As a Director of Learning and Development within the Department of National Defence, you will lead and shape the strategic direction of learning initiatives that support organizational effectiveness and employee growth. This role is responsible for developing comprehensive learning strategies, overseeing curriculum design, managing learning operations, and ensuring that training programs align with departmental priorities and government-wide talent management objectives. You will work at the senior management level, reporting to senior leadership and collaborating with stakeholders across the department to identify learning needs and deliver innovative solutions.
In this position, you will manage a team of learning professionals and coordinate with human resources, operations, and line management to design, implement, and evaluate learning programs. Your responsibilities include budget management, vendor relationships, learning technology platforms, and ensuring accessibility and inclusivity in all training initiatives. You will also contribute to the development of organizational policies and best practices in learning and development within the federal public service context.
The work environment is primarily office-based, though you may travel to visit training sites or attend national meetings. You will work standard business hours with occasional requirements for meetings outside regular hours. This role requires strong communication skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to influence change across a large, complex organization.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of learning and development services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the learning and development team, Monitor performance metrics and report on results, Develop and implement operational plans and procedures, Manage stakeholder relationships and ensure service quality
Required Skills
HR policy interpretation, Interpersonal skills, Staffing and classification, Conflict resolution, Labour relations knowledge, 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 a Director - Learning and Development position, you typically need a university degree in human resources management, organizational development, education, business administration, or a related field. Many successful candidates hold a master's degree in these disciplines.
Professional certifications that strengthen your candidacy include Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP) through the Association for Talent Development (ATD), or other recognized credentials in training and development, project management (PMP), or organizational development.
Once hired, you will have access to Government of Canada professional development programs, including leadership development courses, management training, and specialized learning and development certifications. The Public Service Learning Portal provides online courses in areas such as change management, strategic planning, and federal legislation. DND also supports continued education and professional association memberships relevant to your field. Internal mentorship programs and coaching are available to support your transition into the director role.
Entry Plans
Entry into a Director - Learning and Development position in the Canadian Public Service typically occurs through advertised competitions open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and other eligible candidates. These competitions are posted on the Government of Canada's Job Bank (jobs.gc.ca) and departmental career websites.
There are several pathways to this role: You may enter through external recruitment if you have equivalent experience in the private sector, other levels of government, or non-profit organizations. Alternatively, current Public Service employees can apply through internal competitions, which may include priority consideration for existing federal staff. Some candidates progress into this director role through advancement within DND or other departments, starting in intermediate learning and development positions (such as Learning Specialist or Learning Advisor) and moving up through promotions.
The federal government also offers Post-Secondary Recruitment and Placement (PSRP) programs for recent graduates, though these typically lead to entry-level positions from which you would progress over time. Lateral moves from related human resources management positions are common pathways as well. Candidates selected for director positions must pass a security clearance, reliability check, and may require a Top Secret or Secret clearance depending on the posting.
Part-Time Options
Director - Learning and Development positions are typically full-time permanent or term positions. However, the Government of Canada does offer flexible work arrangements in many cases, subject to operational requirements and manager approval.
Common flexible options may include compressed work weeks, telecommuting, and flexible hours, allowing you to balance work with personal commitments while maintaining your leadership responsibilities. Remote work arrangements have become more prevalent in federal human resources roles, particularly for administrative and strategic planning tasks, though some in-person presence may be required for team meetings and stakeholder engagement.
Part-time director positions are uncommon due to the strategic and supervisory nature of the role; however, job sharing arrangements may be possible in specific circumstances. To learn about flexible work options, you would discuss these possibilities with the hiring manager during the selection process and with your supervisor after appointment. Eligibility and availability depend on operational requirements and the specific branch or division within DND where you are hired.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
