As a Director of Information Management, you will lead the strategic planning, development, and delivery of information management solutions across the Department of National Defence. You will manage teams of information management professionals, oversee complex information systems, and ensure that critical defence information is effectively organized, secured, and accessible to support operational decision-making at the highest levels. This is a senior leadership role that requires both technical expertise and the ability to manage people, budgets, and organizational change in a dynamic defence environment.
Your responsibilities will include developing and implementing information management policies and standards, managing records and documents, overseeing data governance initiatives, and ensuring compliance with federal privacy and security legislation. You will work closely with senior military and civilian leadership to align information management practices with defence priorities, and you will represent the department in discussions with other government agencies and external stakeholders on information-related matters.
You will work in a fast-paced, mission-critical environment where information management directly supports national defence. Your decisions and leadership will impact how effectively the Department of National Defence can access, protect, and use information to fulfill its mandate. This role typically involves time in an office environment with occasional travel to meet with teams across different locations.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of general information management services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the general information management 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 be successful as a Director of Information Management, you will typically need a bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems, business administration, or a related field. Many directors in this role hold a master's degree in business administration (MBA), information management, or a related discipline.
Professional certifications that strengthen your candidacy include the Certified Information Manager (CIM) designation, Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, or certifications in records and information management. Experience with government information management frameworks, including the Treasury Board Secretariat's policies on information management and technology, is highly valued.
Once hired, the Department of National Defence provides ongoing professional development opportunities, including management training, leadership development programs, and specialized courses in defence-specific information systems and security practices. Many employees pursue additional certifications related to information governance, data management, or cybersecurity throughout their career.
Entry Plans
Entry into the Director - Information Management position typically occurs through a competitive process. Most candidates come from within the federal Public Service through internal competitions, bringing several years of experience in information management or related IT leadership roles. The standard path involves progressing through intermediate information management positions (such as Information Management Officer or Manager) before applying for director-level competitions.
The Department of National Defence regularly posts competitions for director-level positions on the Government of Canada's job board (jobs.gc.ca). Candidates must be Canadian citizens or have valid Canadian permanent resident status. Previous experience in government, particularly within the Department of National Defence or other federal departments, is often preferred but not always required.
Lateral moves from other federal departments are common, as information management expertise is valued across government. Some candidates enter the federal Public Service through other entry-level IT or information management programs and work their way to the director level over time. The specific entry requirements and competition process will be outlined in each job posting.
Part-Time Options
Director-level positions in Information Management are typically full-time roles due to the leadership responsibilities and strategic nature of the work. However, the Department of National Defence recognizes the importance of work-life balance and supports flexible work arrangements where operationally feasible.
Many directors in this role have access to telework options, allowing them to work remotely for a portion of their week while maintaining their presence at the office for leadership meetings, team collaboration, and strategic planning sessions. The specific flexibility available will depend on the operational needs of your directorate and agreements with your manager.
Part-time director positions are extremely rare in the federal Public Service at this level, as the role requires continuous oversight and decision-making. If you are interested in part-time work, you may want to consider intermediate-level information management positions, which sometimes offer more flexible arrangements. It is recommended that you discuss specific work arrangement preferences during the recruitment process to understand what options may be available.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
