As a Director General - Administration, you will provide strategic leadership and direction for administrative functions within the Department of National Defence. You will oversee large, complex administrative operations that support the department's mission and ensure effective delivery of services to military personnel, civilians, and the public. This role involves setting priorities, managing budgets, developing policies, and ensuring compliance with Treasury Board directives and government-wide initiatives.
Your responsibilities will include directing teams of professional and administrative staff, managing departmental resources, implementing government priorities, and driving continuous improvement across your area of responsibility. You will serve as a subject matter expert on administrative matters and provide advice to senior leadership on organizational effectiveness, human resources management, financial administration, and operational efficiency.
You will work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where you contribute to national defence and security objectives. Your work will have a direct impact on the department's ability to support Canadian Armed Forces operations and serve Canada's defence interests. This role requires excellent communication skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment.
Key Responsibilities
Perform general administration duties in support of departmental operations, Prepare correspondence, reports, and administrative documents, Coordinate schedules, meetings, and logistics, Maintain records and filing systems
Required Skills
Organizational skills, Written and oral communication, MS Office proficiency, Time management, Attention to detail, Relevant technical skills, Communication, Teamwork, Problem-solving
Typical Education
Education and experience commensurate with the role requirements
Training
To succeed in this role, you should have a university degree in public administration, business administration, management, or a related discipline. Many successful candidates hold advanced degrees such as an MBA or Master's in Public Administration.
Professional certifications relevant to government administration are valuable, including those from the Treasury Board, Canadian public sector management associations, or professional accounting bodies. You may be required to obtain security clearance at the Secret level or higher depending on your specific duties.
The federal Public Service offers extensive professional development opportunities for executives, including leadership training, strategic management programs, and specialized courses in government financial management, policy development, and human resources management. As a Director General, you will be expected to pursue ongoing learning through executive education programs, departmental training initiatives, and professional associations to maintain and enhance your leadership capabilities.
Entry Plans
Entry to the Director General - Administration level typically occurs through several pathways within the federal Public Service:
Competitive Staffing: You may be appointed through a formal competition process open to Public Service employees at the Executive (EX) level or those deemed ready for promotion. These competitions are conducted by Treasury Board Secretariat or the Department of National Defence.
Lateral Appointment: Experienced managers from other federal departments or the private sector may be appointed directly to this level following a competitive process or merit-based evaluation.
Career Progression: Many Director Generals advance through progressive management positions within DND or the broader Public Service, moving through supervisory, management, and senior management roles before reaching this executive level.
Executive Interchange: Senior private sector managers and professionals may enter through executive interchange agreements that allow movement between the public and private sectors.
You must have substantial management experience, demonstrate executive-level competencies, and meet all necessary security and eligibility requirements. Competition timelines, eligibility criteria, and specific position details are posted on the Government of Canada Jobs website.
Part-Time Options
Part-time employment at the Director General level is rarely available due to the nature and demands of senior executive positions. These roles typically require full-time commitment given the strategic responsibilities, organizational scope, and leadership accountability involved.
However, flexible work arrangements, including telework options, may be negotiated on a case-by-case basis depending on departmental needs and operational requirements. Remote work may be possible for specific duties or project-based work, subject to supervisor approval and operational considerations.
As an executive in the Department of National Defence, your work schedule will reflect the operational needs of the department and may include extended hours during periods of heightened activity or crisis management. Flexibility arrangements are determined through discussion with your deputy minister or appointing authority and must align with Treasury Board directives on executive work arrangements.
