As an Assistant Deputy Minister (ADM) of Real Property Management, you will lead and oversee the strategic direction, policy development, and operational management of real property and facilities across Department of National Defence (DND) operations. This senior executive role reports directly to the Deputy Minister and sits at the apex of the real property management function within the department. You will be responsible for managing a large portfolio of buildings, infrastructure, and land assets worth billions of dollars, while ensuring compliance with Treasury Board directives, Treasury Board policies, and Treasury Board guidelines on real property stewardship.
Your responsibilities will include developing and implementing real property strategies aligned with government priorities, overseeing capital planning and project management for major infrastructure initiatives, managing the department's real property operations budget, and ensuring environmental sustainability and security standards across all facilities. You will lead a team of managers and professionals engaged in planning, acquisition, maintenance, and disposal of real property assets. This role demands strong strategic thinking, stakeholder management at the highest levels of government, and the ability to balance competing priorities between operational needs, fiscal restraint, and government policy objectives.
The work environment is dynamic and complex, involving regular collaboration with other government departments, Treasury Board Secretariat, and senior DND leadership. You will be expected to represent the department in discussions with Treasury Board, Cabinet committees, and parliamentary committees. Much of your work involves analyzing data, reviewing complex reports, chairing executive meetings, and making recommendations on significant financial and operational decisions.
Key Responsibilities
Provide strategic direction and leadership for general real property management 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
Property management, Building systems knowledge, Contract administration, Project coordination, Regulatory compliance, 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
Successful candidates typically hold a Master's degree in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Public Administration, Engineering, Architecture, or Real Property Management. A bachelor's degree in a related discipline is the minimum educational requirement. Professional certifications are highly valued, including designations from the Real Property Institute of Canada (RPIC), Certified Property Manager (CPM) designation, or Project Management Institute (PMI) credentials such as PMP or CAPM.
Continuous professional development is essential at this level. The Treasury Board and DND support participation in executive education programs, including senior management courses offered through the Canada School of Public Service and external institutions. You are expected to maintain knowledge of evolving Treasury Board real property policies, federal procurement regulations, environmental legislation, and infrastructure management best practices. Many ADMs maintain memberships in professional associations such as the Real Property Institute of Canada, the Association of Consulting Engineers of Canada, or the Facility Managers Association of Canada to stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies in property management.
Entry Plans
Entry to the ADM level typically occurs through one of several pathways. Most candidates come through internal competitions where federal public servants at the Director General or equivalent level apply for open ADM positions. These competitions are conducted by the Public Service Commission and are advertised on the Government of Canada's job board (jobs.gc.ca).
Alternatively, some candidates enter through lateral executive moves from other departments or agencies who have demonstrated strong senior management experience in real property, facilities, or related infrastructure domains. Appointments may also occur through executive search processes for specialized expertise not available within the current public service.
To be competitive, you should have demonstrated progressive management experience within the federal public service, ideally including roles as Director or Director General in real property management, capital planning, engineering, or related infrastructure fields. Strong performance evaluations, evidence of strategic accomplishment, and proven ability to manage large budgets and complex projects are essential. Bilingualism (English and French) is typically required or highly desirable for ADM positions in the National Capital Region.
Part-Time Options
The Assistant Deputy Minister position is a full-time, ongoing role that does not typically offer part-time work arrangements due to the strategic and executive nature of the responsibilities. This senior position requires regular attendance at headquarters and availability for urgent departmental matters, Treasury Board meetings, and senior leadership functions that may extend beyond standard business hours.
Flexible work arrangements may be negotiated on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the Deputy Minister, and may include hybrid work options allowing some days to be worked from an alternate location where operational requirements permit. However, the nature of executive decision-making, stakeholder engagement, and strategic leadership at this level generally requires substantial in-person presence. Remote work would typically be limited to specific tasks such as report writing or correspondence and would not constitute the primary work arrangement.
The role operates under the Terms and Conditions of Employment for executives in the federal public service, which provide flexibility around work scheduling while maintaining accountability for departmental leadership and strategic oversight responsibilities.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
