As a Director of Awards and Recognition, you will lead the strategic development and implementation of programs that celebrate and reward employee contributions across the Department of National Defence. You will be responsible for designing meaningful recognition initiatives, managing award processes, and ensuring that DND's most valuable assets—its people—feel valued and motivated. This role reports to senior HR leadership and plays a critical part in fostering a positive workplace culture that supports recruitment, retention, and engagement.
Your day-to-day responsibilities will include overseeing the administration of departmental and Canadian Armed Forces awards, developing recognition frameworks aligned with organizational values, and partnering with military and civilian leadership to identify opportunities to celebrate excellence. You will manage a team of HR professionals, coordinate with stakeholders across the department, and ensure programs comply with Treasury Board policies and DND directives. You may also represent DND at national recognition events and contribute to broader Public Service HR initiatives.
You will work in a dynamic federal environment where your decisions directly impact employee morale, organizational culture, and the department's ability to attract and retain talented civilians and military personnel. The role offers visibility at senior levels and the opportunity to influence how DND recognizes and values its diverse workforce.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of awards and recognition services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the awards and recognition team, Monitor performance metrics and report on results, Develop and implement operational plans and procedures, Manage stakeholder relationships and ensure service quality
Required Skills
HR policy interpretation, Interpersonal skills, Staffing and classification, Conflict resolution, Labour relations knowledge, 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
Minimum qualifications typically include a bachelor's degree in human resources management, business administration, organizational development, public administration, or a related discipline. A master's degree in HR management, organizational psychology, or business administration is an asset.
Relevant professional certifications include the Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation, Certified Compensation Professional (CCP), or membership with professional bodies such as the Canadian Council of Human Resources Associations (CCHRA). Experience with employee engagement, compensation and benefits, or organizational development programs is valuable.
Ongoing professional development opportunities include participation in Treasury Board HR communities of practice, leadership development programs through the Canada School of Public Service (CSPS), specialized training in change management and organizational culture initiatives, and attendance at national HR conferences. DND also supports employees pursuing advanced certifications and maintains partnerships with educational institutions for continuous learning.
Entry Plans
Entry to this Director-level position typically occurs through open competitions advertised on the Government of Canada Jobs website (jobs.gc.ca). Candidates must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents and meet all stated qualifications.
Common pathways include: (1) lateral moves from other HR Director or senior manager positions within the federal Public Service, bringing expertise from Treasury Board, Veterans Affairs, or other departments; (2) promotion from within DND for HR professionals in senior specialist or manager roles who have demonstrated strategic HR leadership; (3) external recruitment from provincial governments or private sector HR leadership roles; and (4) participation in the Public Service Commission's Executive Recruitment Program for experienced HR leaders.
Candidates may also transition into this role through departmental HR succession planning initiatives or from related positions in organizational development, employee relations, or compensation and benefits management. All appointments follow Public Service Commission regulations and require security clearance appropriate to DND operations.
Part-Time Options
Director-level positions in DND HR are typically full-time, as the role requires active leadership of a team, strategic decision-making, and regular stakeholder engagement across the department. However, flexible work arrangements—including hybrid work schedules combining office and remote days—are available and increasingly common for management positions in the federal Public Service, subject to operational requirements and supervisor approval.
Remote work may be negotiated for administrative tasks and virtual meetings, though the director is expected to be present at DND headquarters for team leadership, key departmental events, and senior management meetings. Job sharing or part-time management positions at this level are rare and would require exceptional circumstances and departmental approval. New arrangements are typically discussed during onboarding and can be revisited as workplace needs evolve.
DND supports work-life balance initiatives including flexible start and end times, access to the Public Service Health Support Services (PSHSS) for wellness support, and educational leave policies. Telework agreements are formalized in writing and reviewed regularly to ensure they continue to meet both organizational and employee needs.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
