As a Director of Organization and Classification, you will lead strategic initiatives that shape how the Department of National Defence structures its civilian workforce and defines job roles across the organization. You are responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining classification frameworks that ensure fair, consistent, and transparent job evaluation practices. In this role, you'll work with senior leadership, human resources teams, and program managers to align organizational structures with DND's operational priorities and Treasury Board policies.
Your day-to-day responsibilities include overseeing the classification of civilian positions, developing organizational design recommendations, conducting job analysis, and ensuring compliance with federal classification standards. You'll lead a team of specialists and analysts, mentor staff in organization and classification practices, and serve as the subject matter expert for complex classification issues. You'll also collaborate with other government departments to maintain consistency with government-wide human resources frameworks.
This position typically operates in a professional office environment at DND headquarters or major regional centres. You'll attend meetings with senior managers, present findings to leadership, and may travel to different DND locations to conduct organizational assessments. The role requires strong analytical thinking, stakeholder management skills, and the ability to communicate complex human resources concepts to non-technical audiences.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of organization and classification services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the organization and classification 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 be successful in this role, you should have a university degree in human resources, organizational psychology, public administration, or a related discipline. Many candidates bring professional designations such as certification from the Canadian Public Personnel Association (CPPA) or equivalent human resources credentials. Treasury Board's Classification Standards and DND-specific policies are typically learned through formal training and on-the-job mentoring when you enter the role.
The Government of Canada and DND invest in professional development for directors through various channels. You'll have access to Treasury Board training on federal classification standards, DND-specific organizational management courses, and leadership development programs for managers. Many directors pursue advanced credentials in strategic human resources, change management, or organizational development. Participation in professional associations and attendance at government human resources conferences supports continuous learning in this evolving field.
Entry Plans
Entry to this director-level position typically occurs through federal public service competitions or staffing processes. Most candidates come from within the federal government, having progressed through junior and intermediate classification or human resources roles. Common pathways include working as a Classification Officer or HR Advisor, then advancing to Senior Advisor or Manager roles before competing for Director positions.
The Public Service Commission (PSC) conducts competitions for director-level appointments, and these competitions are open to current federal public servants and, in some cases, external candidates. If you're already working in the federal government, you can apply directly when competitions are posted. DND also uses lateral moves for experienced human resources managers from other government departments who demonstrate the required expertise in organization and classification.
Student programs such as the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) or the Post-Secondary Recruitment Initiative (PSRI) can provide entry points to junior positions in human resources or classification. These positions help you develop foundational knowledge and build a career path within the federal public service.
Part-Time Options
Director-level positions are typically full-time permanent roles due to the strategic nature of the work and leadership responsibilities. However, the Government of Canada recognizes the importance of work-life balance, and flexible work arrangements may be negotiated on a case-by-case basis depending on operational requirements and DND's policies.
Many director-level positions at DND offer hybrid work options, allowing you to work from home for a portion of the week while maintaining an office presence for meetings, team collaboration, and stakeholder engagement. Telework arrangements are evaluated based on the duties of the position and the needs of the organization. Part-time or job-sharing arrangements at the director level are uncommon but may be considered in exceptional circumstances through discussion with your manager and human resources. We encourage candidates to discuss flexible work options during the hiring process to understand what arrangements may be possible in this specific role.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
