincial referee program. The RDO is responsible for the strategic direction, governance, and long-term sustainability of referee development in Nova Scotia, ensuring alignment with Canada Soccer standards and SNS priorities.

This role focuses on leadership, oversight, and program quality. Day-to-day referee administration and match assigning are managed through regional and league structures, allowing the RDO to concentrate on development pathways, education frameworks, and stakeholder relationships.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Strategic Leadership & Governance• Provide strategic leadership for the provincial referee program across all levels of play.

• Develop, implement, and oversee referee development frameworks aligned with Canada Soccer standards.
• Ensure compliance with Soccer Nova Scotia policies, bylaws, Safe Sport requirements, and governance standards.
• Serve as Soccer Nova Scotia’s senior subject-matter expert on refereeing

Referee Development Pathways• Lead the design and oversight of referee development pathways, including Entry Level, upgrading, and high-performance streams.

• Support initiatives that promote referee recruitment, retention, inclusion, and long-term engagement.
• Ensure consistent standards, quality and progression opportunities across all regions of the province.

Education, Assessment & Mentoring Oversight• Oversee provincial referee education, assessment, and mentoring programs.

• Work collaboratively with the Chief Instructor, Chief Assessor, Chief Mentor, and regional coordinators.
• Ensure accreditation standards and quality assurance measures, ad equitable development opportunities are met.
• Maintain oversight of referee development records, assessment, mentoring, feedback and reports.

Committee Leadership• Chair the Referee Development Committee.

• Set committee priorities, agendas, and policy recommendations.
• Ensure the committee actions align with strategic objectives and program outcomes.

Discipline, Conduct & Integrity• Provide senior oversight of referee discipline and conduct matters.

• Liaise with Soccer Nova Scotia judiciary bodies and Canada Soccer as required.
• Ensure fair, transparent, and consistent application of standards.
• Support Safe Sport reporting pathways and collaborate with SNS staff on education, prevention, and response related to referee conduct.

Stakeholder & External Relations• Act as Soccer Nova Scotia’s primary liaison with Canada Soccer’s Refereeing Department.

• Represent SNS at provincial and national referee meetings and events.
• Build collaborative relationships with leagues, districts, and referee leadership groups, and key stakeholders.

Oversight, Reporting & Alignment• Provide direction and oversight to referee operational staff and volunteer leadership groups.

• Review operational reports and use data (registrations, retention, assessments, discipline trends) to inform decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Identify risks and opportunities to strengthen the sustainability and effectiveness of the referee program.

Budget & Resource Oversight• Develop and oversee the referee program budget in collaboration with SNS staff, in alignment with strategic priorities.

• Monitor expenditures and resource allocation to ensure alignment with strategic priorities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Post-secondary education in sport management, business, education, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Extensive experience in soccer refereeing and/or referee development.
• Demonstrated leadership experience within a sport organization or comparable environment.
• Strong understanding of referee education, assessment, and mentoring frameworks.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS :

• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strong organizational, strategic planning, and governance capabilities.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team environment.
• Interest, aptitude, and ability to be trained as a referee mentor, instructor, or assessor.

ASSETS:

• Experience working with or within Canada Soccer referee programs.
• Experience chairing committees or leading volunteer-based governance structures.
• Background in policy development or program evaluation, or sport system governance.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU? :
Impact: Be part of a mission-driven organization committed to improving the soccer experience for referees, players, and communities across Nova Scotia.

Meaning: Your work directly contributes to safe, fair, and positive sport environments at every level of the game.

Flexibility: Enjoy a collaborative team culture with flexible work arrangements.

This is an opportunity for the right individual to play a leadership role in shaping the future of refereeing in Nova Scotia as part of a passionate and committed team.

Compensation: Soccer Nova Scotia offers a competitive salary and benefits package, commensurate with senior leadership roles within provincial sport organizations.