As a Director of Information Technology Planning and Reporting, you will lead strategic IT initiatives across the Department of National Defence, ensuring technology investments align with organizational priorities and deliver measurable results. You will be responsible for overseeing IT planning frameworks, developing reporting mechanisms, and managing teams of IT professionals who support critical defence operations. This role requires you to translate complex technical concepts into clear business recommendations for senior leadership while maintaining awareness of evolving cyber threats and technological advancements.
Your day-to-day responsibilities include directing the development of IT strategic plans, establishing performance metrics and reporting structures, managing IT budgets and resource allocation, and ensuring compliance with Treasury Board IT policies and Government of Canada standards. You will collaborate with stakeholders across multiple departments, external agencies, and industry partners to identify technology solutions that enhance operational effectiveness. This position offers the opportunity to influence how the entire organization leverages information technology to achieve its defence and security mandates.
You will work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where priorities shift with national security needs and technological innovation. Your leadership will directly impact thousands of DND employees who depend on reliable, secure IT infrastructure to perform their duties. The role combines strategic planning with hands-on problem-solving, requiring both big-picture thinking and attention to technical detail.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of it planning and reporting services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the it planning and reporting team, Monitor performance metrics and report on results, Develop and implement operational plans and procedures, Manage stakeholder relationships and ensure service quality
Required Skills
Systems administration, Programming/scripting, Network and security, Cloud technologies, ITIL/ITSM practices, 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 typically need a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, business administration, or a related field. Many successful candidates hold master's degrees in business administration (MBA), information technology management, or public administration. You should have extensive professional experience in IT management, preferably 10+ years, with demonstrated progression into increasingly senior roles managing large budgets and teams.
Relevant certifications that strengthen your candidacy include Project Management Professional (PMP), Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL), Certified Information Systems Manager (CISM), or recognized IT governance certifications. Government of Canada security clearance is mandatory for this role, with Secret clearance as a minimum requirement. The federal Public Service also offers professional development programs, executive leadership training, and access to the Canada School of Public Service to support your continued growth. DND provides ongoing training in defence-specific IT systems, cyber security awareness, and emerging technology trends relevant to national security.
Entry Plans
Entry to this director-level position typically occurs through one of several pathways within the federal Public Service. The most common route is lateral movement from IT management positions in other federal departments or from senior IT roles within DND itself, where you've demonstrated leadership capability and understanding of government operations. Candidates with extensive private sector IT management experience can also compete for these positions through open competitions advertised on the Government of Canada Job Bank and internal DND recruitment channels.
Some candidates progress through DND's internal ranks by advancing from senior analyst or manager positions within the IT Planning and Reporting job family. The federal Public Service also maintains talent pools for senior IT leadership roles, allowing qualified candidates to be placed when positions become available without competing in traditional competitions. Networking with DND HR specialists, obtaining a current security clearance, and understanding Treasury Board IT governance frameworks significantly strengthen your candidacy. You may also gain relevant experience through contract positions or consulting work with the department before applying for permanent roles.
Part-Time Options
Director-level positions are typically full-time, permanent roles due to the strategic leadership responsibilities and the need for continuity in managing critical IT planning functions. However, flexible work arrangements may be negotiable depending on operational needs and manager approval. Many DND IT Planning and Reporting professionals have access to hybrid work options, allowing them to work from home or regional offices on certain days while maintaining in-person presence for critical meetings and team coordination.
Remote work is possible for specific tasks such as report preparation, analysis, and strategic planning activities, though regular attendance at DND headquarters or regional offices may be required for leadership meetings, stakeholder engagement, and team management. Part-time or job-sharing arrangements at the director level are rare but not impossible; these would require special approval and typically occur only in unique circumstances. You should discuss flexible work options during the recruitment process, as availability depends on operational requirements, team structure, and the specific needs of your directorate. The federal Public Service is committed to supporting work-life balance and employee wellness, so creative arrangements may be possible when they align with business objectives.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
