As a Director of Education, you will lead and manage education programs, policies, and initiatives that support the professional development and learning needs of the Department of National Defence civilian workforce. In this strategic leadership role, you oversee education planning, curriculum development, training delivery, and educational partnerships. You report to senior management and work collaboratively with stakeholders across the department and other government agencies to ensure education programs align with organizational objectives and meet the evolving needs of our civilian employees.
Your responsibilities include developing education strategies, managing budgets and resources, supervising education staff and teams, and ensuring quality standards across all learning initiatives. You will analyze training needs, implement evidence-based educational practices, and monitor program effectiveness through evaluation and reporting. This role requires strong decision-making skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to balance competing priorities in a complex, dynamic environment.
You will work in a professional office environment with opportunities for collaboration, mentoring, and leadership development. The position offers meaningful work that directly contributes to building a capable and well-trained civilian workforce supporting Canada's defence and security objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of general education services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the general education team, Monitor performance metrics and report on results, Develop and implement operational plans and procedures, Manage stakeholder relationships and ensure service quality
Bachelor's degree or equivalent; significant experience in the relevant discipline with demonstrated leadership
Training
Typically, candidates hold a bachelor's degree in education, human resources, organizational development, public administration, or a related field. Many directors have a master's degree in education, business administration, or public administration. Professional certifications such as a Project Management Professional (PMP) designation or certifications in instructional design are valued but not always required.
The Government of Canada provides extensive professional development opportunities including leadership training, management development programs, and specialized courses in education policy and program administration. You may pursue additional qualifications through Treasury Board or departmental learning initiatives. Continued learning in areas such as digital learning technologies, evidence-based program evaluation, and inclusive education practices is encouraged and supported.
Entry Plans
You can enter this career through several pathways within the federal Public Service. The primary route is through a competitive job advertisement for a Director-level position in the Education classification, typically at the EX or equivalent level. These competitions are open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents with the required qualifications and experience.
Lateral moves are common for experienced managers from other government departments or from the private sector who have relevant education management or program administration experience. Candidates with a strong background in education administration, instructional design, or human resources training may transition into this role. Some candidates progress to Director level after working in intermediate education or training roles within DND or other federal departments.
The Public Service Commission (PSC) manages recruitment competitions. Interested candidates should monitor the DND careers website and the Government of Canada Jobs website (jobs.gc.ca) for current opportunities. Networking with DND recruiters and human resources teams can help you learn about upcoming competitions before public posting.
Part-Time Options
This Director-level position is typically offered on a full-time, permanent basis. However, the Government of Canada supports flexible work arrangements where operationally feasible. Part-time options may be available by mutual agreement with management, though they are less common at the Director level due to the strategic and continuous leadership responsibilities required.
Remote and hybrid work arrangements have become increasingly available across the federal public service. Depending on departmental needs and your specific role, you may have the opportunity to work remotely for a portion of your week or month, with expectations to be present on-site for key meetings, team collaboration, and strategic planning sessions. Arrangements are negotiated directly with your manager and are subject to operational requirements and departmental policies. The Department of National Defence continues to evaluate flexible work options to support employee well-being while maintaining service delivery.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
