As a Director of Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP), you lead and manage all access to information and privacy operations within your organization. You are responsible for ensuring the Department complies with the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act while balancing transparency, privacy protection, and operational needs. This role involves developing policies, providing expert advice to senior management, and representing the Department in matters related to information access and privacy rights. You oversee a team of specialists who process requests, manage records, conduct privacy assessments, and respond to complaints from the Privacy Commissioner. Your work directly impacts the Department's ability to serve Canadians while protecting sensitive information and personal data. This is a strategic leadership position where you influence how the organization manages one of its most critical responsibilities.
Your day-to-day work includes managing complex ATIP requests, investigating privacy breaches, developing compliance strategies, and staying current with evolving legislation and case law. You collaborate with departments across government, provide training to staff on information management practices, and ensure your team meets service standards and reporting requirements. You may also prepare briefing materials for senior leadership, respond to parliamentary inquiries related to information access, and defend decisions before the Federal Court when requests are disputed. The work environment is dynamic and deadline-driven, with priorities shifting based on incoming requests, legislative changes, and emerging privacy issues. You work in an office setting with regular interaction with colleagues, legal advisors, and external stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of access to information and privacy services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the access to information and privacy team, Monitor performance metrics and report on results, Develop and implement operational plans and procedures, Manage stakeholder relationships and ensure service quality
Required Skills
Records management, ATIP legislation, Information governance, Classification systems, Digital literacy, Team leadership, Operational planning, Stakeholder engagement, Results management
Typical Education
Bachelor's degree or equivalent; significant experience in the relevant discipline with demonstrated leadership
Training
To qualify for this director-level role, you typically need a bachelor's degree from a recognized university. Many candidates hold degrees in law, public administration, business, information management, or a related field. Some positions may accept equivalent work experience in place of formal education. Professional certifications strengthen your candidacy—consider pursuing credentials such as the Information and Privacy Professional (IPP) designation through the Canadian Association for Information and Privacy Professionals (CAIPP), or the Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP) credential. The DND provides ongoing professional development opportunities including workshops on legislative updates, case law analysis, privacy impact assessment techniques, and management skills. Once hired, you may be required to complete departmental security and information management training. Government of Canada also offers leadership development programs to support your growth as a manager. Many directors engage in continuous learning through conference attendance, professional associations, and peer networks to stay informed about emerging privacy and access issues.
Entry Plans
To join DND as a Director of Access to Information and Privacy, you will typically compete in a Government of Canada merit-based competition. Positions are usually advertised on the Public Service Commission (PSC) website and through the GCjobs portal. If you are an experienced ATIP professional working in another federal department or organization, you may also apply through lateral move opportunities or interdepartmental secondment arrangements. Some candidates advance internally from senior advisor or manager-level positions within DND's ATIP program. If you are a recent graduate or early in your career, you can enter the public service at lower classification levels (such as Information Management Advisor or Senior Advisor) and advance over time as you gain experience and pursue manager-level positions. The Public Service Commission may also create inventory lists or staffing pools for director-level information management roles, allowing qualified candidates to be deployed to vacancies across DND and other departments without competing in each individual competition.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements are available for this director-level position, though availability may be limited depending on operational needs and team structure. Many DND employees, including managers, work flexible hours and compressed work weeks when workload and coverage requirements allow. Remote work options have expanded across the public service; you may be able to work from home for portions of your week, particularly for activities like policy development, correspondence, and individual focus work. However, some in-person presence is typically expected for team leadership, training delivery, and coordination with senior management. Specific arrangements are negotiated with your manager and depend on your team's service delivery requirements. If you require accommodation for personal or health reasons, DND works with employees to find workable solutions within operational constraints. It is recommended to discuss flexible work preferences directly during the hiring process or with your manager once employed, as formal approval depends on business needs and your team's structure.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
