As an Assistant Deputy Minister (ADM) of Information Technology, you will provide strategic leadership and oversight of information technology services and operations across the Department of National Defence. In this senior management position, you will be responsible for developing and implementing IT policies, strategies, and initiatives that support the Department's operational effectiveness and modernization goals. You will lead a large team of IT professionals and manage substantial budgets while ensuring that technology solutions align with defence priorities and government-wide digital transformation objectives.
Your responsibilities will include directing the planning, development, and delivery of information technology infrastructure, cybersecurity, and digital services. You will work at the highest levels of government, collaborating with the Deputy Minister, other senior executives, and external stakeholders including other government departments and industry partners. You will also represent the Department on national and international IT governance committees, ensuring DND remains current with emerging technologies and best practices.
Working as an ADM means navigating complex organizational and political environments while managing competing priorities, significant resources, and teams across multiple locations. You will balance immediate operational needs with long-term strategic planning, and your decisions will impact defence capabilities and the modernization of one of Canada's largest organizations.
Key Responsibilities
Provide strategic direction and leadership for general information technology 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
Required Skills
Systems administration, Programming/scripting, Network and security, Cloud technologies, ITIL/ITSM practices, Senior executive leadership, Strategic planning, Policy direction, Cross-functional management
Typical Education
Graduate degree preferred; significant experience at the executive level in the public service
Training
To qualify for an ADM position in Information Technology, you typically need a university degree in computer science, information technology, engineering, business administration, or a related field. Many candidates hold advanced degrees such as a Master's degree or MBA. You should have extensive professional experience in IT management, ideally 15+ years, with progressive advancement into senior leadership roles. Professional certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional), ITIL, CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional), or similar credentials are valued. You will be expected to maintain current knowledge of IT trends, cybersecurity threats, and digital transformation methodologies. The Public Service offers leadership development programs and executive coaching for those in senior management roles, and you may pursue additional certifications or credentials throughout your career. Ongoing professional development in governance, strategic planning, and emerging technologies is encouraged and supported.
Entry Plans
Entry to an ADM position is typically through a competitive staffing process managed by the Public Service Commission or Treasury Board Secretariat. These are advertised senior management positions open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents with appropriate qualifications and security clearances. Most candidates reach this level through progression within the federal Public Service, beginning in junior or intermediate IT roles and advancing through various positions over their career. Lateral appointments from the private sector or other public institutions are possible but less common; external candidates must demonstrate equivalent experience and understanding of government operations. You must obtain a Secret or Top Secret security clearance depending on the role's requirements. Prior to competition, candidates typically work in progressively senior IT management positions such as Director General or Senior Manager roles within DND or other federal departments. Some candidates also enter federal IT management through bridging programs or as senior executives recruited for specific transformational initiatives.
Part-Time Options
Assistant Deputy Minister positions are full-time, permanent roles that typically do not offer part-time arrangements due to the strategic and operational responsibilities required. However, the Public Service does support flexible work arrangements where operationally feasible. Many ADM-level positions allow for telework or hybrid work schedules, particularly for tasks that do not require in-person collaboration, such as strategic planning, report writing, and virtual meetings. The nature of the role—including participation in cabinet committees, senior management meetings, and crisis response situations—may require full-time presence during certain periods. Work-life balance initiatives, including access to Employee Assistance Programs, wellness benefits, and leave provisions, are available to support your wellbeing. Discussion of flexible arrangements would typically occur during the staffing process and after appointment, in consultation with your Deputy Minister and departmental human resources.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
