The Assistant Deputy Minister (ADM) for Health Care and Social Services is a senior executive leadership position within the Department of National Defence. As an ADM, you will provide strategic direction and oversight for health care and social services programs that support the Canadian Armed Forces and Department personnel. This role involves developing and implementing policies, managing substantial budgets, leading large teams of professionals, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality health and social services aligned with departmental objectives and government priorities.
In this position, you will work at the most senior levels of the organization, reporting directly to the Deputy Minister or senior executives. Your responsibilities include setting strategic priorities, managing complex multi-disciplinary teams, representing the department in external forums, and ensuring compliance with Treasury Board policies and Government of Canada directives. You will interact regularly with other government departments, provincial and territorial health authorities, and external stakeholders in the health care sector.
The work environment is dynamic and demanding, requiring strong judgment, leadership capability, and the ability to manage competing priorities. You will be expected to make decisions that affect thousands of employees and service users, while navigating complex political, budgetary, and operational considerations. This is a role for experienced senior managers with a proven track record of executive leadership in large organizations.
Key Responsibilities
Provide strategic direction and leadership for general health care and social services 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
Candidates for this position typically hold a bachelor's degree from a recognized university. Many successful candidates have advanced degrees such as a Master's degree in Health Administration, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field. Professional credentials such as registration in a health discipline (nursing, medicine, psychology, social work) or relevant certifications in management and leadership are often present in competitive candidates.
Continuous professional development is expected at this level. The Treasury Board Secretariat and the Canada School of Public Service offer executive development programs, including the Advanced Cabinet Leadership Program and various executive coaching opportunities. Many ADMs pursue ongoing learning in areas such as strategic management, financial leadership, change management, and Indigenous relations. Professional associations related to your specific discipline or health care management may offer relevant certifications and development opportunities. Upon appointment, you may be required to complete Treasury Board orientation and departmental-specific briefings on DND operations, strategic plans, and legislative frameworks.
Entry Plans
Entry to an Assistant Deputy Minister position in the federal Public Service occurs exclusively through competitive appointment processes managed by the Public Service Commission. These are not entry-level positions; candidates must have substantial prior experience in senior management roles, typically at the Executive (EX) level or equivalent in the federal public service, or in comparable senior positions in other governments, large organizations, or the private sector.
The typical pathway involves first securing employment as an Executive (EX) level manager within the Public Service, gaining experience in progressively more senior roles, and then competing in specialized recruitment processes for ADM positions when vacancies arise. External candidates with equivalent senior management experience in other sectors may also compete directly for ADM positions, though federal government experience is often preferred. Recruitment for these positions is highly competitive and selective, focusing on demonstrated competencies in strategic leadership, financial management, organizational change, and stakeholder engagement. Interested candidates should monitor the Public Service Commission website (www.canada.ca/jobs) and DND's internal careers portal for notices of competition. Building a strong network within government and maintaining visibility in your field are important strategies for ADM-level career advancement.
Part-Time Options
Assistant Deputy Minister positions are full-time, executive appointments and are not available on a part-time basis. The nature of the role—requiring continuous strategic oversight, decision-making authority, and senior leadership presence—necessitates full-time commitment. However, like all federal public service positions, ADM roles are subject to Treasury Board policies on work-life balance and employee wellness. Many senior executives at this level have access to flexible arrangements such as telework options for certain duties, flexible scheduling for professional development or personal needs, and support through the Treasury Board's commitment to mental health and wellness in the workplace. These arrangements are handled on a case-by-case basis and require discussion with senior leadership. The demanding nature of executive-level work means that while formal part-time arrangements are not available, the department recognizes the importance of supporting executive well-being through whatever flexibility the operational environment permits.
