As a College or University President within the Department of National Defence, you serve as the chief executive officer and academic leader of a post-secondary institution. You are responsible for setting strategic vision, ensuring institutional excellence, and managing all aspects of college or university operations including academic programs, research initiatives, student services, and administrative functions. This role reports at the Deputy Minister or Associate Deputy Minister equivalent level, reflecting its senior leadership position within the federal public service. You work in a dynamic, knowledge-focused environment that balances academic freedom with operational efficiency. Your decisions directly impact thousands of students, faculty, and staff, as well as broader contributions to Canadian research and innovation. The role demands strong leadership capabilities, financial acumen, stakeholder management skills, and a deep commitment to advancing education and knowledge dissemination across Canada.
Key Responsibilities
Provide strategic direction and leadership for post-secondary 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
Required Skills
Instructional design, Facilitation, Curriculum development, Assessment, Adult learning principles, Executive leadership, Strategic vision, Stakeholder management at the most senior levels, Ministerial advisory
Typical Education
Graduate degree typically required; extensive senior executive experience in the federal public service
Training
Candidates for this role typically possess a doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent) in a relevant discipline, complemented by extensive post-secondary education leadership experience. A Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA), Public Administration, or Educational Leadership is highly valued. Professional certifications in executive management, governance, or institutional leadership may strengthen candidacy. Successful candidates demonstrate continuous professional development through participation in executive leadership programs, conferences focused on post-secondary education policy, and membership in professional associations such as Universities Canada or Colleges and Institutes Canada. In-service training within the federal public service includes orientation to government operations, Treasury Board policies, procurement regulations, and DND-specific directives. Knowledge of federal funding mechanisms, research governance frameworks, and compliance requirements is essential and typically developed through specialized workshops and mentoring relationships with experienced senior executives.
Entry Plans
Entry to this executive position in the federal public service occurs primarily through open competitions conducted by the Public Service Commission (PSC). These competitions are typically advertised on the Government of Canada's job portal (jobs.gc.ca) and seek candidates with proven executive leadership experience in post-secondary education settings. Candidates must meet Treasury Board criteria for executive appointment and undergo security clearance and integrity vetting processes. Some appointments may occur through lateral moves from other Deputy Minister or Associate Deputy Minister equivalent positions within the federal public service, recognizing transferable executive leadership skills. The federal government occasionally participates in targeted recruitment initiatives to attract experienced presidents and chancellors from the broader Canadian post-secondary sector. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate extensive experience managing large, complex organizations with multiple stakeholder groups, significant budgets, and diverse operational mandates. Previous experience within federal institutions or with federal funding and governance frameworks is advantageous.
Part-Time Options
This is a full-time, permanent executive position and is not available on a part-time basis. The role requires continuous presence and commitment to institutional leadership, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement. However, the federal public service does support flexible work arrangements where operationally feasible, and executives at this level may negotiate modified work schedules or remote work options for specific tasks such as report writing or virtual meetings. The nature of the position—involving regular in-person meetings with governors, senior management teams, faculty councils, student representatives, and external partners—typically requires significant on-site presence. Executives in this role are expected to maintain availability for institutional events, ceremonial functions, and emergency decision-making. Any flexible arrangements would be determined on a case-by-case basis through discussion with the appointing minister and Treasury Board, taking into account institutional needs and operational requirements.
