As an Assistant Deputy Minister (ADM) of Education, you will provide strategic leadership and direction for education initiatives across the Department of National Defence. This senior management position reports directly to the Deputy Minister and plays a crucial role in developing, implementing, and overseeing education policies and programs that support the professional development of military and civilian personnel. You will be responsible for managing a large directorate, overseeing budgets, coordinating with external stakeholders including provincial education ministries and academic institutions, and ensuring alignment with broader DND and Government of Canada priorities. This is a dynamic role that combines strategic planning with operational oversight, requiring you to balance competing priorities while maintaining focus on organizational excellence and continuous improvement.
In this position, you will lead teams of professionals who design and deliver education and training programs across the Canadian Armed Forces. Your responsibilities include setting strategic direction, managing financial and human resources, developing policy frameworks, and ensuring quality assurance across all education initiatives. You will engage with senior government officials, military leadership, and external partners to advance education objectives and respond to emerging needs. The work environment is fast-paced and collaborative, with regular interaction across multiple levels of government and with academic and professional organizations.
You will contribute to DND's mission by ensuring that military and civilian personnel have access to high-quality education and professional development opportunities that enhance their capabilities and career progression. This role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on institutional learning and development while managing complex organizational challenges in a large federal department.
Key Responsibilities
Provide strategic direction and leadership for general education programs and initiatives, Advise senior management on policy and operational matters, Manage human and financial resources to achieve organizational objectives, Represent the organization in interdepartmental and external forums, Ensure compliance with Treasury Board policies and Government of Canada directives
Graduate degree preferred; significant experience at the executive level in the public service
Training
To qualify for this position, you must hold a bachelor's degree from a recognized university. Advanced degrees such as a master's degree in education, public administration, business administration, or a related field are highly valued and often expected at this level. Professional credentials or certifications in educational leadership, strategic management, or related disciplines strengthen your candidacy.
Professional development is an ongoing expectation for ADMs. You will have access to executive coaching, strategic leadership programs through the Canada School of Public Service, and opportunities to attend national and international conferences in education and defence-related fields. Many ADMs pursue or maintain membership in professional associations related to their field of expertise. The DND also supports continuous learning through access to specialized training in areas such as defence policy, institutional management, and emerging technologies relevant to education delivery.
Your experience should demonstrate progressive responsibility in education management, strategic planning, policy development, and leadership of large teams. Prior experience in the federal Public Service or in educational institutions is valuable, as is experience managing diverse stakeholder relationships and navigating complex organizational environments.
Entry Plans
Appointment to an ADM position in the federal Public Service typically occurs through a competitive selection process managed by the Treasury Board Secretariat or DND's Human Resources office. Candidates are usually sourced from the following pathways:
**Lateral Movement from Other ADM Positions:** Many ADMs transition between departments or portfolio areas within the federal government, bringing their senior management expertise to new areas.
**Promotion from Director General (DG) Level:** The most common pathway is advancement from a Director General position within DND or other federal departments, where you have demonstrated the strategic vision and operational excellence required at the ADM level.
**External Recruitment:** In some cases, DND may recruit experienced senior leaders from outside the federal Public Service, particularly if specialized expertise in education or defence is required. These candidates must meet Public Service employment requirements and undergo security clearance processes.
**Executive Development Programs:** The federal government maintains talent pools and development programs for high-potential managers being groomed for senior leadership roles. Participation in these programs can lead to ADM opportunities.
All appointments at the ADM level require approval by the Deputy Minister and Treasury Board. Candidates must demonstrate a track record of effective leadership, strategic thinking, financial management, and the ability to work at the most senior levels of government.
Part-Time Options
Assistant Deputy Minister positions are full-time, permanent roles that require significant time commitment and ongoing availability. The nature of senior strategic leadership at this level typically requires a presence during regular business hours and availability for meetings, briefings, and strategic discussions that may occur outside standard office hours.
While the position itself is not offered on a part-time or job-share basis, DND recognizes the importance of work-life balance for all employees, including senior leaders. Flexible work arrangements may be negotiated on a case-by-case basis to accommodate individual circumstances, though the core requirements of the ADM role—such as executive meetings, strategic planning sessions, and stakeholder engagement—remain essential.
Many ADMs work in hybrid models where some planning and administrative work can be completed remotely, though regular in-person presence at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa is typically expected. Remote work options for specific tasks are becoming more common across the federal Public Service, and DND continues to evolve its policies to support flexibility where operationally feasible. Specific arrangements would be discussed during the recruitment and appointment process.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
