As a Director of Innovation and Change Management, you will lead strategic initiatives that modernize how the Department of National Defence operates and delivers its mandate. You will guide teams in developing, implementing, and sustaining organizational changes that improve efficiency, effectiveness, and service delivery across the department. This role requires you to champion a culture of innovation while managing complex change initiatives that may affect multiple business units and thousands of employees.
Your responsibilities include directing the development of change management strategies, overseeing the implementation of new processes and technologies, and ensuring stakeholder engagement throughout transformation initiatives. You will work with senior leaders, program managers, and frontline staff to identify improvement opportunities, assess organizational readiness for change, and provide guidance on best practices. You will also be responsible for building and managing a team of professionals who support change management and innovation activities.
This position operates in a dynamic, collaborative environment where you will interact regularly with senior military and civilian leadership, interdepartmental partners, and external stakeholders. You will work on initiatives ranging from digital transformation and process optimization to organizational restructuring and cultural change. Your success depends on strong communication skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to navigate complex organizational dynamics in a large, hierarchical institution.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of innovation and change management services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the innovation and change 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
Organizational skills, Written and oral communication, MS Office proficiency, Time management, Attention to detail, 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 succeed in this role, you should have a university degree in business administration, public administration, organizational psychology, engineering, or a related discipline. Many Directors in this field hold a Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA), Master of Public Administration (MPA), or a specialized Master's in Change Management or Organizational Development.
Professional certifications that support career development in this field include Change Management Certification (CMC), Prosci Certified Change Practitioner (CCMP), Project Management Professional (PMP), or Certified ScrumMaster (CSM). The Government of Canada and DND offer professional development programs, including the Leadership Development Program, Executive Leadership Program, and specialized training in change management methodologies. You will have access to courses in areas such as strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, data analysis, and digital innovation. Ongoing professional development is encouraged through conferences, workshops, and peer learning networks focused on public sector innovation and organizational change.
Entry Plans
Entry to the Director level typically requires progression through the public service or equivalent experience in the private sector or other organizations. Most Directors in Innovation and Change Management have worked in roles such as Manager or Senior Advisor in change management, organizational development, or related fields, building expertise over several years.
You can enter the federal public service through several pathways: (1) participating in public service competitions for director-level positions, which are advertised on the Government of Canada job board; (2) applying for manager-level positions and advancing through internal competitions; (3) joining through lateral appointment if you bring equivalent experience from outside government; or (4) participating in the Federal Student Work Experience Program or Post-Secondary Recruitment Campaign if you are early in your career, then progressing to director roles over time.
DND also maintains talent pools and conducts ongoing recruitment for leadership positions. Networking within DND and the broader public service, mentorship from senior leaders, and demonstrating success in change management initiatives will support your advancement to director-level roles. Some candidates transition from related fields such as project management, strategic planning, or operational excellence, bringing valuable skills and perspectives to innovation and change management leadership.
Part-Time Options
Director-level positions in Innovation and Change Management are typically full-time roles due to the strategic nature of the work and the need for consistent leadership and decision-making. However, the Government of Canada is committed to supporting work-life balance and flexible work arrangements where operational requirements permit.
Remote and hybrid work options may be available depending on the specific position, team structure, and organizational needs. Many change management and innovation activities can be conducted through virtual collaboration, and DND has expanded remote work capabilities across the civilian workforce. Flexibility around scheduling may be possible to accommodate personal needs, though director-level roles generally require consistent presence for leadership responsibilities, stakeholder meetings, and strategic planning activities.
If flexible work arrangements are important to you, we encourage you to discuss options with the hiring manager during the recruitment process and with your supervisor once hired. The Government of Canada supports various work arrangements including compressed work weeks, telecommuting, and flexible schedules where they align with operational requirements and team effectiveness.
