As a Director of Chaplain Services, you will lead and manage the delivery of spiritual and pastoral care services across Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) units and establishments. You will be responsible for developing chaplaincy programs, managing chaplain personnel, and ensuring that members of the military have access to multi-faith spiritual support that respects Canada's diverse population. This is a senior leadership role that combines human resources management, program development, and strategic planning within the health care and social services function. You will work closely with commanding officers, medical professionals, and other support services to integrate chaplaincy into the overall health and wellness framework of the CAF. Your work environment includes military bases, operational settings, and administrative headquarters, with potential for national and international deployments. You will manage teams of chaplains from various faith traditions and civilian support staff, ensuring they have the resources, training, and guidance needed to provide quality pastoral care to service members and their families.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of chaplain services services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the chaplain services team, Monitor performance metrics and report on results, Develop and implement operational plans and procedures, Manage stakeholder relationships and ensure service quality
Required Skills
Clinical skills, Patient/client assessment, Empathy and communication, Record-keeping, Interdisciplinary collaboration, 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 position, you must hold a recognized theological degree or equivalent credentials from an accredited institution, along with professional ordination or endorsement from your faith tradition. Most candidates will have completed post-secondary education in theology, divinity, religious studies, or a related field, typically at the bachelor's degree level or higher. You should have formal training or certification in pastoral counseling, crisis intervention, or military chaplaincy. Professional memberships in relevant chaplaincy or religious organizations are expected. Once appointed, you will complete Government of Canada orientation and mandatory training in federal human resources policies, labour relations, and defense-specific protocols. Ongoing professional development opportunities include advanced management training, courses in organizational leadership, mental health support services, and specialized chaplaincy certifications. The CAF provides professional development funds and encourages participation in conferences and continuing education relevant to spiritual care and military health services.
Entry Plans
You can enter this career through several pathways within the federal Public Service. The primary route is through a staffing competition advertised on the Public Service Commission website and the DND careers portal, where you can apply directly to Director-level chaplaincy positions. You may also enter as a Chaplain at a lower classification level and advance to the Director position through internal promotion competitions as you gain experience and demonstrate management capability. If you are a military member currently serving as a Chaplain, you may transition to the civilian Director role through internal CAF postings and competitions. Lateral moves from other federal government departments are possible if you hold equivalent management experience and chaplaincy credentials. Some candidates enter through the Public Service Staffing Interchange Program if coming from provincial or other government chaplaincy roles. Students or recent graduates can explore student work programs and term employment with DND to gain initial experience before competing for permanent positions.
Part-Time Options
The Director position is typically a full-time, permanent role given its senior leadership and management responsibilities. However, the CAF is committed to providing flexible work arrangements where operationally feasible. Depending on the specific posting and unit requirements, you may have opportunities to discuss flexible hours, compressed work weeks, or telework arrangements for administrative tasks, though chaplaincy duties may require on-site presence during critical periods. Remote work options are available for some administrative and planning functions but are limited given the need to provide direct pastoral care and oversight at military locations. Part-time or job-sharing arrangements at the Director level are uncommon due to the strategic nature of the role, but the CAF encourages conversations with management about work-life balance and wellness. Parental leave, compassionate leave, and other legislated absences are available to all federal employees. Your specific flexibility options will be determined through discussion with your manager and in accordance with the Treasury Board Secretariat policies and CAF operational requirements.
