As a Department Chairperson at a college within the Department of National Defence, you provide strategic leadership and academic direction to your department. You oversee curriculum development, faculty management, student outcomes, and departmental operations while ensuring alignment with institutional goals and DND priorities. This role is typically found in DND-operated colleges such as Royal Military College or similar post-secondary institutions that deliver education and training to military personnel and civilians.
Your responsibilities include managing faculty and staff, budgeting and resource allocation, quality assurance of academic programs, student recruitment and retention, and fostering partnerships with industry and other educational institutions. You serve as the academic and administrative leader, representing your department to senior college leadership, students, and external stakeholders. You contribute to institutional planning, accreditation compliance, and continuous improvement of educational delivery.
You work in a dynamic post-secondary education environment that blends academic excellence with military values and culture. This is a full-time, permanent position requiring strong leadership capabilities, educational expertise, and the ability to manage complex organizational priorities in a federal government setting.
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
Graduate degree preferred; significant experience at the executive level in the public service
Training
To qualify for this role, you typically require a master's degree or equivalent in your academic discipline or a related field. A doctoral degree (PhD) is often preferred or may be required depending on the college and discipline. You must have demonstrated expertise and experience in your subject area, along with proven academic credentials such as publications, research, or professional recognition.
Beyond educational credentials, you need leadership and management training or demonstrated experience in supervisory, administrative, or managerial roles within post-secondary institutions. Many candidates complete formal training in institutional leadership, strategic planning, or higher education management. Professional development opportunities within DND include executive leadership programs, federal management training, and sector-specific courses in academic administration. Participation in national and international education associations and conferences helps maintain professional currency and networks.
Entry Plans
Entry into this role typically occurs through a competitive recruitment process conducted by DND Human Resources. Most positions are advertised on the Government of Canada Jobs website (jobs.gc.ca) and are open to Canadian citizens. You may enter through:
1) **Open competitions**: When positions are advertised publicly, you apply directly and compete against other external and internal candidates.
2) **Internal advancement**: Existing DND civilian employees in lower-classification academic or administrative positions may apply and compete for Department Chairperson roles through internal competitions.
3) **Lateral recruitment**: Experienced post-secondary educators and academic administrators from Canadian colleges, universities, or private institutions may be recruited directly into this position.
4) **Priority hiring pools**: DND may establish pools of qualified candidates for successive appointments to similar roles across colleges.
You must obtain federal security clearance and meet citizenship requirements. Your academic credentials and professional references will be verified during the selection process. Some candidates enter at lower academic classification levels and advance over time through competition and demonstrated performance.
Part-Time Options
Department Chairperson positions are typically full-time, permanent roles requiring on-site presence and availability during regular college operations. However, DND supports flexible arrangements where operationally feasible. Many administrative tasks can be completed with flexible scheduling or remote work options, particularly related to strategic planning, report writing, and departmental coordination.
Remote work eligibility depends on institutional operational requirements and supervisor approval. Core duties such as faculty meetings, student consultations, and departmental events generally require in-person attendance. Telework arrangements may accommodate administrative components of the role. Part-time versions of this position are uncommon; however, eligible employees may request flexible work arrangements (condensed weeks, flexible hours) subject to college operational needs and collective agreement provisions. Specific flexibility options should be discussed during the recruitment process and with your supervisor upon hire.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
