In the title complex, [Ni(NCS)2(C17H20N4)], the Ni2+ ion (site symmetry 2) is coordinated by the N,N,N,N-tetradentate Schiff base ligand and two thiocyanate ligands, forming a distorted NiN6 octahedral geometry, with the thiocyanate N atoms in a trans orientation. The pendant methyl group of the central propane-1,2-diamine fragment of the ligand is statistically disordered over two sets of positions. In the crystal, weak aromatic π–π stacking between pyridine rings [centroid–centroid separation = 3.7081 (17) Å] may help to establish the packing.