As an Assistant Deputy Minister (ADM) of Science and Math, you will provide strategic leadership and direction for science and mathematics programs and initiatives across the Department of National Defence. In this senior management role, you oversee the development and implementation of policies, strategies, and frameworks that align with departmental and government priorities. You will be responsible for managing budgets, human resources, and organizational performance while ensuring that science and mathematics capabilities support defence and security objectives.
Your daily responsibilities include chairing senior management committees, engaging with stakeholders across government and external partners, and making strategic decisions that impact the direction of science and mathematics initiatives. You will mentor and develop senior leaders within your branch, foster a culture of innovation and excellence, and ensure compliance with government policies and Treasury Board directives. You may also represent the department at national and international forums, presenting evidence-based recommendations to senior decision-makers.
Working in this role means operating at the strategic level of government, where your decisions influence defence capabilities and contribute to national security. You will work in a dynamic, complex environment that requires balancing multiple priorities, managing competing stakeholder interests, and adapting to evolving security and scientific landscapes.
Key Responsibilities
Provide strategic direction and leadership for general science and math 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
Research design, Statistical analysis, Laboratory techniques, Scientific writing, Data interpretation, 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
Entry to this role typically requires a master's degree or higher in a relevant science, mathematics, engineering, or related discipline. Many successful candidates hold PhDs or have equivalent advanced academic credentials combined with extensive professional experience in research, scientific management, or defence-related work. You should have demonstrated expertise in science policy, research management, or scientific program delivery at a national or international level.
Beyond formal education, candidates must have substantial professional development experience in government management, strategic planning, and executive leadership. The Treasury Board of Canada and DND offer executive development programs, including the Federal Executive Development Program (FEDP) and specialized courses in public sector management. Ongoing professional development is expected, including participation in senior leadership forums, policy analysis training, and professional association memberships relevant to your scientific field. Many ADMs maintain active engagement with the scientific community through publications, conference presentations, or professional certifications.
Entry Plans
Entry to the ADM level is exclusively through competitive appointment processes managed by the Public Service Commission of Canada. These positions are advertised through open competitions at the National Capital Region or specific locations as required. Candidates typically progress to this level after serving successfully in progressively senior roles such as Director General, senior manager, or equivalent positions within the federal public service or recognized institutions.
Lateral entry from academic institutions, research organizations, or the private sector is possible for candidates with exceptional scientific credentials and demonstrated leadership experience. The Public Service Commission assesses candidates through comprehensive evaluation processes that include written exams, interviews, and reference checks. Some positions may use executive recruitment services to identify qualified candidates from broader talent pools.
There are no student entry programs or formal development pools specifically for ADM positions. However, candidates interested in this career path can enter the federal public service through various scientist, manager, or professional development programs and advance through progressive promotions over time. External candidates with relevant experience are encouraged to monitor Government of Canada job postings on the Public Service Commission website and DND Civilian Recruitment Centre.
Part-Time Options
Assistant Deputy Minister positions are inherently full-time, executive-level roles that require consistent presence and availability to respond to strategic priorities and emerging issues. Part-time work is not typically available at this level due to the nature of senior management responsibilities, budget oversight, and strategic decision-making.
However, some flexibility in work arrangements may be negotiated on a case-by-case basis following collective agreement provisions and departmental policies. This might include hybrid work options allowing some work-from-home days, flexible scheduling around specific meetings or commitments, or compressed work weeks where operationally feasible. Remote work may be possible for selected activities such as strategic planning, correspondence, or meetings that do not require in-person presence at National Defence Headquarters.
As an ADM, you are expected to maintain availability during business hours and be prepared to respond to urgent matters that may arise outside regular hours. Discussions about flexible arrangements should be initiated during the appointment process or onboarding with the departmental leadership to determine what is feasible within your specific portfolio and organizational needs.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
